The Spirit Mind

(Body-Soul-Spirit)

When researching the integral application of the body, soul and spirit one finds there is a blurred line of distinction between the definition of the soul and the spirit. However, after much digging and research that blurred line begins to take on a definite distinction separating the functions of the soul and the spirit. It is well known that the soul and the spirit are separate because Hebrews 4:12 makes that point very well. Therefore, based on this fact the Scriptures must support the definitions of each.

When God made man from the dust of the earth he was lifeless flesh until He breathed life into him. (Genesis 2:7). The Hebrew word used here refers to a breathing creature. The word is nephesh; sometimes translated as a living soul, other times as a living creature. Nephesh is derived from naphash, which means to breathe. This in no way translates to the spirit as the same word nephesh is used in verse 19 in reference to all the living creatures. Nephesh is a primary action verb meaning to breathe, which relates to only one of the many bodily functions. As such, the soul pertains to the automatic bodily functions of which we have no control. These functions animate the body so it may operate and live without any concerted effort of man. These are breathing, heartbeat, digestion, bodily discharge, reaction to heat/cold, sight, etc. We have all these functions in common with the animal kingdom. This is the soul. The one vital difference is when man was made in the image of God He added a third part – the spirit.

Scripture tells us that man is just a little lower than the angels. It also states that when we get to heaven we will judge the fallen angels. So, we must have something in common with the angels, the question is what? Dr. Grant Jeffrey states, “Various places in Scripture tell about their physical features including heads, faces, eyes, mouths, hair, hands and feet. Angels have emotions, appetites, passions, desires, will power, language, intelligence, knowledge and wisdom. They also have meekness and modesty. Also, the fallen angels display hate, anger, lust, pride and vengeance.”

The reason these attributes need addressing is to show the differences between the soul and the spirit. Since angels are spirits, who can take on physical appearance, they do not have the same body functions as do man. They are in incorruptible bodies, the same we will take on at the rapture. All these attributes of angels and man have only one thing in common – the spirit mind. Therefore, when our spirit returns to God so will our minds. Ecclesiastes 12:7 states, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” (KJV). It says nothing of the soul.

Dr. Wilder Penfield, a leading neurosurgeon states, “The body and the brain are both physical entities, but the spirit in independent of both. The brain is a computer programmed by something independent of itself – the mind. This non-physical entity we call the mind belongs to the spirit, temporarily living in the body, and as such has control over the actions of the body. Thus, the brain is directed by the thinking mind and the spirit.”

God said that he knew us from before the foundation of the world. He knew us personally. He knew our spirit. He did not know a non-entity thing called a ghost for to know someone you must know the individual. Therefore, since we were not physical at the time then God could have only known the spirit and the mind. Man did not have a soul until God breathed it into him. (Genesis 2:7).

There is another point to be made in support of the mind/spirit entity that being the Old Testament definition of the heart. The Hebrew word lebab, translated as heart, refers to the physical organ whereas leb, also translated as heart, relates to our feelings, intellect, will, etc. It is defined as the center of everything we are. That center of course is our spirit mind. In 1 Samuel 13:14 God tells Samuel He has sought for Himself a man after His own heart. David was not after God’s physical heart he was after the center of God's being. Since God is spirit that could only mean one thing – David’s desire was to follow the spirit and mind of God, the same as our relationship with Christ. This can only happen through the spirit mind, which we retain throughout eternity.

In conclusion: “And as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God…” (1 Corinthians 15:49-50). (KJV).

Carleton Dowdle 11-1-04