Mary Banks Faith Library

Course

LESSON 3 - THE HUMAN SPIRIT

1,882 words, about 9 min read

BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT

Up to this point, we have established that man comprises a body and a soul: the body formed from dust and the soul from air. However, there is another crucial element in the spiritual composition of man that we have yet to discuss - the human spirit. Let us explore the scriptures below to understand this further.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow [body], and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Both the human spirit and soul were formed from air. It is intriguing that the word "spirit" itself translates to "wind." The soul and spirit together are often termed the inner man or inward man. Consequently, man is considered a triune being—comprising body, soul, and spirit. While each of these components has distinct functions, they operate in unity as a singular entity.

USE A VENN DIAGRAM HERE TO SHOW THAT BOTH ARE EARTHY AND DEPENDENT ON EACH OTHER. SHOW DIFFERENCES - IN RELATION TO THE SENSES AND POWER OF CONTROL

THE CONSCIENCE

The human spirit is more commonly referred to as the conscience. The word conscience is directly interpreted to mean “knowledge shared with others”. The conscience is the non-physical aspect of humans that guides the soul by communicating God-given knowledge to it. There are four distinct forms of knowledge that the conscience shares in the heart:

  1. Nature & Instinct
  2. The Knowledge of God
  3. The Knowledge of Good
  4. The Knowledge of the Gospel.

These together can be referred to as divine intelligence - God-given knowledge, deeply embedded within the heart of man from the beginning. Therefore, they do not originate from learning, but from nature.

NATURE AND INSTINCT

Nature and instinct refers to the innate qualities, purpose and behaviours that make a creature unique from another. This inherent nature ensures that each creature functions according to God's design. For instance, it's this nature that guides humans to walk on two legs instead of four limbs.

Nature empowers creation to fulfill God's expectations and instructions. Although God commanded Adam to be fruitful, take dominion over the earth, and name the animals, Scripture does not record God teaching Adam how to do these tasks. Instead, Adam was endowed with divine intellect—an innate, God-given understanding of how to accomplish these directives.

THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

When I mention the "knowledge of God," I am referring to the innate awareness given by God, of His existence and divine nature. This is why the scripture declares, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God…" (Psalm 14:1). In essence, it is foolish to deny the existence of God because the conscience bears witness in the heart to His existence.

Nevertheless, an individual can choose to disregard this truth resonating within. When the soul ignores or rejects the truth witnessed by the conscience, scripture identifies this individual as an unbeliever. Therefore, an unbeliever is not merely someone who lacks belief in God but rather someone who consciously rejects the truth of God residing within their heart.

KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD

Being acquainted with God's requirements, the conscience can discern between what aligns with God's will and what does not (good and evil). This allows the conscience to assess the desires and intentions of the soul. It guides the soul towards godly paths and evaluates its response, determining whether it is inclined to obey or rebel against God. When the soul chooses obedience, the conscience brings peace, but if rebellion occurs, it prompts feelings of remorse. When the conscience condemns the soul's actions, resulting in guilt and shame, this is known as conviction.

Romans 2:15

Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT – Romans 2:15 says that the conscience bears witness to the Word of God written in the heart.

Activity 3.2. What is the role of a witness? How does the conscience bear witness?

Since the conscience directs you towards godliness, it simultaneously steers you away from sin. Consequently, understanding what is good also brings awareness of what is evil, as discerning good implies recognizing its opposite.

  • THE CANDLE OF THE LORD

Proverbs 20:27

The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

In this context, the "inward parts" denote what resides within the body—the soul. Just as a candle gives light enabling one to see and navigate, the conscience serves as the voice of the Lord to the soul, providing clarity regarding God's guidance. Even as a candle illuminates darkness, the conscience brings clarity concerning what is good in the midst of ignorance. The human spirit shines brightly, continuously examining the soul, leaving nothing hidden.

1 Corinthians 2:11

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Romans 8:16

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

When one receives the Holy Ghost, He communicates to the human spirit the news that they have become a child of God. This confirms that the human spirit and the Spirit of God are not the same.

KNOWLEDGE OF THE GOSPEL

God, with His foresight and foreknowledge, anticipated Adam's sin and its ripple effect on humanity. Therefore, in His wisdom, He ingrained knowledge of the redemptive plan within the conscience. This allows individuals to recognize the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ when they encounter it.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

…also he hath set the world in their heart,...

The term "world" here signifies "eternity" or "previous world." It is the eternal timeline that God foresaw from the beginning of the world. Knowledge of the events that would occur throughout time was placed and hidden in the heart of man.

…so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

The word "so”, in the verse above, means, “in such a way.” Thus, God placed knowledge of eternity in the heart in such a way that no man can uncover the work of God. The work that God maketh from beginning to end is the divine redemptive plan to restore mankind.

Therefore, the paraphrased verse reads:

God placed knowledge of eternity in the heart in such a way that no man can discover the eternal plan of salvation.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT - Why would God implant the knowledge of the gospel within us but make it inaccessible for us to uncover? We'll address this question in the upcoming lesson.

Romans 10:14

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

When the gospel is ministered to someone who does not have the Holy Ghost, it awakens the knowledge of the gospel that resides within their conscience. The conscience will then bear witness to the truth it is hearing; thus, causing the person to believe the message. It is then up to the hearer to receive and obey what God is saying, or reject it thus becoming an unbeliever.

****INSERT IMAGE SHOWING THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN THE HEART***

DID YOU KNOW? It is not until we receive the Spirit of God that we finally are able to comprehend the vastness of the plan of God (The Gospel). Refer to 1 Corinthians 2:14.

Activity 3.3 - Find three (3) additional scriptures that mention the conscience, then complete the diagram below.

Activity 3.4. Fill in the blanks in the table below to show the differences between the characteristics of the outer man and those of the inner man.

Table 1. The Outer Man versus the Inner Man

OUTER MAN:

BODY

INNER MAN

SOUL

SPIRIT

An earthen vessel designed to facilitate the expression of the soul.

A spiritual navigator between good and evil.

Made from the dust.

Made from the air.

Invisible

Brought alive by the soul (and spirit).

Accesses the earth via the body.

Functions in the soul.

An identifiable outer shell that gives the inward man access to the earth.

The essential part of the man - the real person, the essence of the life of the man.

Houses and generates all feelings, emotions, sentiments, thoughts, likes and dislikes and these are expressed through the body.

Accuses or excuses all feelings, emotions, and sentiments.

Lives on earth via the body, then will continue eternally either in heaven or hell.

Remains in soul, until death. At death it returns to the Lord. (Ecc 3:21)

  • END OF LESSON

LESSON 3 - MAIN POINTS

Here are some key points to remember from this lesson:

  • Introduction to the Human Spirit: The human spirit, often synonymous with the conscience, is highlighted as a crucial aspect of human composition alongside the body and soul.
  • Scriptural Foundation: Scriptures such as Hebrews 4:12 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23 are referenced to support the idea of the spirit, soul, and body as distinct entities within humans.
  • Nature and Instinct: The human spirit, as the conscience, is described as sharing divine knowledge with the soul. This knowledge includes an innate understanding of nature, which guides humans in fulfilling their purpose according to God's design.
  • Knowledge of God: The conscience bears witness to the existence and nature of God, making it foolish to deny His reality. This innate awareness of God's presence within the conscience distinguishes believers from unbelievers.
  • Knowledge of Good: The conscience enables individuals to discern between good and evil, guiding them towards godliness and convicting them when they deviate from God's will.
  • The Conscience as God's Guidance: References to Proverbs 20:27 and Ecclesiastes 3:11 illustrate the conscience as a guiding light provided by God, illuminating truth and providing clarity amid ignorance.
  • Reception of the Holy Ghost: Upon receiving the Holy Ghost, individuals are made aware of their status as children of God, confirming the distinction between the human spirit and the Spirit of God.
  • Knowledge of the Gospel: Knowledge of the redemptive plan of salvation is embedded within the conscience by God, allowing individuals to recognize the truth of the gospel when they encounter it.
  • Question for Consideration: The writing poses a question about why God would implant knowledge of the gospel within individuals but make it inaccessible for them to uncover, setting the stage for further exploration in subsequent lessons.
  • Role of Preaching: Preaching the gospel to those who do not have the Holy Ghost awakens the knowledge of the gospel within their conscience, prompting belief and response.