Body, Soul, and Spirit

Man Created

When God created man it is obvious that he created us with a physical body. But where some people differ is between the soul and spirit. Some believe that the soul and the spirit are the same thing. Others believe that the soul and the spirit are tow distinct elements to man. Those that hold to the soul and the spirit being the same are known as Dichotomist. Those that hold the position that the soul and spirit are distinct are known as Trichotomist. For the purpose of this lesson we will look at the arguments for bot positions and let you decide.

Trichotomy vs Dichotomy

Those that hold to this position cite 1 Thessalonians 5:23

1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB95

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

They say that this verse mentions the three aspects of man clearly in this passage. They believe that all three are preserved at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Dichotomist would argue that Paul is just using synonyms for emphasis. They strengthen their argument by saying that if Paul was saying this to show that there are three parts to man, then why would Jesus use 4 parts in Mark 12:30 would also argue that if you

Mark 12:30 NASB95

and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’

The Dichotomist defends his position by stating that the meaning of the verses is that the entirety of man is what is being emphasized, not to show the distinct elements of man.

The Second Scripture the Trichotomy holds to is Hebrews 4:12

Hebrews 4:12 NASB95

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The trichotomist says that the word of God divides both the soul and the spirit, so they are distinct from one another

The Dichotomist points out that the passage of scripture also mentions the division of joints, marrow, thoughts, and intentions of the heart. He would defend his position by saying that the word of God searches the innermost parts of man. He would say that this passage is not used to show that the soul and spirit are separate.

The Third passage the trichotomist holds to is 1 Cor. 2:14-3:4

1 Corinthians 2:14–3:4 NASB95

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?

The trichotomist says this passage describes three different people groups. Natural man that does not have salvation. Unspiritual man that has salvation but still follows the old desires of his soul. Then the spiritual man who follows Christ and who’s spirit is obedient to Christ. The trychotomist says this shows that becasue there is a distinct difference between the three, then there must be three parts to man.

The Dichotomist would say that this passage is not about describing the three parts of man, but instead is pointing out that those who are saved are the ones influenced by the Holy Spirit.

The final passage of Scripture the trichotomist holds to is 1 Cor. 14:14

1 Corinthians 14:14 NASB95

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

The trichotomist points out here that the mind and the spirit are doing two different things. Since they are different then they are distinct.

The dichotomist would say that there are elements to prayer that are not physical, but come from the non-physical part of man. He would say that the trichotomist assumes that the mind is part of the soul. Rather the dichotomist would presume that the distinction is not clear but that the conscious man can operate differently from the non-physical aspect of man.

Conclusion

Whether you are a dichotomist or trichotomist we can both agree that there is physcal and non-physical aspects to humanity. We can also agree that both aspects need to follow Christ.