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Hebrews 4:12 – Dividing Asunder of Soul and Spirit – Part 3

[Study Aired August 27, 2024]

The Death of the Soul and the Life of the Spirit

Dying to Self

Several New Testament passages speak of a necessary “death” to the old self:

(Galatians 2:20) “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God , who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

This verse suggests a kind of “death” to the self, which is associated with the soul, to allow for a new life in Christ.

The Flesh vs. The Spirit

Paul often contrasts the flesh, which is analogous to the soulish nature, with the spirit:

(Romans 8:13) “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live

This verse implies a need to “put to death” the deeds of the flesh to live by the spirit.

New Creation in Christ

The concept of becoming a new creation in Christ further illustrates this transformation:

(2 Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

This newness of life is to be understood as the ascendancy of the spirit over the soul’s natural inclinations.

The Soul, Spirit, and Eternal Destiny

The Promise of Eternal Life

(1 John 2:25) “And this is the promise that he hath promised us,even eternal life.”

This promise of eternal life is central to our faith. Jesus elaborates on this in John 17:3:

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

This suggests that eternal life is not just about duration, but about a relationship with God.

Paul further explains in Romans 6:23:

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. “

This verse contrasts eternal life with death, indicating that it’s God’s gift through Christ.

The Resurrection Body

Paul provides a detailed discussion of the resurrection body in 1 Corinthians 15:

(1 Corinthians 15:44) ” It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body . There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.”

He continues in verses 1 Corinthians 53-54: 

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality [by dividing asunder of soul and spirit]. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

This transformation is also mentioned in Philippians 3:20-21: 

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, [by dividing asunder of soul and spirit] that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

The State of the Soul and Spirit After Death

The Bible provides insights into the state of believers after death, but it’s important to consider these passages in the context of other Scriptures:

(2 Corinthians 5:8) “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

Paul expresses a similar sentiment in Philippians 1:23:

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:”

However, we must also consider verses that speak of death as a sleep:

(Psalm 13:3) “Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;”

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2)

Jesus himself used this analogy:

(John 11:11) “These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.”

(1 Thessalonians 4:14) “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”

These verses present death as a state of unconsciousness, likened to sleep, from which one will be awakened at the resurrection. This understanding helps to reconcile the seemingly immediate presence with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:23) with the concept of awaiting resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

The full understanding of the soul and spirit’s state after death we must consider all the above passages.

The Final Judgment and Eternal State

The Bible speaks of a final judgment and an eternal state:

(Revelation 21:1) “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth : for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

(Revelation 21:4) “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

These verses describe a transformed creation where the effects of sin are eliminated, suggesting a complete restoration of the soul, spirit, and body in harmony with God’s original intent.

God’s Sovereignty and Universal Salvation

While the Bible speaks of a transformation process for believers, we must consider a broader perspective on God’s plan for all souls. The Scriptures present a complex interplay between our “apparent individual choice” and God’s sovereign will. But what do the scriptures say.

(John 15:16) ” Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you , and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”

This verse emphasizes God’s initiative in choosing and ordaining His followers, suggesting a divine plan that transcends individual choice. Furthermore, the Bible indicates God’s plan for universal salvation:

(1 Timothy 2:3-4) “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved , and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

(1 Timothy 4:10) “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men , specially of those that believe.”

These passages state that God’s redemption will extend to all of mankind, not just to those who currently believe. The phrase “Saviour of all men” is particularly noteworthy, indicating a scope of salvation that is more inclusive than often understood by the world.

Moreover, the Bible speaks of a future where every being acknowledges Christ:

(Philippians 2:10-11) “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow , of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord , to the glory of God the Father.”

This universal confession shows that all souls will eventually recognize and submit to Christ’s lordship.

These passages point to a divine plan that is truly universal in scope, aligning with the scriptures that speak of all dying in Adam and all being made alive in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:22). The idea that all souls must experience a form of death for God’s spirit to bring new life is indeed reflected in Scripture, albeit in a broader context than often recognized. This universal process of death and resurrection, both literal and spiritual, is central to God’s redemptive plan. It suggests that God’s transformative work will extend to all souls, not through individual choice, but through His sovereign will and power to make all things new. This understanding offers a perspective on salvation that is more comprehensive and far-reaching than commonly perceived, emphasizing God’s ultimate purpose to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ (Colossians 1:20). As we contemplate these truths, we are reminded of the vastness of God’s love and the all-encompassing nature of His plan for creation.

(1 Corinthians 15:22) For as in Adam all die , even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

(Colossians 1:20) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself ; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

XII. Practical Implications

The Scripture teaches that the whole person – spirit, soul, and body – is to be sanctified and preserved blameless (1 Thessalonians 5:23). This holistic view of spirituality has several important implications:

Integrated Approach to Spiritual Growth:

Spiritual disciplines should engage not just the “spiritual” aspect, but also the mind (study, meditation), emotions (worship, fellowship), and body (fasting, service).

(Romans 12:1) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God , that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice , holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Physical Health as a Spiritual Matter:

Caring for our physical bodies becomes part of our spiritual stewardship.

(1 Corinthians 6:19) “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you , which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

Emotional Well-being:

Addressing emotional health is crucial for overall spiritual health.

(Philippians 4:4) ” Rejoice in the Lord alway : and again I say, Rejoice.”

Intellectual Engagement:

Growing in knowledge and understanding is part of spiritual maturity.

(Romans 12:2) “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind , that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Hebrews 4:12 states that the word of God is able to “divide asunder of soul and spirit”, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment. This verse indicates that there is a distinction between the soul and the spirit that requires divine insight to properly discern.

1 Corinthians 2:15 further reinforces this, stating “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things.” This suggests that those who are walking in the Spirit possess a spiritual perception that allows them to evaluate and judge all matters, including the difference between soulish and spiritual impulses.

The need for this spiritual discernment arises from the intricate interaction between the soul and the spirit within us. we must rely on the illumination of the holy spirit, working through the Scriptures, to rightly distinguish between natural, fleshly tendencies and the leading of the spirit.

The ability to discern between soul and spirit is crucial for mature Christian living:

Learning to distinguish between genuine spiritual promptings and emotional or psychological impulses.

(1 Corinthians 2:14) “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him : neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Developing a heightened awareness to the holy spirit’s guidance.

(Romans 8:14) ” For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.“

Not all spiritual-seeming experiences are from God; discernment is needed.

(1 John 4:1) “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God : because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”

Integrating spiritual insight with practical wisdom in life choices.

(James 1:5) “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God , that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Scripture describes the process of spiritual growth as a transformation “from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord”.

(2 Corinthians 3:18) “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

This verse indicates that the process of being conformed into the image of Christ is not an instantaneous or easy one, but rather a gradual, incremental change. The use of the phrase “from glory to glory” suggests a progressive, step-by-step transformation, rather than a sudden or complete metamorphosis. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on the believer’s cooperation with the spirit’s sanctifying work in their life.

(Philippians 2:12-13) “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. ” (Philippians 2:12-13)

By recognizing the ongoing nature of this transformative process, believers are encouraged to exercise patience, perseverance, and dependence on the holy spirit. Spiritual growth is not achieved through our efforts, but through the Spirit’s empowerment and the believer’s caused submission.

Conclusion:

Our exploration of soul and spirit in Scripture reveals a rich tapestry of mankind’s nature and its relationship with God. We’ve seen that the soul, representing the whole living person, is mortal and subject to sin, yet intimately connected to our identity and consciousness. The spirit, while also an integral part of human nature, is presented as having a unique connection to God and a crucial role in understanding spiritual truths.

The division of soul and spirit, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:12, emerges not as a literal, physical separation, but as a profound spiritual process. It represents the discerning work of God’s Word in believers’ lives, helping to distinguish between natural, soulish inclinations and deeper spiritual truths. This process is central to spiritual growth and maturity.

We’ve also explored how this understanding of soul and spirit relates to other biblical concepts such as the body as a temple, the renewal of the mind, the role of the heart, and the idea of the ‘inner man’. These interconnected concepts paint a picture of man’s nature as complex and multifaceted, yet unified in its creation and purpose before God.

The biblical narrative of transformation – dying to self, mortifying the deeds of the flesh, and becoming a new creation in Christ – can be understood more deeply in light of this soul-spirit dynamic. It’s a process that encompasses our entire being, involving our thoughts, emotions, will, and our deepest spiritual nature.

However, we must remember that this transformative process is consistently presented in Scripture as applicable to believers through faith, rather than as a universal principle for all souls in this age. It’s a journey of spiritual growth facilitated by the powerful, piercing Word of God and the work of the holy spirit in believers’ lives. In the end all will go through the process of “the dividing asunder of soul and spirit”.

As we conclude, let us reflect on the words of the Psalmist:

(Psalm 103:1) ” Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.“

This verse beautifully encapsulates the holistic nature of our spiritual life, calling us to engage our entire being – soul, spirit, and body – in worship and devotion to God.

May this study deepen our understanding of our nature as created beings and inspire us to pursue wholehearted devotion to God, submitting to His Word as it transforms every aspect of our being. As we grow in this understanding, may we experience the reality of Paul’s prayer: 

(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.” 

(Hebrews 4:12)  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit , and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

In this journey of faith, may we continually yield ourselves – soul, spirit, and body – to the sanctifying work of God, being transformed day by day into the image of Christ, until that day when we see Him face to face.

Link to Hebrews 4:12 Part 1

Link to Hebrews 4:12 Part 2