The Spirit IN Man!
As was discussed in the subject on the
"Immortal" Soul, you need to dismiss the
non-Biblical notion that people HAVE souls. People ARE souls,
physical flesh, made of the dust of the ground, just like any
animal or other physical life. HOWEVER . . .
The Bible reveals that there is a spiritual component that is
IN a human being, in the human species. This spiritual component
is what separates the human mind from animal mind. This component
is the missing key that science has been searching the physical
brain for from the beginning. Obviously, they will never find
this component because it is beyond the physical realm, a part of
the "Quantum" if you will. It empowers the physical
brain tissue in ways that bring about consciousness of self, and
all the other amazing, but severely limited "God-like"
qualities mankind has. Remember, we were "Made in the Image
and Likeness of God," to be able to think, feel, love,
design, create art, etc. This aspect to mankind provides the
"Free Will" that no other animal species that exists
has.
Science has long been searching for the difference between
the brain of mankind and that of animal life such as dolphins,
chimps, whales, etc. He is looking for a PHYSICAL difference in
the physical makeup of the brain. He believes that it is purely
physical differences in the brain that allows mankind to think,
achieve, create new ideas, etc., even though the brains of whales
and dolphins are LARGER than mankind’s brain. If you allow
the Bible to teach you, the answers to many unanswered questions
of science are quite clear.
Let's consider some proof text:
Job 32:8 "But [there is] a spirit "IN"
man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them
understanding (awareness and intelligence through this
spirit in us by HIS spirit)."
1 Corinthians 2:9-14 "But as it is written: "eye
has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart
(mind) of man the things which God has prepared for those who
love Him." :10 But God has revealed [them] to us through
His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep
things of God. :11 For what man knows the things of a man (how
can man know or think and understand and perceive and have
consciousness of "self") except (through) the spirit
of the man which is "IN" him? Even so no one knows
the things of God except the Spirit of God. :12 Now we have
received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is
from God, that we might know the (spiritual) things that
have been freely given to us by God. :13 These things we also
speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the
Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
:14 But the natural man (the natural mind) does not receive the
things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor
can he know [them,] because they are spiritually
discerned."
Rom 8:16 The Spirit (Holy) itself bears witness with our spirit, (in man)
that we are the children of God:
POINT: God makes it plain that the only thing which
separates all other animal life on this earth from mankind, is
the fact that God has placed WITHIN mankind a
"spirit" which allows mankind to have
consciousness, self awareness, and especially makes possible a
relationship with God. Although this "spirit in man" is not aware of
the things of God, that is, aware of spiritual things, it is possible for
the very mind of God, through His Holy Spirit, to connect with this spirit in man,
and allow an understanding not possible without it. Animals do not carry on a
conversation with humans, or have created art, built buildings, planned,
etc. (Some might argue that animals build and create all the time.. nests,
hives, etc., but these abilities are created within the creatures like programming a computer.
They do what they were created to do, but have no free will. A bee cannot
go out and build an ant hill, nor can an ant build a bee hive. They do only what they were created to do.)
The spirit God gave mankind makes possible OUR ability to
communicate in intelligent and detailed ways with each other . .
. AND allows for the possibility of the missing dimension in man's life . .
. a one-on-one relationship with the true God.
Although this "spirit in man" is not aware of the
things of God, that is, aware of spiritual things, nor is it
"alive" apart from the brain, it is possible for the
very mind of God, through His Holy Spirit, to connect with this
"spiritual component in man," and provide a spiritual
understanding not possible without it.
An excellent example of the difference between a man WITH
this spirit and one who has it removed is written for our
learning. In Daniel 4:4-37, you can read about a king who was
punished by having this spirit removed from him for 7 years,
thereby becoming simply another form of animal in the wild.
Notice especially the following:
Daniel 4:34 "And at the end of the time I,
Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding
(consciousness of self) returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and
honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion [is] an
everlasting dominion, And His kingdom [is] from generation to
generation. Daniel 4:36 At the same time my reason returned to
me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor
returned to me. My counselors and nobles sought me, I was
restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to
me."
This spirit is ALL the difference between us and animals, and
makes it possible for us to think, reason, have self
consciousness or awareness, and all the other attributes which
God Himself has. Remember, we are made in His image and likeness
and have similar abilities of mind as he does, yet obviously far
inferior.
One final point in this matter. A vital aspect to this
"spirit in man" is the fact that this spirit, BECAUSE
IT IS SPIRIT, acts like a "recorder" of the memories
and character of our minds. At death, this spirit returns to
God:
Ecclesiastes 12:7 "Then shall the dust return to the
earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to God who gave
it."
It is from this spirit component that He
"resurrects" people back to conscious life again, with
all our memories and character intact, whether good or bad.
This spirit DOES NOT have a life of its own. It is not our
SOUL or something which consciously lives on after our bodies
die. It is just the absolutes of what our lives contained.
Understand this and you will see the pieces of this incredible
plan coming together more precisely.
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and material written by Jeffrey T. Maehr. Copyright © 1997-2008. All rights reserved. Reproduction allowed if credit to this
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