Communion with the Creator

Paul here put together the three elements that make up a complete human personality, listing them in descending order from the highest to the lowest: First, Spirit; Second, Soul; Third, Body.

The spirit is part of the human personality that was directly breathed into man by God at creation. It is therefore capable of direct union and communion with the Creator. In 1 Corinthians 6:17, Paul said, “He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him”. It would not be correct to say “one soul with Him” Only man’s spirit is capable of direct union with God. In the original pattern of creation, man’s spirit related upward to God, his Creator, and downward to his own soul. God communicated directly with man’s spirit and through man’s spirit, with his soul.

Together, man’s spirit & soul expressed themselves through his body.

Let me give you three definitions of the functions of spirit, soul, and body-definitions that are simple but no less helpful. The spirit is God-conscious. The soul is self-conscious. The body is world-conscious.

When the spirit of man is brought back into union with God, it is rekindled to become a lamp, which the Holy Spirit fills up, shedding light on man’s whole inner being. (See Proverbs 20:27)