The Tripartite Nature of Man Many of the mistakes that we make as individuals can be resolved by a simple understanding of the nature of our existence. It may, for example be easier to understand the meaning of biblical phrases such as "crucify the flesh", "die daily", live "after the spirit", etc. (Rom.8:1, Gal.2:20). Humankind, or, the "human race" has 3 basic element which compose a "man". First the "Spirit", Secondly, the "Soul", and lastly, the "Body" (I Thess. 5:23). It has been well stated that man is a Spirit, that has a soul, and lives in a body.
The Body in which we live connects us to the physical world of that which we perceive to be "reality". When God first created man, before the "breath of life" was breathed into his nostrils, man was a mere body. There were no thoughts, feelings, expressions, or consciousness. Thought/Will/Mind was created by the touching of Jehovah's infinite spirit with physical, finite man; "consciousness/reason" was conceived. |
Our soul then stands between the realms of the spiritual world, and the physical world, and by definition, has been empowered to "choose" from between these two realms.
Therefore, when it is said that we "crucify the flesh", or "die to self" (note Gal. 2:20), we are, through our Soul, choosing the ways of the LORD, over the ways of our fleshly, or "physical" desires. The intended purpose of the soul is to be the mediator/communicator of the spiritual with the physical. Just as within the Holy of Holies the LORD spoke directly to the priests, who then transferred his divine message to Gods people. Within our spirits, where we have communion with God, and our physical bodies have no access to this realm, and therefore a "mediator" of sorts was necessary. The soul should be the servant of the spirit. Christ tells us "take no thought" for physical things... Not that we should be entirely unconcerned for the needs of our physical body, as it is the "Temple of the LORD"(iCor.6:19-20); but that the soul, or the "heart" of man should be in primary servitude of the spirit. In other words, "Set your affection on things above"(Col.3:2).
Therefore, when it is said that we "crucify the flesh", or "die to self" (note Gal. 2:20), we are, through our Soul, choosing the ways of the LORD, over the ways of our fleshly, or "physical" desires. The intended purpose of the soul is to be the mediator/communicator of the spiritual with the physical. Just as within the Holy of Holies the LORD spoke directly to the priests, who then transferred his divine message to Gods people. Within our spirits, where we have communion with God, and our physical bodies have no access to this realm, and therefore a "mediator" of sorts was necessary. The soul should be the servant of the spirit. Christ tells us "take no thought" for physical things... Not that we should be entirely unconcerned for the needs of our physical body, as it is the "Temple of the LORD"(iCor.6:19-20); but that the soul, or the "heart" of man should be in primary servitude of the spirit. In other words, "Set your affection on things above"(Col.3:2).
Another application of the same principle is to our worship, and general relationship to our creator. It is noteworthy that Song of Solomon 2:14 states that the LORD dwells in the "secret place of the stairs". This is where the title for website has been derived- "secret staircase". Our relationship with Jehovah God climaxes in stages, or "stair steps"; as is confirmed by iiCor.3:18 where we are changed into his image and likeness "from glory to glory". As we climb these stairs, passing from death into life, and from the carnal to the spiritual, we move further into the presence of God himself, gradually entering his "Holy of Holies"; and as we do, drawing nearer and nearer to almighty God, he draws nearer and nearer to us, as he promised (note James 4:8). This spiritual "holy of holies" is a place of the spirit (john 4:24). It is in this place where the deepest spiritual matters are revealed to us by his Spirit (Dan. 2:22), the greatest revelations of truth are given ("IN the spirit"~Rev.1:10, "In a TRANCE"~Acts22:17-18), and where the greatest miracles are enabled to take place. The disciples wondered why they were unable to cast out a particular devil, and Christ responded by telling them that their faith was too small. Therefore why do we teach that the "mustard seed" faith that is required is a reference to the size of the faith? True, the mustard seed is the smallest of seeds, but it is also the most potent. It is likely the potency of the faith that Christ was speaking of in Matthew 17:19-21 therefore, and not the "size", or he would not have told them that their inability was due the "size" of their faith. Also, as we climb his "secret stairs", into this spiritual "Holy of Holies", our faith will be strengthened, and the "greater miracles"(John 14:12) made possible.