Scholars
across the ages attempt to mingle the concept of spirit and soul as one entity.
However, Bible truth differentiates between these two realms within our human
essence.
Our
spiritual union with Christ takes place in our spirit, which is Born Again at
Salvation (John 3:5-6; Romans 8:9, 16; Acts 26:18). Then the Holy Spirit spends
our lifetime sanctifying our soul - our thoughts, choices and emotions.
Paul makes
this clear when he refers to the entire sanctification of body, soul and spirit
(1 Thessalonians 5:23). God’s Word will actually divide the soul and spirit
(Hebrews 4:12). The more we submit to His holiness, the more fully we partake
in His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).
Prior to
salvation we lived for our self. After salvation, we are crucified with Christ
and receive a whole new life with a new pliable heart (Romans 6:4, 6; Ezekiel
36:26; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
As we live
in Christ, our humanity decreases and His life in us increases (Romans 6:6;
Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9; John 3:30). God writes His laws on our heart
(Hebrews 8:10). He sees us as perfect in Christ (Philippians 3:15; Hebrews
12:23).
God's Spirit
renews us day by day (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). We live in the righteousness
of Christ within us, resisting by Jesus' strength, the devil's temptation to
sin (Romans 6:11; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 2:1).
Christ in us
changes us from sinner to Saint (Romans 5:19, 8:9; Ephesians 4:12). We are dead
to sin, slaves to righteousness and Christ reigns as Lord and Savior in our
life (Romans 6:2, 11, 17; 1 John 3:8).
Prayer:
Father God,
we thank You for the fact that our authentic Christian identity is no longer
rooted in our personality, but in Christ. Our fleshly desires have less and
less control over our soul as we walk in our union with Christ in us (Galatians
5:17; Romans 7:25-8:5).
Our desire
is for Your divine character, power and authority to completely take over our
body, soul and spirit. We thank You for redeeming us through Christ’s sacrifice
and for filling us with Your Spirit, so we can walk in Your will each moment of
the day.
Thought for
the Day:
As God
reveals a sin or negative leaning in our character or an idol in our life, we
willingly submit it to His Lordship; then His Spirit cleanses us from these
sins and replaces our defective human character with His fruit.
- 1 John
1:9; Romans 13:14; Galatians 5:22-23
