Amazingly, the human body consists of 206 different bones, over 20 internal organs, 600 distinct muscles, and trillions of microscopic cells. Our bodies are complex. But our bodies are only a part of our human makeup. The Bible says that we possess both material and immaterial parts. We each have a body, a soul, and a human spirit all wrapped up in a single, unified whole. In 1 Thessalonians 5.24 Paul wrote, “May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are unique in God’s creation.
There’s some debate among theologians whether or not we’re made up of two parts or three. In Matthew 10.28 Jesus, speaking of the total person, said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” On the other hand, Hebrews 4.12 tells that the Word of God is “sharper than any double-edged sword” and “penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,” indicating that the soul and the spirit are distinct. There’s no simple answer to the question of how many parts compose an individual human being. In fact, Jesus said in Mark 12.30, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” We can conclude that both our physical and spiritual components form a complex unity. We each have a body, a soul, a spirit, a heart, a mind, and much more.
In simple terms we could say that our bodies make it possible for us to connect with the physical world, our souls connect us with ourselves and others around us, and our spirits connect us with God. We’re physical, social, and spiritual beings. In addition, we possess the ability to think, to feel, and to choose. All of these aspects of our human makeup interact intricately. When our bodies hurt, we feel discouraged or even depressed. On the other hand, a joyful heart can help us overcome physical hardships. Proverbs 17.22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
We are, indeed, complex beings. Psalms 139.14 beautifully expresses the mystery of our human makeup, saying, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Because we’re a work of our creative God there’s a wonderful mystery about our human existence. Another aspect of that mystery is the fact that God has created us to live forever. Eternal life is available through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Romans 6.23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God has created you in a miraculously wonderful way and He wants you to live with Him in heaven forever. Invite Jesus into your life today and you’ll receive God’s gift of eternal life.
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