Human Being: Body, Soul, and Spirit
Daniel JusticeShare
Biblical Perspective on Human Nature
The doctrine of human ontology explores the essence of what it means to be human, as revealed in Scripture. Ontology refers to the study of being or existence, and the Bible presents humanity as a tripartite creation; composed of body, soul (often associated with the mind), and spirit. This view is not a rigid division but a holistic unity reflecting the image of God. Humans are uniquely designed to relate to their Creator, and sin’s disruption of this design necessitates redemption. Central to this teaching is the “image of God”, which underscores humanity’s dignity and purpose. Scripture also highlights how each person of the triune God, relates specially to these aspects of human nature, guiding creation, renewal, and ultimate restoration.The Image of God: The Foundation of Human OntologyAt the heart of biblical anthropology is the declaration in Genesis 1:26–27: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness’… So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” The plural “us” and “our” points to the triune nature of God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, working in unity. Being made in God’s image means humans reflect divine attributes such as rationality, relationality, morality, and dominion over creation, though in a finite way.This image is not limited to one part of human nature but encompasses the whole person: spirit, soul (mind), and body. Each aspect finds a special connection to one person of the Trinity, illustrating God’s comprehensive involvement in human existence. Though sin has marred this image (Genesis 3), it is not erased, and God’s redemptive plan restores it fully through Christ.The Spirit: The Father’s Gift of Life and Predestined CallingThe human spirit represents the innermost core of being, the seat of communion with God and the source of spiritual life. Scripture teaches that the Father imparts this spirit as a divine gift. In Genesis 2:7, “The Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” This “breath of life” is the Father’s direct infusion of spiritual vitality, enabling humans to relate to God eternally.Furthermore, the Father’s relationship to the human spirit involves predestination and calling from eternity past. Ephesians 1:4–5 states: “He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ.” Before creation, the Father sovereignly elects and calls individuals, drawing their spirits toward Him (John 6:44). This predestined purpose ensures that the human spirit, though deadened by sin (Ephesians 2:1), can be regenerated and aligned with God’s will, fulfilling the image of God in eternal fellowship.The Soul (Mind): The Holy Spirit’s Renewing MinistryThe soul, often equated with the mind in biblical terms, encompasses intellect, emotions, will, and personality, the realm of thought and inner life. The Holy Spirit ministers specifically here, transforming and renewing believers to reflect Christ’s character. Romans 12:2 instructs: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”The Spirit’s work involves convicting of sin (John 16:8), illuminating Scripture (John 14:26), and producing fruit such as love, joy, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). By renewing the mind, the Holy Spirit conforms believers to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29), who is the perfect expression of God’s wisdom and righteousness. This ongoing sanctification counters the soul’s corruption from the Fall, where deceitful desires and futile thinking prevail (Ephesians 4:17–18). Through the Spirit’s indwelling, the soul becomes a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19), enabling believers to think God’s thoughts after Him and live out the imago Dei in daily decisions.The Body: The Son’s Physical Redemption and ResurrectionThe body represents the physical, material aspect of humanity, tangible, interactive with the world, and integral to God’s design. Jesus Christ, the Son, relates uniquely to the body through His incarnation, redemptive work, and promise of resurrection. By becoming flesh (John 1:14), the Son affirmed the goodness of the physical body, redeeming it from sin’s curse through His death and resurrection.Redemption begins by faith and grace: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Christ’s atoning sacrifice frees the body from slavery to sin (Romans 6:6), offering healing and wholeness even now (James 5:14–15). Ultimately, the Son promises a glorified resurrection body: “We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:23). As described in 1 Corinthians 15:42–44, this new body will be imperishable, glorious, and spiritual; free from decay, pain, and mortality, restoring the physical dimension of the imago Dei for eternal life.Eternal Restoration: Unified in Body, Soul, and SpiritThe tripartite nature of humanity finds its ultimate fulfillment in eternity, where God restores wholeness through the cooperative work of the Trinity. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 prays: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1–5), believers will live in perfected unity, spirits eternally alive in the Father’s predestined love, souls fully renewed by the Holy Spirit’s ministry, and bodies glorified through the Son’s redemption.This biblical ontology provides new Christians with a profound understanding of their identity: created in God’s image, fallen yet redeemable, and destined for eternal restoration. It invites trust in the triune God’s comprehensive plan, where every aspect of human being is touched by divine grace.