The document discusses different interpretations of what Hebrews 4:12 means when it refers to dividing soul and spirit. It considers diagrams that depict the soul and spirit as separate entities within the body, but rejects these in favor of a model where the soul is the overlap between the spirit and body, joined by the Holy Spirit. In this view, the division is between the old and new natures within aspects of a person (body, soul, spirit) rather than between the aspects themselves. Putting to death the old nature allows one to dwell completely in the new.

1. What does Hebrews 4:12 really mean? It talks about the dividing of soul and spirit. Historically, people assume it means something like this. First, you have your soul and your spirit existing somewhat intertwined, side by side, with your body: Body Spirit Soul Metaphysical Human Anatomy

2. And then, according to Hebrews 4:12, they (at least the soul and spirit portion) are divided in a clean cut, separating them from one another: Body Spirit Soul Metaphysical Human Anatomy

3. But is this true? Body Spirit Soul Metaphysical Human Anatomy

4. Of course, the diagram could be designed differently. We could see the Spirit and Soul as residing IN the body....but the point is still to see the soul and spirit separate from one another, and then untimately, the spirit moves into dominion OVER the soul...see next slide. Body Spirit Soul Metaphysical Human Anatomy

5. But is THIS true? Where are the verses that say the spirit wants dominion over the soul? I can't think of any......so let's try another model..... Body Spirit Metaphysical Human Anatomy Soul

6. Let's go back to our original diagram.... but in this situation, let's color code. The body we'll make blue, and the spirit we'll make yellow. What happens to the soul? The soul is a place of overlap – a place where the Spirit and the Body have joined together to create a thinking, human person – the soul is the “joint” where the physical and spiritual have joined together! (So it is green.)‏ Body Spirit Soul Metaphysical Human Anatomy

7. Hebrews 4:12 contains a list, describing, I believe, both the soul and the spirit. It talks about “joints and marrow” “thoughts and intentions” parallell with “soul and spirit. So could the picture look like this? Body Spirit aka marrow aka intentions (the deeper things within the soul – remember, there is overlap between soul and spirit)‏ Soul aka joints aka thoughts Metaphysical Human Anatomy

8. Let's add the Holy Spirit into the picture. If He comes and dwells in someone, He takes up residency in all three places, right? He makes our bodies His temple, our spirits are united to Him, and since the soul is a place of overlap, He is also resident then within the soul of the regenerate as well. Body Spirit aka marrow aka intentions Soul aka joints aka thoughts Metaphysical Human Anatomy The indwelling Holy Spirit

9. In this model, you can see that some of the Body is under the dominion of the Holy Spirit, but some is still ruled by the old nature. Some of the soul is under the dominion of the H.S, so thus some thoughts are ruled by the old nature, and some thoughts by the Holy Spirit. And lastly, some of what goes on in the human spirit is coming from union with an indwelling Spirit, so that some intentions of the heart are right, and some are still reflecting an old nature. How we will sort between holy thoughts and intentions, and unholy thoughts and intentions? Body Spirit aka marrow aka intentions Soul aka joints aka thoughts Metaphysical Human Anatomy The indwelling Holy Spirit

10. We need our soul and spirit divided! Not from one another, but from the old and new natures within each! Except the division is happening through each aspect of our beings, not BETWEEN each aspect of our being. Body Spirit aka marrow aka intentions Soul aka joints aka thoughts Metaphysical Human Anatomy New nature - new thoughts new intentions Old nature - old thoughts, old intentions The indwelling Holy Spirit

11. As we put to death the old man, we are free to dwell completely in the new. Body Spirit aka marrow aka intentions Soul aka joints aka thoughts Metaphysical Human Anatomy New nature - new thoughts new intentions Old nature - old thoughts, old intentions The indwelling Holy Spirit “ Put to death therefore......” “ If we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh...”

12. But wait... Isn't our spirit perfect? Why would God need to divide our Spirit? Metaphysical Human Anatomy Body Spirit aka marrow aka intentions Soul aka joints aka thoughts New nature - new thoughts new intentions Old nature - old thoughts, old intentions The indwelling Holy Spirit

13. Well, in general, I do believe our Spirit is more fully regenerated than the rest of us. BUT – our spirits are not necessarily always perfect. Consider these verses: “ Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (1 Cor 7:1 )‏ Metaphysical Human Anatomy Body Spirit aka marrow aka intentions Soul aka joints aka thoughts New nature - new thoughts new intentions Old nature - old thoughts, old intentions The indwelling Holy Spirit Whatever kind of cleansing our flesh requires, it seems our spirit requires the same...at least it is treated equally in this verse.

14. Well, in general, I do believe our Spirit is more fully regenerated than the rest of us. BUT – our spirits are not necessarily always perfect. Consider these verses: Metaphysical Human Anatomy Body Spirit aka marrow aka intentions Soul aka joints aka thoughts New nature - new thoughts new intentions Old nature - old thoughts, old intentions The indwelling Holy Spirit May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:22-24 Once again, it seems our spirit needs the same concern about being kept pure as the other facets of our being, at least according to this verse.