Page 93 - Bible Doctrine Survey I- Student Textbook

of this view argue that God gave only the “soul” at creation (Gen.2:7). They point out that Jesus said the
“Body” plus the “Soul” equals the whole person (Matt.10:28).

A second view is that man is a trichotomy made up of a material body, a distinct and separate soul, and
a spirit. According to Hebrew 4:12, the “soul and spirit” can be “divided.” They argue that 1
Thessalonians 5:23 describes man as “spirit, soul and body.” The “spirit” seems to be that part of man
which relates to God (our spiritual being) and is regenerated, while the “soul” is that which relates to
man (our emotional being).

A third view, supported by Dr. Charles Ryrie, is that it really does not matter which view of the two views
you chose to believe. Both views reflect truth about man’s nature. We are at least material and
immaterial. Our immaterial includes features such as soul, spirit, heart, conscience and will. In some
cases these features are perhaps truly distinguishable (soul and spirit) while other times the features
52
overlap (spirit, heart, conscience).

Creation vs. Evolution: Is Genesis Relevant?

12.4 Let’s Practice…

1. What is the name of the man who promoted a theory that life was created over millions of years
by gradual changes and lots of death?

52 See Charles Ryrie, Survey of Bible Doctrine pp.104-107 for more discussion of this third view.

92