Human Beings: Both Realms (Spiritual and physical) in One Person.

Man is a tripartite being—spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Human beings are composed of two dimensions: the inward and the outward. The inward dimension is invisible, while the outward dimension is visible. The inward dimension consists of the spirit, heart, and soul, whereas the outward dimension is the body.

Influences of the Inward Part on Human Works

The inward part of a person influences his or her actions. In biblical theology, the phrase "human works" refers to human actions, behaviors, and efforts. Scripture distinguishes between two types of works: actions performed through human effort in an attempt to earn salvation, and actions produced by faith through the Holy Spirit. These are commonly referred to as the works of the flesh (self-effort) and good works, respectively.

The Soul

The soul is one of the three elements that influence human works. It is where the will, mind, and emotions operate and affect the body. The soul is the seat of:

- Thoughts

- Emotions

- Decisions

- Reactions

- Behavioral patterns

The Spirit

The spirit is another element that influences human works. It is the out-breathing of God into the creature—the life principle derived from God.

According to Oehler (Old Testament Theology, Vol. I, p. 217):

«“Man is not spirit, but has it; he is soul. ... In the soul, which sprang from the spirit and exists continually through it, lies the individuality—in the case of man, his personality, his self, his ego.”»

Oehler draws attention to the words of Elihu in Job 33:4:

«“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”»

This passage indicates that the soul is called into being by God's Spirit and is sustained in existence by the Almighty, into whose hands the inbreathed spirit is surrendered when the soul departs from the body.

The Heart

According to the Bible, the heart is the center not only of spiritual activity but also of all the operations of human life. The heart is the “home of the personal life,” and therefore a person is characterized according to the condition of his or her heart: wise (1 Kings 3:12), pure (Psalm 24:4; Matthew 5:8), upright and righteous (Genesis 20:5–6; Psalm 11:2; Psalm 78:72), and pious and good (Luke 8:15).

The heart is also the seat of the conscience (Romans 2:15).