God spoke and created all things out of things that did not exist, with the exception of man. He called all things (except man) into being from nothing and created it solely by His faith-filled words. However, when He created man, He formed a body from the dust and then blew His breath into that lifeless form. Adam became a living soul. That is, the breath or life of God came into that body. This was the spirit of man who also received a mind, will, and emotions, which is the soul. God created man with a spirit so He could fellowship with him, Spirit to spirit. There are numerous scriptures which confirm that man is a spirit who lives in a body and has a soul. I have cited a few but there are many more scriptures that reveal a great deal about the spirit of man upon which you are encouraged to study, meditate and seek revelation.
In Genesis 3:19 it is confirmed that man was made from dust. This refers to his body, which, upon death, becomes dust again.
In Ecclesiastes 12:7 as the writer speaks of death, he notes that the man will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
In Ecclesiastes 12:7 as the writer speaks of death, he notes that the man will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
In his prophesy to Israel, in Zehariah 12:1, Zechariah reminds the Jews that it is the LORD Who "stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him."
In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, the writer says, “I pray God your whole spirit, and soul and body be preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, the writer says, “I pray God your whole spirit, and soul and body be preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
A very compelling verification of the fact that man is a spirit, which lives in a body and leaves when death occurs is seen in Luke 8:55 wherein Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, asked Jesus to come to his house to pray for his daughter who was dying. On the way to Jairus’ house, some men came and told him that his daughter was dead. Jesus told him to stay in faith and continue to believe. When they arrived at the house, Jesus commanded the girl to arise; "And her spirit came again and she arose straightway and He commanded to give her meat.”
As you read scriptures about the spirit of man, you will notice that the spirit has many of the characteristics of the natural man. (Please note that the characteristics of man's spirit differ after he has received salvation because at that time, his spirit is regenerated and the Spirit of God comes to live in him.) Did you know that there is a mind of the spirit? The spirit sings. The spirit prays. The spirit talks and speaks a special language that is not understood by man but is given by the Spirit of God. Our spirit produces fruit. Our spirit knows all things about us. Our spirit has power and love. Our spirit can be strengthened, it can be edified and our spirit can be led by the Spirit of God. (When we get to that level of spiritual maturity, we are called "sons of God.") Since Peter, James and John recognized Moses and Elijah, and the rich man recognized Lazarus, the spirit man obviously looks the same as man looks in the natural. As you read and study this area you will find that there are many other characteristics of the spirit not mentioned here.
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