In our journey to grasp the profound truths about who we are as human beings, it’s crucial to revisit the original design God had for man. This exploration, inspired by teachings from Christian Living Academy, dives deep into the reality that we are not merely flesh and blood but a composite of spirit, soul, and body. Understanding this is key to unlocking the powerful new life we have in Christ and living out God’s original plan for us.
The Spirit: The Real Man with a Direct Connection to God
At the core of God’s creation of man is the spirit—the real man. Unlike the body, which is visible and tangible, the spirit is an invisible, intuitive part of us that has a direct link to God. When God created Adam, He breathed His very life into him, not a separate type of life but His own life. This divine breath established a unique connection between man’s spirit and God’s Spirit.
One of the devil’s tactics today is to shift our focus away from this vital part of ourselves. By encouraging us to concentrate solely on the physical body and the desires of the flesh, he aims to blind us to the spirit’s power and significance. Yet, the spirit remains the essence of man—the part that truly matters beyond this earthly life.
Even in scripture, we see evidence of this connection. For example, Saul’s encounter with God before becoming Paul shows that God can communicate directly with a person’s spirit, regardless of their spiritual status. This highlights that the spirit transcends our earthly circumstances.
The Body: Our Access and Legal Rights to Earth
The body, while important, serves a specific purpose: it grants us access to live and function on this planet. Once the body ceases to function, that legal right to dwell here ends. This is why death is described as the separation of the spirit from the body.
Interestingly, demons desire human bodies because they need them to operate in this physical realm. They cannot function properly without a body, which explains the spiritual battles often centered around the human form.
The Soul: The Bridge Between Spirit and Body
Man’s soul acts as the vital connection between the spirit and the body. It is through the soul that the spirit influences the physical realm. Understanding this layered design helps us appreciate how our inner life affects our outward experience and vice versa.
Fellowship with God in Eden: God’s Original Plan
God’s original plan for man included intimate fellowship with Him, as seen in the Garden of Eden. This fellowship was possible because of the direct connection between man’s spirit and God. While our new life in Christ restores much of this relationship, it is not simply a return to Eden’s conditions but a transformation into something even greater.
The New Man in Christ: A Life-Giving Spirit
Jesus Christ is described as the Second Adam, a life-giving spirit who imparts a new kind of life to those who receive Him. This new life is superior to the life Adam had because it is sealed and incorruptible. Unlike the first man’s spirit, which was vulnerable to sin and corruption, the spirit of the new man is perfect and protected by the blood of Jesus Christ.
This means that no matter what sins or failures occur in the body or soul, the spirit remains untouched and pure. The new spirit is “sealed” by the Holy Spirit, making it impossible for sin to corrupt it. This is a profound truth that brings security and hope to every believer.
The Mind of Christ: Aligning Our Thoughts with God’s
Within the new man’s spirit resides the mind of Christ. Scripture teaches us that we have the mind of Christ, which means our spirit contains divine wisdom, understanding, and discernment. The goal for every believer is to align their mind—the seat of thoughts and decisions—with this spiritual mind.
When the mind and spirit are in harmony, the believer begins to live out God’s perfect plan, reflecting the righteousness and life of Christ in their daily walk. This transformation affects every area of life, including:
- Finances
- Health
- Relationships
- Career and purpose
Spiritual Structure: Lessons from the Old Testament Temple
To better understand the holiness of the spirit and the sanctity required in our lives, we can look at the Old Testament temple’s structure:
- The Outer Courts: Accessible to all, representing the physical and external aspects of life.
- The Inner Courts: Reserved for the Levites, symbolizing a higher level of spiritual access and responsibility.
- The Most Holy Place: The innermost sanctuary where only the high priest could enter once a year, representing the pure and holy presence of God.
Our spirit is like the Most Holy Place—sealed, sacred, and accessible only through Christ. Our mind and body correspond to the inner and outer courts, which must be progressively sanctified to reflect the holiness of the spirit within.
Living as the New Man: Embracing Our Spiritual Identity
Though the new man’s spirit is perfect and sealed, our mind must be renewed to fully experience the transformation God desires. If the mind resists change, the believer may have the spirit but fail to live out its power and purpose. The spirit is designed to influence the mind and body, leading to a life of righteousness and spiritual victory.
Remember, the righteousness in our spirit is greater than any sin or corruption in the world. By allowing the spirit’s life and power to flow into our mind and body, we manifest God’s blessings and reflect His image in every area of life.
Conclusion
Understanding that we are more than just flesh is essential to living the abundant life God intended. Our spirit, sealed by the Holy Spirit, connects us directly to God and is the true essence of who we are. While our body gives us access to this earth and our soul bridges the spirit and body, it is our spirit that holds the key to transformation and eternal life.
As believers, we must strive to align our minds with the mind of Christ and allow the spirit to guide our thoughts, actions, and decisions. This alignment brings us into the fullness of God’s original plan and empowers us to live victorious lives marked by righteousness, peace, and divine purpose.
Embrace your identity as the new man in Christ—sealed, perfect, and empowered to live beyond the limitations of the flesh.