When the apostle John turned to view Jesus at the presentation of the Revelation, one of the things John describes is a sharp two-edged sword in Jesus’ mouth. Rather than a physical sword, this likely represents the powerful of word of God. John writes:
12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And after turning I saw seven golden lampstands; 13 and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and wrapped around the chest with a golden sash… 16 In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. Revelation 1:12-13,16 (NASB)
The writer of the book of Hebrews refers to the word of God as being sharper than a two-edged sword.
12 For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NASB)
God’s word is alive and active, infused with His Holy Spirit. It reaches deep into our hearts, dividing our innermost soul and spirit. God uses the word to draw us to Jesus and to ignite the fires of faith in our heart. It empowers and strengthens us to use our will in a holy way, to walk with and follow Him.
What does it mean when it says His word divides our soul and our spirit? There is no common definition for the difference between the two. Many biblical scholars believe the soul and spirit are the same thing and combine them as one.
Since scripture does refer to soul and spirit as two distinct entities, divided by the living and active word of God, could there be more here? And if so, does it matter?
Pastor Anton Bosch presents a good model that explores the distinction between the two and suggests that it does matter. According to Bosch, our soul is our person and personality, our very being, who we really are inside. This includes our thoughts, emotions, will, motives, and intentions. It is distinct from the body which contains us, which might also be referred to as our flesh.
The soul is included in and studied by the field of psychology – our mind, what we think and feel, and why.
But according to Bosch’s model, somewhere within the core of our soul, our spirit is found. This is the part of us that is God-breathed, the part with the potential for a divine connection to God. This is spiritual and falls well outside of the field of psychology. Bosch believes that deep within every person is this potential for faith. But not everyone will choose to activate it.
That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:6 (NASB)
As the word of God reaches into our spirit, it seeks to set ablaze a faith and a connection to God, bringing life. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, the word cuts through all the futility and untruth of the world to ignite our eternal being. When we respond in faith, our spirit becomes alive, and we become one with Christ through our faith.
Jesus highlights the importance of His word in the gospel of John:
63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh provides no benefit; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit, and are life. John 6:63 (NASB)
As we respond in faith, the word continues to feed and nourish our spirit with the Holy Spirit also taking up residence within us. Our spirit uses this God connection to advise our soul on the right way to live. Unfortunately, there will often be a conflict between this divine guidance and the “advice” being given by our flesh and the temptations of the outside world. That is one of the factors that makes living a Christian life difficult as we seek to walk with and please God.
Reflection
When we listen and respond to our flesh or to external temptation rather than to the guidance of God’s word in our spirit, we sin. But we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, who died for us and will readily forgive us when we confess our sins and turn back to Him.
As God works within us to make us think and behave more like Him, that is called sanctification. This is a lifelong process, and we seek through the power of God and His word to get better over time, to better reflect Christ who lives within us. As the apostle Paul wrote:
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NASB)
Father God, thank You for Jesus, whose Spirit lives within us to forgive and to sanctify. Use us in the work of Your kingdom, to love and bless others, pleasing You as we follow Your will. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a blessed and beautiful day in the Lord today.
Times and Seasons - The Book of Revelation FOR TODAY 