THE THREE FOLD NATURE OF MAN

Man was created to rule over the earth (Gen. 1:26-28). For this reason he must come from, and be identified with the earth. Thus, the first step in his creation was his physical body.

Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground. (Gen. 2:7)

Adam was to represent God in ruling the earth. For this reason he had to be identified with God just as he was with the earth. Therefore, God made him in His image and likeness (Gen. 1:26-28). He accomplished this in His second step of Adam’s creation.

Then the Lord God . . . breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (soul). (Gen.2:7)

God is spirit, and He breathed the essence of His being into the clay body, which became a living soul. Adam lived because of the presence of God’s spirit in him. Thus, we are a soul, we have a spirit and a body (1 Thess. 5:23). There are 3 parts to our being.

The following graphic model illustrates the creation of Adam, and clearly distinguishes between the three components of our being (Heb. 4:12).

QUESTIONS:
(1) Why did God not breathe into the animals, birds and fish at their creation?
(2) Why did He not breathe into Eve at her creation?
(3) Why did God command us not to make idols (Ex. 20:3-4)?

REFERENCES: Jn 4:24; Gen. 2:20-24; 1 Cor. 15:41-53.

PERSONAL NOTES:

CONTENTS
STUDY OBJECTIVES
THE CREATION OF MAN
THE ORIGIN AND ISSUE OF SIN
THE PROVISION OF GOD
THE PROCESS OF SALVATION
THE PURPOSE OF GOD
THE END OF THIS  AGE