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| Q: | Our Bible class had recently discussed if animals have souls. What does the Bible say on this. And one person said that there is a difference between your spirit and your soul, and it is your spirit that goes to heaven and your soul is your personality. Is there a difference between your soul and spirit, and what does the Bible say? I believe that it is our soul that God lives in and is what will go to heaven when we die. What does the scripture say on this? | ||||||
| A: | The Bible words usually translated "soul" and "spirit" are not precise terms that in and of themselves offer exact definitions. The context and way the words are used indicate the basic meaning and limitations in meaning for each word. I say this to explain why, in Bible classes and elsewhere, people often debate the difference between soul and spirit, and ask if animals have souls. When all the Bible uses of these words are studied carefully and compared, basic truths become clear. Many times "soul" and "Spirit" are used interchangeably, but many times there are differences. The soul of a creature might mean the personality or simply the "being" the creature is--but often denotes the immortal part of us that is separated from the body at death and is reunited with the body at the resurrection on the Last Day. The spirit of a creature might refer simply to its "breath" but it also is used for that.htmlect of human life that relates to God and reflects the special capability mankind has to relate to God. To answer your questions: Animals are never said to have immortal souls or capable of relating to the Lord in the same way that human beings can and do. While they share some characteristics in common with mankind as creatures (like breath, or an animating life-principle in the body), there is no specific promise that they will be raised bodily on the Last Day or that their relation to God is linked intimately with their relationship to Jesus Christ, as is true with human beings. Regarding the difference between soul and spirit in a human being, we acknowledge that there is insufficient evidence to say that we are made up of body, soul, and spirit (three parts), but more than enough evidence to say we are composed of body and soul/spirit (two parts). The difference between soul and spirit is not one of essence or independent part of a person's composition, but a difference in capabilities or emphases that the Bible makes in describing our physical life, spiritual life, and relating to God. I am aware that these concepts are a bit on the "fuzzy" side. But when we limit ourselves to what is revealed in Scripture, sometimes that is the result. It is humbling and we should learn to be content with that. Finally, be careful about an attitude that seems to be expressed in your closing words. You first say, "I believe that . . ." and then you asked, "What does the Scripture say on this?" What the Bible says should come first, then what we believe. And that might mean we have to limit the detail of what we believe. | ||||||
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