Subject: difference between the soul and spirit? |
Bible Note: Hi, Irish... Welcome to the forum! The subject of Hebrews 12:4 is the Word itself. In that passage we read of the judicial nature of the Word. It divides, excluding unbelievers who inappropriately call themselves Christians from those who are true believers (Hebrews 4:2). Two other images come to mind: the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:17) and the image of Christ bringing judgment on the nations (Revelation 19:15). The Word as a twoedged sword is an interesting analogy in which its ability to divide what is humanly hidden (v13) and indivisible (v14) is interesting. However, idiomatic structures like this aren't intended to convey doctrine beyond the actual subject of the passage's context. Consequently, you may be right in your explanation of the tripartite nature of man, how those parts are effected in regeneration, and how they change in sanctification. However, if they are correct, they need to be built out on soteriological passages that directly speak to those subjects. In Him, Doc |