Chapter XX
Now Comes God’s Judgment.
What Part of Man Does God Judge?
A person’s immortal and eternal “spirit” is God’s Spiritual Tracking Device containing their life’s FULL history including ALL of their activities and words from their conception to their death. It is God’s formed and imputed “gift” to man at their conception and is on “loan” to them during their lifetime and returns to God upon their death for analysis and for judgment.
Hebrews 12:9 Moreover, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we yielded [to them] and respected [them for training us]. Shall we not much more cheerfully submit to the Father of spirits and so [truly] live {Man is a “physical offspring” having a “spirit” on loan from God.}? AMP
Numbers 16:22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin and will You be angry with all the congregation? AMP {As I have previously stated, I firmly believe ALL other living creatures on the earth other than man have a God “imputed spirit” for them to function in God’s creation according to their God given instinct.}
2 Peter 2:12 But these [people]! Like unreasoning beasts, mere creatures of instinct, born [only] to be captured and destroyed, railing at things of which they are ignorant, they shall utterly perish in their [own] corruption [in their destroying they shall surely be destroyed], AMP
You have died and you’re standing before Christ for judgment/acknowledgment. So, what “part” of man does Jesus Christ judge? I believe each and every naturally conceived person has a “spirit” that God the Holy Spirit formed and placed into them at their conception and will return to God upon their death for judgment! PLEASE think about this! In the following verse, God’s initial creating of the heavens and the subsequent placing of the earth on its foundation billions of years later are extremely monumental events in history! These are things of such great and colossal magnitude that ONLY God could do them! Then He reaches down through time and place in history to propagate man and to form the spirit of each and every foreknown naturally conceived human offspring in them according to His predestined plans found in His Book of Life from BEFORE time began for their future generations.
Zechariah 12:1 THE BURDEN or oracle (the thing to be lifted up) of the word of the Lord concerning Israel: Thus says the Lord, Who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth and forms the spirit of man within him: AMP
Isaiah 41:4 Who has prepared and done this, calling forth and guiding the destinies of the generations {of the peoples} [of the nations] from the beginning? I, the Lord — the first [existing before history began] and with the last [an ever-present, unchanging God] — I am He. AMP
There are questions that MUST be asked about man having a “spirit.” What is the purpose for man to have a “spirit?” Do other creatures who live on the earth have an individual “spirit?” I believe of the creatures who live on the earth BOTH man AND all other living creatures have spirits {Ecclesiastes 3:21}! The difference being that ONLY man is made in God’s spiritual image and ONLY man’s spirit can have two way communication with God because God the Holy Spirit lives within us “Born Again” adopted children of God {1 Corinthians 2:11-12}. I am NOT including in this study man’s “soul” which is NOT his eternal and immortal spirit.
Hebrews 4:12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our {physical soul} nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the {spiritual} heart. AMP
1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King of eternity {God}, incorruptible and immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever (to the ages of ages). Amen (so be it). AMP {Reread Chapters XII-XV to understand our “ONENESS” with God.}
Over the centuries, Christians have developed many different ways of interpreting the combination of a man’s soul and spirit from Scripture, but I am comfortable with Hebrews 4:12 representing the soul as being more of the characteristics of our physical nature and our “spirit nature” being a “gift” from God representing our being made in God’s spiritual image. I use the word “gift” because our spirit is NOT ours! Our spirit is God’s “gift” on “loan” to us from Him! God gave us our spirit at our conception {Zechariah 12:1} and upon our death it returns to Him for judgment. Our “spirit” ultimately belongs from our conception to our death to God for ALL of eternity!!!
Ecclesiastes 12:7 {Following one’s death} Then shall the dust [out of which God made man’s body] return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return to God Who gave it. AMP
Please think about this. As I was studying for this paper, I was trying to find Scripture that stated that our spirit was immortal/eternal, but I could not. BUT IT IS! Follow along. This is very simple. We are made in God’s spiritual image and God is a Spirit Being. God as “Spirit” is eternal and immortal. Our “spirit” is a “gift from God” and it will return to Him upon our death for all of eternity thus making our spirits eternal and immortal!
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image, in the {spiritual} image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. [Col 3:9,10; James 3:8,9.] AMP
John 4:24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality). AMP
Genesis 21:33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. AMP
Hebrews 9:14 How much more surely shall the blood of Christ, Who by virtue of [His] eternal Spirit [His own preexistent divine personality] has offered Himself as an unblemished sacrifice to God, purify our consciences from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the [ever] living God? AMP
1 Timothy 6:16 {God} Who alone has immortality {endless life} [in the sense of exemption from every kind of death] and lives in unapproachable light, Whom no man has ever seen or can see. Unto Him be honor and everlasting power and dominion. Amen (so be it). AMP
The Bible declares that man is triune in nature – that is we are body, soul, and spirit. In this chapter, I will focus primarily on man’s God formed “spirit!”
1 Thessalonians 5:23 And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). AMP
What part of man is his “spirit?” The physical traits of a mother and father – color of skin, eyes, hair, face structure, body structure, etc. can be passed on to their offspring, but as we will see in this study, man does NOT possess in his physiological makeup a “spirit” – it is NOT his to give to anyone! Because man is made in the “image of God,” his/her “spirit” is a “gift” from God that God the Holy Spirit formed and placed in them at their conception. Only God the Holy Spirit can give you a “spirit!” Humans can ONLY give to their physical offspring the traits we have, but God the Holy Spirit forms the “spiritual” side of each man.
Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being {as a soul with a spirit}. [1 Cor 15:45-49.] AMP
Zechariah 12:1 THE BURDEN or oracle (the thing to be lifted up) of the word of the Lord concerning Israel: Thus says the Lord, Who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth and forms the spirit of man within him {for what purpose?}: AMP
Psalms 139:16 Your {God the Father’s} eyes saw my {King David/ALL humans} unformed substance {David/We had no essence just God’s written plans}, and in Your book {of Life} all the days [of my life] were written {planned} before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them {from BEFORE time began}. AMP
Jeremiah 29:11-14a For I {God the Father} know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome {What is our “hope?”}. 12 Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. 13 Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. [Deut 4:29-30.] 14 I will be found by you {My offspring and now My adopted Child}, says the Lord, AMP
Titus 1:2 [Resting] in the hope of eternal life, [life] which the ever truthful God Who cannot deceive promised before the world or the ages of time began {from BEFORE time began}. AMP
Think about the following Scriptures! God’s creating of the heavens is such a miracle that even at this time in history, it is way beyond man’s understanding and knowledge. Then 9 billion years or so later, God created the earth forming it to be inhabited – again such a miracle that man is still trying to figure it out. And then God reaches down through time and place in history according to His foreknown and predestined plans to create and introduce each man and woman upon earth forming them at the right time and place in history as BOTH a “physical and a spiritual being” – again man is still trying to figure out man.
It is a man’s spirit that gives us a consciousness of self and other remarkable, though limited, “God-like” characteristics. Our spirit includes our intellect and mindset, emotions, fears, passions, and creativity. It is our spirit that when connected to God the Holy Spirit provides us the unique ability to communicate with God so we can comprehend and understand God, the spiritual supernatural Kingdom of God, and the things of God as found in His Word.
Ephesians 4:22-24 Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; 23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], 24 And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness. AMP
The following text reveals how a “Born Again” Saint can use their spirit to communicate with God the Holy Spirit. I have used this text before. Read this text, tear it apart – it contains so much spiritual information but be sure to read and assimilate verse 16 in your study!
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 Yet when we are among the full-grown (spiritually mature Christians who are ripe in understanding), we do impart a [higher] wisdom (the knowledge of the divine plan previously hidden); but it is indeed not a wisdom of this present age or of this world nor of the leaders and rulers of this age, who are being brought to nothing and are doomed to pass away. 7 But rather what we are setting forth is a wisdom of God once hidden [from the human understanding] and now revealed to us by God {in His Word} — [that wisdom] which God devised and decreed before the ages for our glorification [to lift us into the glory of His presence]. 8 None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. [Isa 64:4; 65:17.] 10 Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny].
11 For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of {the} God{/head} except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] {the “god” of} the world {2 Corinthian 4:4} {that we used to live by}, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. 13 And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit]. {This is the necessity of continually seeking the “sound mind of Christ” to be able to discern these spiritual truths as found in the Bible.} 14 But the natural, nonspiritual man {Unbeliever/sinner} does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned {separated} and estimated {they cannot spiritually reason} and appreciated {they cannot understand the Gospel Message – Romans 8:5-14}. 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him]. 16 For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa 40:13.] AMP
I believe the purpose and function of man’s “spirit” is that it is able to record for all of eternity every nanosecond of each and every person’s life from their natural conception through their death. A person’s “spirit” contains every nanosecond of a person’s history for however long they live. I believe our “spirit” functions somewhat like a “video recording system” that is so common in our society. This gives you some idea as to how God has at His command all of a person’s physical and spiritual history. Does God use a man’s spirit as a “back up” history or is it His reference to a person’s life for His Books?
Matthew 12:36-37 {Jesus speaking} But I tell you, on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle (inoperative, nonworking) word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be justified and acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned and sentenced. {Where will God find ALL of your words?} AMP
Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory (majesty, splendor) of His Father with His angels, and then He will render account and reward every man in accordance with what he has done {Where will He find everything you have done?}. AMP
I believe that every truly “Born Again” Christian will stand before Christ’s Judgment Seat upon their death for His acknowledgment of their being His adopted spiritual children, and we will continue to be seated with Him and the Father in the third heaven! Upon their death, the unrepented sinners will be judged and separated from Him until the Second Judgment. I believe there are different levels of judgment for BOTH the righteous and the unrighteous. Just before the “Great White Throne Judgment,” every human who has ever lived will stand before Christ to receive their fair recompenses.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing]. AMP
Revelation 22:12 {Jesus said} Behold, I am coming soon, and I shall bring My wages and rewards with Me, to repay and render to each one just what his own actions and his own work merit. [Isa 40:10; Jer 17:10.] AMP
Jeremiah 17:10 I the Lord search the mind, I try the heart, even to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. AMP
The righteous Saints will receive their wages and awards and be with the Godhead for all of eternity, and the unrighteous sinner will also receive his/her rewards while awaiting their final judgment at the “Great White Throne Judgment” and be separated from God in Hell for ALL of eternity!
Please think about this! When you interpolate the preceding Scriptures, you can see how your “spirit” that God the Holy Spirit formed inside of you at your conception, can be used to “control and keep track” of your thinking/mindset during your entire lifetime! This is a bold statement!!! Now, God desires for our thoughts to be about Him every nanosecond. Can you see why He desires for us to do this? How close are you to accomplishing this?
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk (live) {in the kingdoms of the world} in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are {spiritual and supernatural and} mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), AMP
Let’s find some examples of God monitoring His living offspring. The first is found with God altering King Nebuchadnezzar’s physical appearance, behavior, and thinking because of the King’s radical boasting. Most Christians do NOT believe this actually physically happened to the King, but the more I study God’s Word, the more I believe God can and did do this to show King Nebuchadnezzar His omnipotence! And I believe it resulted in the King ultimately recognizing God for Who He is – his Lord God and his Savior!
Daniel 4:28-37 {The prophecy contained in the King’s dream is now fulfilled.} All this was fulfilled and came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking in the royal palace of Babylon. 30 The king said, Is not this the great Babylon that I have built as the royal residence and seat of government by the might of my power and for the honor and glory of my majesty? {This is the King’s physical and spiritual mindset.} 31 While the words were still in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven {God takes His Providence over the King’s life and mindset}, saying, O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, 32 And you shall be driven from among men and your dwelling will be with the living creatures of the field. You will be made to eat grass like the oxen, and seven times [or years] shall pass over you until you have learned and know that the Most High [God] rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He will. 33 That very hour the thing was [in process of] being fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and did eat grass like oxen [as Daniel had said he would], and his body was wet with the dew of the heavens until his hair grew like eagles’ [feathers] and his nails [were] like birds’ [claws].
34 And at the end of the days [seven years], I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding and the right use of my mind returned to me {God replaced the King’s physical heart and physical mindset on the world and the “god of this world” [2 Corinthians 4:4] and replaced it with the “sound mind of Christ [2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Corinthians 2:16]. Now follows the King’s spiritual supernatural testimony about God and His Love.}; and I blessed the Most High [God] and I praised and honored and glorified Him Who lives forever, Whose dominion is an everlasting dominion; and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing. And He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and none can stay His hand or say to Him, What are You doing {The King now declares God’s Sovereignty over ALL of creation.}? 36 Now at the same time my reason and understanding returned to me {but now he had a new spiritual supernatural mindset}; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me, and my counselors and my lords sought me out; I was reestablished in my kingdom, and still more greatness [than before] was added to me {by Whom}.
Daniel 2:21 He {God} changes {sets} the times and the seasons {Ecclesiastes 3:1}; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding! [Dan 4:35.] AMP
37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, Whose works are all faithful and right and Whose ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to abase and humble. {I believe King Nebuchadnezzar has been declared by God to be righteous and will be judged with the New Testament Saints when the time comes – Hebrews 11:39-40} AMP
King Nebuchadnezzar’s testimony clearly reveals and demonstrates God’s unfailing and unshakable Love and Sovereignty even towards those who believe they are in control of their destiny. There is another example of God dealing with man’s wayward worldly thinking as found in the New Testament and is more applicable to modern times. King Nebuchadnezzar learned from his ordeal with God, but modern man cannot/does not have the spiritual intellect to learn the difference between living in continual sin in the physical kingdoms of the world with their “god” – Satan and living in righteousness and holiness in the spiritual supernatural Kingdom of God that is in and with His adopted children here on earth.
Romans 1:18-32 For God’s [holy] wrath and indignation are revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative. 19 For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them.
20 For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification], [Ps 19:1-4.] 21 Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools [professing to be smart, they made simpletons of themselves]. 23 And by them the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God were exchanged for and represented by images, resembling mortal man and birds and beasts and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the {homosexual} lusts of their [own] hearts to sexual impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], 25 Because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever! Amen (so be it). [Jer 2:11.] 26 For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one, 27 And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another — men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution. 28 And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind { a reprobate {a sinners} mind – KJV} to do things not proper or decent but loathsome, 29 Until they were filled (permeated and saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, iniquity, grasping and covetous greed, and malice. [They were] full of envy and jealousy, murder, strife, deceit and treachery, ill will and cruel ways. [They were] secret backbiters and gossipers, 30 Slanderers, hateful to and hating God, full of insolence, arrogance, [and] boasting; inventors of new forms of evil, disobedient and undutiful to parents. 31 [They were] without understanding, conscienceless and faithless, heartless and loveless [and] merciless. 32 Though they are fully aware of God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them themselves but approve and applaud others who practice them. AMP
Romans 8:5-14 For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit. 6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. 7 [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot. 8 So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him. 9 But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God]. [Rom 8:14.] 10 But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you]. 11 And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you. 12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, but not to the flesh [we are not obligated to our carnal nature], to live [a life ruled by the standards set up by the dictates] of the flesh. 13 For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. AMP
Luke 17:21 Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you {corporately in Christ’s Bride Church}]. AMP
Now for my testimony about how I have actually witnessed how God can open up a man’s mindset so he can learn more about God. I have shared about my first job after I came to Hawaii {Click on http://mysteryworldview.net/mystery/testimony/ } and how God had arranged for me to be employed on a dairy farm owned and operated by a longtime friend from Illinois. His family owned a dairy farm in Northern Illinois about five miles from my parent’s dairy farm. His parents and my parents were neighbors/friends, and I knew him from the 3rd or 4th grade in elementary school and all through high school.
My farming career was coming to a close, and I went to visit a friend in the winter of 1985 who annually vacationed in Hawaii. My wife had left me, my farming business was failing, and I was seeking God to provide direction for my life. Shortly after I got to Oahu, Hawaii, I visited my old school friend and his family at their farm, and I shared my situation with them. My friend offered me a job on his dairy farm which I accepted. I had no other options – no other jobs of any kind were available to me, no open doors for anything else.
I arrived in Honolulu and started to work on April 15th, 1985, but what I did not realize was that although his family members were all Christians, my friend was not! What I did not realize until I had been in Hawaii for a short while was that my ministry was to share the Gospel Message with him and his family. Now when I say God did some really miraculous things in my friend’s life to reveal Himself to him, I am not exaggerating! But nothing God did nor what my friend read and understood in the Bible nor anything I said to him really phased him.
One of the things God did that I did NOT understand at that time was to enable my “unsaved” friend to read the Bible AND understand what he was reading! God was ONLY supposed to do that for Christians!!! It has taken me 30 years to finally understand a little about God and what and how He can do things to bring sinners to Him! My friend is a very well educated man and even though God revealed His Word to him, he still refuses to this day to acknowledge Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.
Earlier in this chapter, I stated that a person’s “spirit” has the ability to give us a “consciousness of self” – it is our “small voice” that helps us to self-evaluate our self. It is called our “conscience.” God gave us the ability in our thinking to have “freedom of choice” in our daily activities. Our conscience helps us to sort out the integrity, morality, scruples, principles, ethic, sense of right and wrong that we face each and every day. Sorrowfully, today we have such a decline in the use of our conscience for morality, etc., that it is hard to trust even “Christians” because of their hidden agendas for them to prosper in the kingdoms of the world.
Romans 2:14-15 When Gentiles {unsaved sinners} who have not the [divine] Law do instinctively what the Law requires {they DO KNOW right from wrong}, they are a law to themselves, since they do not have the Law. 15 They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts and are operating there, with which their consciences (sense of right and wrong) also bear witness; and their [moral] decisions (their arguments of reason, their condemning or approving thoughts) will accuse or perhaps defend and excuse [them]. AMP
Our “spirit” having a “conscience” – this small voice which has the ability to know right from wrong {for the story read Genesis 3:1-5} – is another evidence and testimony that God exists. Our conscience by itself is extremely fallible! It may have the ability to know right from wrong, but it does NOT reveal the righteousness of God because we/it have been corrupted by sin. Once a “sinner” has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and their sins are forgiven, God the Holy Spirit renews their conscience for its original purpose as a way for Him to speak to us!
Hebrews 9:14 How much more surely shall the blood of Christ, Who by virtue of [His] eternal Spirit [His own preexistent divine personality] has offered Himself as an unblemished sacrifice to God, purify our consciences from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the [ever] living God? AMP
Hebrews 10:22 Let us all come forward and draw near with true (honest and sincere) hearts in unqualified assurance and absolute conviction engendered by faith (by that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), having our hearts sprinkled and purified from a guilty (evil) conscience and our bodies cleansed with pure water. AMP
2 Corinthians 4:2-4 We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man’s conscience. 3 But even if our Gospel (the glad tidings) also be hidden (obscured and covered up with a veil that hinders the knowledge of God), it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing and obscured [only] to those who are spiritually dying and veiled [only] to those who are lost. 4 For the god of this world {Satan} has blinded the unbelievers’ minds [that they should not discern the truth], preventing them from seeing the illuminating light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (the Messiah), Who is the Image and Likeness of God. AMP
Do ALL humans have a “spirit?” I believe all humans conceived according to the template of the natural procreation process {Genesis 4:1, 25} have a “spirit.” God the Holy Spirit is present at each person’s natural conception and forms and places their spirit within them. Naturally conceived man is extremely important to God! How important is man in God’s plans for His creation? Who is puny man to God?:
Job 7:17 What is man that You should magnify him and think him important? And that You should set Your mind upon him? [Ps 8:4.] AMP
Psalms 8:4-6 What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him? 5 Yet You have made him but a little lower than God [or heavenly beings], and You have crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet: [1 Cor 15:27; Eph 1:22, 23; Heb 2:6-8.] AMP
This does NOT happen in an offspring who is produced through most forms of Artificial Insemination nor by In Vitro Fertilization nor by cloning! Human Reproductive Technicians in a laboratory manually join whoever’s sperm with whoever’s egg to try to produce a living zygote in a petri dish, and they do it! THEY PRODUCE A “LIVING SOUL!” {Genesis 2:6c KJV; ASV} BUT God the Holy Spirit Who has with Him God the Father’s Book of Life containing the name of every naturally conceived human offspring is NOT involved in the selection of the right sperm to fertilize the right egg of the right parents to produce God’s foreknown and predestined offspring. Does the AI or IVF or human clones as offspring have a “spirit?” Good question! I do NOT believe so! God has a strict regimen from the beginning to the end for His work! He does NOT deviate nor allow man to manipulate His work! His human reproduction template from Genesis 4:1, 25 endures intact down through the successive ages.
Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I do not change; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. AMP
Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose {plans} for him that will stand. [Job 23:13; Ps 33:10, 11; Isa 14:26, 27; 46:10; Acts 5:39; Heb 6:17.] AMP
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. AMP
Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end and the result from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure and purpose, AMP
Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being{/a soul having a “spirit”}. [1 Cor 15:45-49.] AMP
Ecclesiastes 11:5 As you do not know the path of the wind {God the Holy Spirit – John 3:8}, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb {and your spirit is part of you}, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. NIV
Genesis 4:1 AND ADAM {husband/man} knew Eve {had sex} as his wife {woman}, and she became pregnant and bore Cain {their offspring}; and she said, I have gotten and gained a man with the help of the Lord. AMP
Genesis 4:25 And Adam’s wife again became pregnant, and she bore a son and called his name Seth. For God, she said, has appointed for me another child instead of Abel, for Cain slew him. AMP
When and how did you receive your “spirit?” I believe that ONLY God the Holy Spirit can form and implant your “spirit” within you at your conception. Man cannot give what we do NOT have!
Zechariah 12:1b…. Thus says the Lord, Who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth and forms the spirit of man within him {at his/her conception}. AMP
Now comes a “tricky” question. What is the purpose for man to have a “living spirit” during one’s lifetime? I believe to have a “living spirit” means that ONLY those humans who are “Born Again” have a “living spirit” that can connect to God the Holy Spirit {1 Corinthians 2:11-16}.
Isaiah 57:16 For I will not contend forever, neither will I be angry always, for [if I did stay angry] the spirit [of man] would faint and be consumed before Me, and [My purpose in] creating the souls of men would be frustrated. AMP
I also believe that sinful man also has a living spirit that cannot connect to God the Holy Spirit but connects him/her to Satan and the demonic spirits of the world.
1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. AMP
James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. 15 This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal) {Satanic}. 16 For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. AMP
God’s purpose for creating man was to have a “pure fellowship” with him. Because man’s “every thought is evil all of the time” [Genesis 6:5-7], Jesus Christ will judge each man for his thoughts and deeds and this is done by Him judging our “spirits.” Jesus Christ will acknowledge those “Born Again,” and He will judge those sinners who are NOT “saved.”
Your “spirit” and “conscience” are YOU! Your “spirit” is who YOU are!! It has recorded and contains YOUR life’s history and every dot and tittle of information there is about YOU – there is NOTHING missing, BUT it does not belong to YOU!!! It belongs to God to use for your judgment.
In closing, as I was editing this chapter, God brought to my attention that I used man’s technology to try to illustrate how man’s “spirit” and “conscience” functioned in us humans. As I study God and His Word, I have noticed how man using technology has tried to emulate in the physical realm what God’s modus operandi easily accomplishes in the spiritual realm. The word “emulate” means to imitate or copy. Satan is the “deceiver” {Revelation 12:9 AMP} and he is “good” at it! He is the “god of this world” {2 Corinthians 4:4}, and man from his beginning started to use his thinking and technology {Genesis 4:20-22} so that man can be as “God” which Satan used to enticed Eve into sin {Genesis 3:5}.
