Body, soul and spirit

[placebofactor]

The Bible tells us that we are made of three parts. We have a body of flesh made to live on earth, to think, eat, drink, sleep, and die. It's a fleshly body that covers our spiritual body and soul. The spiritual body and soul are made to honor and worship God. Now, that’s a mouthful and covers a great deal of ground. When we die, our bodies are returned to the ground.

Genesis 3:19, For out of it (the ground) were you taken, for dust you are, and unto dust shall you return.”

Question, “What happens to a man’s soul, and spirit?” Answer: The saved go to be with the Lord, for those who reject the saving grace of Jesus Christ, they will find themselves in a place called Hades.

The following occurred before Jesus was put to death, and before the church age began. Jesus is speaking to the Jews, the publicans, Pharisees, scribes, and sinners. He spoke of things the Jewish elite and the people believed and understood. The ancient Jews believed in the resurrection of the dead.

Now, Luke 16:22 concerns a beggar named Lazarus who was begging at the gate of an unidentified rich man. Verse 22, “It came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died and was buried.”

What does Luke mean by, “Carried off into Abraham’s bosom?” Matthew 8:11 tells us “Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” This may allude to Luke 22:29-30 when Jesus spoke to his disciples at the Last Supper. “I appoint unto you a kingdom as my Father hath appointed unto me; that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

As for the rich man, “He lifts up his eyes, being in torments, and sees Abraham afar off, with Lazarus in his bosom.” Because he is a Jew, he cries out, “Father Abraham have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue: for I am tormented in this flame.”

We know the man's body of flesh was buried in the ground, so what part of him remained that was able to see, hear, thirst, feel pain, and speak? The part of him that was in hell was his spirit and soul because of his pride, selfishness, and lack of compassion.

What’s going to happen to him? He will stand before the judgment seat of the LORD, but not until after the 1000-year reign of Christ ends. Revelation 20:5, “The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” Verse 12, “And I (John) saw the dead, small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of these things which were written in the books, according to their works. Verse 13, “An they were judged every man according to their works.” From there, they will suffer the second death in the lake of fire. It’s not physical death, it’s spiritual death.

What about Lazarus? 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” His body will no longer hunger or be covered with sores. Neither will our sickness and disease be with us. No cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor eyesight, heart, lung, kidney or liver diseases. We will possess a perfect body, the body we were intended to have before the fall of Adam and Eve.

1 Corinthians 15:52, “In the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

[Capbook]

J.W., you continue to use this non-biblical term, "active force."

Do you know what the original HEBREW term (found in scripture ) I am referring to?

I am interested to know the original Hebrew term of "active force" in Scripture.
Can you post it here?

[JehovahsWitness]

I am interested to know the original Hebrew term of "active force" in Scripture.
Can you post it here?

I'm not sure we are speakjng about the same thing - can you please post the original Hebrew from the bible of the word you are talking about.

Thanks,

JW

[Capbook]

We know the man's body of flesh was buried in the ground, so what part of him remained that was able to see, hear, thirst, feel pain, and speak? The part of him that was in hell was his spirit and soul because of his pride, selfishness, and lack of compassion.

Though some passages make plain that the words soul and life are interchangeable, like Mat 16:25-26 and Mark 8:35-37.
When we die, we lose our soul, which is to say you lose your life. The wicked man who rules the world, but loses his soul, does not take up residence next in hell for eternity. Rather he perishes, he loses his life, he ceases to exist, he is in the grave. (Ecc 9:5)
Just like King David, he is dead, buried and still in the tomb unto this day.(Acts 2:29)
Soul is the result of dust and God's breath (spirit) become a living soul. (Gen 2:7)
And soul that sinned shall die. (Ezek 18:20) That is to say us as "living soul".
Even sea creatures referred as living soul in Rev 16:3.

Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Rev 16:3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea.



Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. ...
Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand

[Capbook]

We know the man's body of flesh was buried in the ground, so what part of him remained that was able to see, hear, thirst, feel pain, and speak? The part of him that was in hell was his spirit and soul because of his pride, selfishness, and lack of compassion.

Though some passages make plain that the words soul and life are interchangeable, like Mat 16:25-26 and Mark 8:35-37.
When we die, we lose our soul, which is to say you lose your life. The wicked man who rules the world, but loses his soul, does not take up residence next in hell for eternity. Rather he perishes, he loses his life, he ceases to exist, he is in the grave. (Ecc 9:5)
Just like King David, he is dead, buried and still in the tomb unto this day.(Acts 2:29)
Soul is the result of dust and God's breath (spirit) become a living soul. (Gen 2:7)
And soul that sinned shall die. (Ezek 18:20) That is to say us as "living soul".
Even sea creatures referred as living soul in Rev 16:3.

Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Rev 16:3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea.



Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. ...
Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand

Sorry, I repost as it looks that my post #23 as not a reply.
Though some passages make plain that the words soul and life are interchangeable, like Mat 16:25-26 and Mark 8:35-37.
When we die, we lose our soul, which is to say you lose your life. The wicked man who rules the world, but loses his soul, does not take up residence next in hell for eternity. Rather he perishes, he loses his life, he ceases to exist, he is in the grave. (Ecc 9:5)
Just like King David, he is dead, buried and still in the tomb unto this day.(Acts 2:29)
Soul is the result of dust and God's breath (spirit) become a living soul. (Gen 2:7)
And soul that sinned shall die. (Ezek 18:20) That is to say us as "living soul".
Even sea creatures referred as living soul in Rev 16:3.

Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Rev 16:3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea.

Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. ...
Acts 2:34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand.

[armchairscholar]

The Bible tells us that we are made of three parts. We have a body of flesh made to live on earth, to think, eat, drink, sleep, and die. It's a fleshly body that covers our spiritual body and soul. The spiritual body and soul are made to honor and worship God. Now, that’s a mouthful and covers a great deal of ground. When we die, our bodies are returned to the ground.

Genesis 3:19, For out of it (the ground) were you taken, for dust you are, and unto dust shall you return.”

Question, “What happens to a man’s soul, and spirit?” Answer: The saved go to be with the Lord, for those who reject the saving grace of Jesus Christ, they will find themselves in a place called Hades.

The following occurred before Jesus was put to death, and before the church age began. Jesus is speaking to the Jews, the publicans, Pharisees, scribes, and sinners. He spoke of things the Jewish elite and the people believed and understood. The ancient Jews believed in the resurrection of the dead.

Now, Luke 16:22 concerns a beggar named Lazarus who was begging at the gate of an unidentified rich man. Verse 22, “It came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died and was buried.”

What does Luke mean by, “Carried off into Abraham’s bosom?” Matthew 8:11 tells us “Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” This may allude to Luke 22:29-30 when Jesus spoke to his disciples at the Last Supper. “I appoint unto you a kingdom as my Father hath appointed unto me; that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

As for the rich man, “He lifts up his eyes, being in torments, and sees Abraham afar off, with Lazarus in his bosom.” Because he is a Jew, he cries out, “Father Abraham have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue: for I am tormented in this flame.”

We know the man's body of flesh was buried in the ground, so what part of him remained that was able to see, hear, thirst, feel pain, and speak? The part of him that was in hell was his spirit and soul because of his pride, selfishness, and lack of compassion.

What’s going to happen to him? He will stand before the judgment seat of the LORD, but not until after the 1000-year reign of Christ ends. Revelation 20:5, “The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” Verse 12, “And I (John) saw the dead, small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of these things which were written in the books, according to their works. Verse 13, “An they were judged every man according to their works.” From there, they will suffer the second death in the lake of fire. It’s not physical death, it’s spiritual death.

What about Lazarus? 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” His body will no longer hunger or be covered with sores. Neither will our sickness and disease be with us. No cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor eyesight, heart, lung, kidney or liver diseases. We will possess a perfect body, the body we were intended to have before the fall of Adam and Eve.

1 Corinthians 15:52, “In the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

I find this interpretation of Luke 16:19-31 (the parable of Lazarus and the rich man) quite fascinating, though I would respectfully offer some additional context.

Historically the concept of the tripartite nature of humans (body, soul, and spirit) has been debated throughout Christian history. While this interpretation presents it as definitive, the Catholic tradition, following Thomas Aquinas, typically views humans as a unity of body and soul, with the spirit being an aspect of the soul rather than a separate component.

The text's interpretation of "Abraham's bosom" aligns with traditional Jewish understanding, though I should point out that this concept evolved significantly during the Second Temple period. The imagery Jesus uses here would have been immediately recognizable to his Jewish audience, drawing from contemporary beliefs about the afterlife.

Psychologically what I find particularly compelling is how this parable addresses fundamental human concerns about death, justice, and eternal consequences. The rich man's ability to feel, think, and communicate after death speaks to deep-seated human anxieties about consciousness beyond physical existence.

The eschatological timeline presented (regarding the thousand-year reign and final judgment) reflects a particular interpretative tradition, though I should note that Catholic theology traditionally takes a different approach to these prophecies. We typically view much of Revelation's imagery as allegorical rather than strictly literal.

What's particularly valuable about this text is how it illustrates the enduring human need to understand what lies beyond death, and how moral choices in this life connect to eternal consequences. These themes resonate across cultures and centuries, regardless of specific theological interpretations.

Would anyone else like to share their thoughts on how these ancient texts address our modern psychological needs for meaning and justice?

[placebofactor]

The Bible tells us that we are made of three parts. We have a body of flesh made to live on earth, to think, eat, drink, sleep, and die. It's a fleshly body that covers our spiritual body and soul. The spiritual body and soul are made to honor and worship God. Now, that’s a mouthful and covers a great deal of ground. When we die, our bodies are returned to the ground.

Genesis 3:19, For out of it (the ground) were you taken, for dust you are, and unto dust shall you return.”

Question, “What happens to a man’s soul, and spirit?” Answer: The saved go to be with the Lord, for those who reject the saving grace of Jesus Christ, they will find themselves in a place called Hades.

The following occurred before Jesus was put to death, and before the church age began. Jesus is speaking to the Jews, the publicans, Pharisees, scribes, and sinners. He spoke of things the Jewish elite and the people believed and understood. The ancient Jews believed in the resurrection of the dead.

Now, Luke 16:22 concerns a beggar named Lazarus who was begging at the gate of an unidentified rich man. Verse 22, “It came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died and was buried.”

What does Luke mean by, “Carried off into Abraham’s bosom?” Matthew 8:11 tells us “Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” This may allude to Luke 22:29-30 when Jesus spoke to his disciples at the Last Supper. “I appoint unto you a kingdom as my Father hath appointed unto me; that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

As for the rich man, “He lifts up his eyes, being in torments, and sees Abraham afar off, with Lazarus in his bosom.” Because he is a Jew, he cries out, “Father Abraham have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue: for I am tormented in this flame.”

We know the man's body of flesh was buried in the ground, so what part of him remained that was able to see, hear, thirst, feel pain, and speak? The part of him that was in hell was his spirit and soul because of his pride, selfishness, and lack of compassion.

What’s going to happen to him? He will stand before the judgment seat of the LORD, but not until after the 1000-year reign of Christ ends. Revelation 20:5, “The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” Verse 12, “And I (John) saw the dead, small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of these things which were written in the books, according to their works. Verse 13, “An they were judged every man according to their works.” From there, they will suffer the second death in the lake of fire. It’s not physical death, it’s spiritual death.

What about Lazarus? 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” His body will no longer hunger or be covered with sores. Neither will our sickness and disease be with us. No cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor eyesight, heart, lung, kidney or liver diseases. We will possess a perfect body, the body we were intended to have before the fall of Adam and Eve.

Thanks for your well thought out reply, I enjoyed reading it.

1 Corinthians 15:52, “In the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

I find this interpretation of Luke 16:19-31 (the parable of Lazarus and the rich man) quite fascinating, though I would respectfully offer some additional context.

Historically the concept of the tripartite nature of humans (body, soul, and spirit) has been debated throughout Christian history. While this interpretation presents it as definitive, the Catholic tradition, following Thomas Aquinas, typically views humans as a unity of body and soul, with the spirit being an aspect of the soul rather than a separate component.

Agreed,

The text's interpretation of "Abraham's bosom" aligns with traditional Jewish understanding, though I should point out that this concept evolved significantly during the Second Temple period. The imagery Jesus uses here would have been immediately recognizable to his Jewish audience, drawing from contemporary beliefs about the afterlife.

Again, I agree.

Psychologically what I find particularly compelling is how this parable addresses fundamental human concerns about death, justice, and eternal consequences. The rich man's ability to feel, think, and communicate after death speaks to deep-seated human anxieties about consciousness beyond physical existence.

This parable is unlike the Lord's other parables where spiritual things are represented by similar things borrowed from earthly things. A good example is the parable of the Sower and Reaper. But here in Luke, the spiritual things themselves are represented in a description of the various states of good and bad in this world and the other world. We will always have the poor with us who will die, and in death, leave their miseries behind. The godly poor will be received with joy by the Lord. We also have those who need nothing, living in luxury and unconcerned with the poverty around them. These will also die, but their soul and spirit, as the rich man's soul and spirit, were in a state of torment. I also find it unusual that a name (Lazarus) is given to the poor man, I don't recall that in any of Jesus' other parables.

I often wonder if the poor man Lazarus could be Martha's brother Lazarus whom the Lord raised from the tomb.

The eschatological timeline presented (regarding the thousand-year reign and final judgment) reflects a particular interpretative tradition, though I should note that Catholic theology traditionally takes a different approach to these prophecies. We typically view much of Revelation's imagery as allegorical rather than strictly literal.

Is this because the Catholics do not believe in eternal punishment, therefore no hell? Catholics teach temporary punishment in a place they call Purgatory. Of course, they would examine Luke in a different light. The Jehovah's Witnesses picked up on this same teaching of no hell, and like Catholics, they believe one day everyone will be saved.

What's particularly valuable about this text is how it illustrates the enduring human need to understand what lies beyond death, and how moral choices in this life connect to eternal consequences. These themes resonate across cultures and centuries, regardless of specific theological interpretations.

Agreed.

Would anyone else like to share their thoughts on how these ancient texts address our modern psychological needs for meaning and justice?

[onewithhim]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #1]

The body is our physical self, alive or dead. The soul is the person--everything about that individual including his thoughts. Even animals are called "souls." The spirit is simply the power of God that causes a soul to be animated, to breathe.

[Capbook]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #1]

The body is our physical self, alive or dead. The soul is the person--everything about that individual including his thoughts. Even animals are called "souls." The spirit is simply the power of God that causes a soul to be animated, to breathe.

I've read somewhere, it maybe you or someone that said there are "living souls and dead soul?
You agree with that?

[onewithhim]

[Replying to placebofactor in post #1]

The body is our physical self, alive or dead. The soul is the person--everything about that individual including his thoughts. Even animals are called "souls." The spirit is simply the power of God that causes a soul to be animated, to breathe.

I've read somewhere, it maybe you or someone that said there are "living souls and dead soul?
You agree with that?

Yes.
Jehovah says: "Look! All the souls---to me they belong....The soul that is sinning---it will die." (Ezekiel 18:4)

So, a soul can die.

[placebofactor]

The Bible tells us that we are made of three parts. We have a body of flesh made to live on earth, to think, eat, drink, sleep, and die. It's a fleshly body that covers our spiritual body and soul. The spiritual body and soul are made to honor and worship God. Now, that’s a mouthful and covers a great deal of ground. When we die, our bodies are returned to the ground.

Genesis 3:19, For out of it (the ground) were you taken, for dust you are, and unto dust shall you return.”

Question, “What happens to a man’s soul, and spirit?” Answer: The saved go to be with the Lord, for those who reject the saving grace of Jesus Christ, they will find themselves in a place called Hades.

The following occurred before Jesus was put to death, and before the church age began. Jesus is speaking to the Jews, the publicans, Pharisees, scribes, and sinners. He spoke of things the Jewish elite and the people believed and understood. The ancient Jews believed in the resurrection of the dead.

Now, Luke 16:22 concerns a beggar named Lazarus who was begging at the gate of an unidentified rich man. Verse 22, “It came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died and was buried.”

What does Luke mean by, “Carried off into Abraham’s bosom?” Matthew 8:11 tells us “Many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” This may allude to Luke 22:29-30 when Jesus spoke to his disciples at the Last Supper. “I appoint unto you a kingdom as my Father hath appointed unto me; that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

As for the rich man, “He lifts up his eyes, being in torments, and sees Abraham afar off, with Lazarus in his bosom.” Because he is a Jew, he cries out, “Father Abraham have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue: for I am tormented in this flame.”

We know the man's body of flesh was buried in the ground, so what part of him remained that was able to see, hear, thirst, feel pain, and speak? The part of him that was in hell was his spirit and soul because of his pride, selfishness, and lack of compassion.

What’s going to happen to him? He will stand before the judgment seat of the LORD, but not until after the 1000-year reign of Christ ends. Revelation 20:5, “The rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” Verse 12, “And I (John) saw the dead, small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of these things which were written in the books, according to their works. Verse 13, “An they were judged every man according to their works.” From there, they will suffer the second death in the lake of fire. It’s not physical death, it’s spiritual death.

What about Lazarus? 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” His body will no longer hunger or be covered with sores. Neither will our sickness and disease be with us. No cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor eyesight, heart, lung, kidney or liver diseases. We will possess a perfect body, the body we were intended to have before the fall of Adam and Eve.

Thanks for your well thought out reply, I enjoyed reading it.

1 Corinthians 15:52, “In the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

I find this interpretation of Luke 16:19-31 (the parable of Lazarus and the rich man) quite fascinating, though I would respectfully offer some additional context.

Historically the concept of the tripartite nature of humans (body, soul, and spirit) has been debated throughout Christian history. While this interpretation presents it as definitive, the Catholic tradition, following Thomas Aquinas, typically views humans as a unity of body and soul, with the spirit being an aspect of the soul rather than a separate component.

Agreed,

The text's interpretation of "Abraham's bosom" aligns with traditional Jewish understanding, though I should point out that this concept evolved significantly during the Second Temple period. The imagery Jesus uses here would have been immediately recognizable to his Jewish audience, drawing from contemporary beliefs about the afterlife.

Again, I agree.

Psychologically what I find particularly compelling is how this parable addresses fundamental human concerns about death, justice, and eternal consequences. The rich man's ability to feel, think, and communicate after death speaks to deep-seated human anxieties about consciousness beyond physical existence.

This parable is unlike the Lord's other parables where spiritual things are represented by similar things borrowed from earthly things. A good example is the parable of the Sower and Reaper. But here in Luke, the spiritual things themselves are represented in a description of the various states of good and bad in this world and the other world. We will always have the poor with us who will die, and in death, leave their miseries behind. The godly poor will be received with joy by the Lord. We also have those who need nothing, living in luxury and unconcerned with the poverty around them. These will also die, but their soul and spirit, as the rich man's soul and spirit, were in a state of torment. I also find it unusual that a name (Lazarus) is given to the poor man, I don't recall that in any of Jesus' other parables.

I often wonder if the poor man Lazarus could be Martha's brother Lazarus whom the Lord raised from the tomb.

The eschatological timeline presented (regarding the thousand-year reign and final judgment) reflects a particular interpretative tradition, though I should note that Catholic theology traditionally takes a different approach to these prophecies. We typically view much of Revelation's imagery as allegorical rather than strictly literal.

Is this because the Catholics do not believe in eternal punishment, therefore no hell? Catholics teach temporary punishment in a place they call Purgatory. Of course, they would examine Luke in a different light. The Jehovah's Witnesses picked up on this same teaching of no hell, and like Catholics, they believe one day everyone will be saved.

What's particularly valuable about this text is how it illustrates the enduring human need to understand what lies beyond death, and how moral choices in this life connect to eternal consequences. These themes resonate across cultures and centuries, regardless of specific theological interpretations.

Agreed.

Would anyone else like to share their thoughts on how these ancient texts address our modern psychological needs for meaning and justice?

Armchairscholar, excellent article well thought out.

I've always been curious about the "spirit" part of man. Genesis 1:26 states that man has been "made in (God's) image, and likeness:" We have two different Hebrew words, for image and likeness. If I were told to draw an image of a horse, I would draw it in the shape of a horse. I understand from scripture, that the spirit world consists of many different-looking creatures. Angels, Cherubim, Seraphim, some with two wings, some with four, others with six. Lucifer had the form of a serpent. John had a glimpse of the spirit world. The creatures he saw had different forms. One had the look of a lion, another a calf, another had the face of a man, and another appeared to John as a flying eagle. Revelation 9 tells us there are different-looking demon spirits. four are in the image of frogs, and millions of others are in the form of locusts.

With that said, in the spiritual world before Jesus was manifest in the flesh, what was his spirit form? I believe his spirit shape is that of a man. I believe the spiritual part of men has been made in the same form or shape as our Creator. Our spirit form was then covered with flesh; then we were given a soul, a conscience, memory, feeling, desires, emotions, ete., as our Creator has. When the flesh dies our spirit and soul live on.

As for being made in Jesus' likeness, we were to be like him, in our thoughts, as is his honor to his Father. We were made to be holy and set aside from the rest of the Creation, precious to the Father and Son. But, when men fell into sin, Generation 6:3, "It repented the LORD (Jesus) that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart." Why did our sin grieve the Creator? Because the creation was made to honor the Father. When we fell into sin, we grieved the Son of God who created us because we dishonored the Father and dishonored the Son.

Your thoughts.