THE HUMAN BODY

The Human Body: Earthly Vessel of the Soul and Spirit

The human body is the physical, visible, and material part of man. It was divinely designed to enable humans to live on earth, interact with their physical environment, and exercise dominion over it. In essence, the body is man’s earthly nature—a vital component of human existence, yet distinct from the soul and spirit.

Made from Dust, Built for Dominion

According to Genesis 2:7, “Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul.”

This verse illustrates a key truth: while the body was formed from the dust, it did not become alive until it received the breath of life from God. Thus, the body by itself is lifeless without the soul, powered by the breath of life..

God created the human body not only for habitation by the inner man but also for dominion: “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” – Genesis 1:28

The body enables us to work, build, reproduce, and steward the earth. It is how we carry out physical tasks, communicate through expressions, and participate in earthly life.

The Body and First Impressions

The human body is the first aspect of a person that others see. It’s through the body that we initially describe people: “a tall man,” “a short woman,” “dark-skinned,” “young,” “handsome,” “elderly.” These descriptions are based purely on external observation.

However, it is only after interacting with someone that we encounter their inner man, their soul. Through conversation and relationship, we begin to discern their values, personality, and character traits. Only then can we describe someone as kind, intelligent, God-fearing, rude, selfish, or wise. The body introduces a person, but it does not define who they truly are.

Functions and Limitations of the Body

The body is the instrument through which we engage the five traditional senses:

• Smell

• Touch

• Taste

• Sight

• Hearing

These senses allow us to gather information, perceive the world, and respond to stimuli. The body is our physical interface with creation. But despite its importance, it is temporal and frail. Scripture repeatedly affirms that the body is subject to decay, illness, temptation, and ultimately, death. “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall.” – 1 Peter 1:24

The body ages. It tires. It experiences pain, weakness, and breakdown. It is also vulnerable to sin and cannot be fully trusted. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41

Even the most disciplined individual will find, at times, that their body resists spiritual pursuits. This is why the Bible speaks of the importance of bringing the body under subjection: “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” – 1 Corinthians 9:27

The Body as a Vessel

The human body is the container or temple that houses both the soul and the spirit. It is through the body that the soul expresses itself and the spirit engages in divine communion. Paul refers to our bodies as “jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7), and in another passage he writes: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you…? Therefore honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Because the body is the physical vessel of the inner man, it should be respected and cared for—but not idolized.

Note that the Bible uses various terms to describe the human body or flesh, especially in the context of its natural and fallen state. These include:

• Natural man – 1 Corinthians 2:14

• Carnal man – Romans 8:6-8

• Human nature – Ephesians 2:3

• Earthly body – 2 Corinthians 5:1

• Body of sin – Romans 6:6

• Old self – Colossians 3:9

These terms often highlight the body’s inclination toward sin when the spirit does not have control over it. Left unchecked, the body becomes the seat of selfish desires, indulgence, and rebellion against God.

Temporary Yet Redeemable

Though the body is temporary, it is not meaningless. The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures believers that our bodies, though destined to die, will one day be raised in glory: “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable… it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” – 1 Corinthians 15:42 – 44

This hope reminds us that while the body is currently weak and flawed, it will one day be transformed. Until then, we are called to use our bodies as instruments of righteousness:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1