The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Dichotomy or Trichotomy

Which are we and why do you believe that?

I hold to the Dichotomy view. The Trichotomy view has been held by some but they are most definitely in the small minority. This subject has been discussed here on several other occasions and the last one can be found HERE where you will find a good defense for Dichotomy written by Dr. William Hendriksen.

Thanks. I wasn't sure. I went to the sermon by Pink and he seemed to believe in a trichotomy.

http://www.the-highway.com/reg2_Pink.html

Arthur Pink was a Trichotomist. As I wrote in my previous reply, most have been Dichotomists.

I myself am I Trichotomist. I don't really think it's a big deal, though, since although we can assign different words to the inner workings of man, it all turns out the same in the practical sense.

Obviously man has a body, that much is clear. The soul is composed of three elements: the mind, will, and emotions. The English word psychology, which refers to the study of the mind, will, and emotions, is derived from the Greek word psuche, which is translated as soul (a word used in the New Testament). These three elements are mentioned in the Scriptures at many places, yet never are they considered to be same as the spirit.

2 Corinthians 7:1(ESV)
"Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God."

Here we are told to cleanse ourselves - a choice - from every defilement of body and spirit. The choice to cleanse, then, is separate from body and spirit.

1 Corinthians 7:34 (ESV)

"...and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit."

The woman is anxious (an emotion) ABOUT the body and spirit.

Paul also tells us to (chose to) walk in the spirit, so that we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. We use the soul, the choice part, to walk in the spirit and keep our fleshly impulses under control.

Finally, the third part is the spirit. This includes our nature and our desires, and the part of us that communes with the Spirit of God directly:

1 Corinthians 6:17
"But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him."


Here are two passages of Scripture which specially mention the distinction between soul and spirit:

1 Corinthians 14:14
"For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful." (mind =/= spirit)

Hebrews 4:12
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow..."

As noted in one the links to a previous discussion on this subject here on the board, there is an excellent article by Dr. William Hendriksen which you can read here: Hendriksen’s notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (Trichotomy vs. Dichotomy).

Yes, I actually did read that before posting my comment.

Out of curiosity, since you read Hendrickson’s article. I take it you didn't agree on particular aspects of it. Can you tell us what those particulars are?

Thanks
Tom