The Bible describes a human being as a three-part entity: body, soul, and spirit.
Scripture, particularly 1 Thessalonians 5:23, explicitly mentions these three components. Les Feldick teaches that humans are tripartite, with the body as the outer tent and the soul and spirit forming the invisible real person, all of which God redeems and preserves.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 — This verse explicitly names all three parts of a human being—spirit, soul, and body—providing clear biblical support for the tripartite view.
The Bible presents human beings as composed of body, soul, and spirit. First Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV) states: 'And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.' This verse clearly distinguishes three aspects of a person. Hebrews 4:12 (KJV) further indicates a distinction between soul and spirit, as it says: 'For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.' This implies they are separable, even though closely related. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 15:44 (KJV) mentions a 'natural body' and a 'spiritual body,' indicating that the body has both a present and a future form, implying the continuation of the whole person.
Les Feldick teaches that a human is a 'tripartite' or 'three-part' being, not a trinity but body, soul, and spirit, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:23. He explains that the body is the 'outer tent' or covering, used for the five senses and temporary, while the real person is invisible, consisting of soul and spirit. This allows humans to be created in the image of God, who is an invisible Spirit. Les emphasizes that God is concerned with the whole person—body, soul, and spirit—in this life and for eternity, as believers will receive new bodies and remain complete entities. He also clarifies that at physical death, the soul and spirit separate from the body, but they will be reunited at the resurrection for those in Christ.
Les Feldick teaches that God is as concerned about the body as He is about the soul and spirit. He argues that no human has any worth in this life or the life to come without a body. In the eternal state, believers will receive new bodies, emphasizing that God's redemption includes the whole person—body, soul, and spirit. The body is considered the 'outer tent' that is temporary, but it is still essential for a complete entity.
Les Feldick explains that physical death is the separation of the body from the soul and spirit. For believers, the soul and spirit go to be with the Lord, but the body remains in the grave. At the resurrection, God will reunite the soul and spirit with a new, spiritual body, making the believer a complete entity again for eternity. This underscores God's plan to redeem the entire person, not just a part.
The Real You Is Invisible
Les teaches that although humans are visible, the 'real you' is invisible, aligning with God's invisible nature, and that the body is not the totality of a person.
Tripartite Being
Les explicitly teaches that humans are body, soul, and spirit, based on 1 Thessalonians 5:23, and refutes the idea that God only cares about the soul.
God's Concern for the Whole Man
Les explains that God is concerned with the entire person—body, soul, and spirit—both now and in eternity, and that death is the separation of body from soul and spirit.
Natural and Spiritual Bodies
Les cites 1 Corinthians 15 to show that there is a natural body and a spiritual body, indicating that the body has a role in the afterlife, not just the soul.
Eternity as a Complete Entity
Les emphasizes that we go into eternity as a complete entity of body, soul, and spirit, not just the soul or spirit alone.
Redemption of Body, Soul, and Spirit
Les teaches that God will redeem the whole person—body, soul, and spirit—and that the Holy Spirit is the down payment for this complete redemption.
Body as Outer Tent
Les describes the body as a temporary 'outer tent' used for the five senses, while the soul and spirit are the invisible, eternal aspects of a person.
Resurrection Reunites Soul and Spirit with Body
Les explains that at the resurrection, the soul and spirit, which are in glory, will be reunited with a new body, making the believer complete again.
1 Thessalonians 5:23: And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This verse is foundational for the tripartite view of humanity, explicitly listing spirit, soul, and body.
Hebrews 4:12: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
This shows that soul and spirit are distinct yet separable, supporting the idea that they are not identical.
1 Corinthians 15:44: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
Indicates that the body has both a natural and a spiritual form, implying the body's role in the resurrection.
Yes, the Bible explicitly states in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 that the whole person consists of spirit, soul, and body. Les Feldick emphasizes this tripartite nature, teaching that all three parts must be present for a complete human entity.
At physical death, the body separates from the soul and spirit. The soul and spirit of a believer go to be with the Lord, while the body remains. At the resurrection, God will reunite them with a new body, as Les Feldick teaches from 2 Corinthians 5 and 1 Corinthians 15.
Watch the Teaching: Genesis 1:26-27: Who Are "Us"? The Trinity in Creation