The Trichotomy of Man (part I)

[Danus]

Like to get some thoughts on this......

We are humans created by God in his own image. (Genesis 1:26-27).

What type of being is God? A TRINITY — the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in one — this is the trichotomy of God. So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?

I’ve heard it explained: We are spirits, that have a soul, that live in a body. Those are the three parts of man: Spirit, Soul and Body.

Thoughts and definitions of each from all, welcome.

I retitled my post. I intend to make a study of this for those who would like to participate.

 

[Mysteryman]

Re: The Trichotomy of Man

Like to get some thoughts on this......

We are humans created by God in his own image. (Genesis 1:26-27).

What type of being is God? A TRINITY — the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in one — this is the trichotomy of God. So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?

I’ve heard it explained: We are spirits, that have a soul, that live in a body. Those are the three parts of man: Spirit, Soul and Body.

Thoughts and definitions of each from all, welcome.

Why then did God make man with only two eyes, two hands, two legs , and why did God create man male and female in the one man Adam ?

 

[Danus]

Re: The Trichotomy of Man

Why then did God make man with only two eyes, two hands, two legs , and why did God create man male and female in the one man Adam ?

Your thoughts on man being Spirit, soul, and body is a question?

What are your thoughts on the trichotomy of man? Spirit, soul, body. If your thoughts are in your question, answer it for me and explain.

There are no tricks to my post, I just want to hear from my brothers and sisters on this doctrine. Any large or small thoughts on it?

 

[Mysteryman]

Re: The Trichotomy of Man

Why then did God make man with only two eyes, two hands, two legs , and why did God create man male and female in the one man Adam ?

Your thoughts on man being Spirit, soul, and body is a question?

What are your thoughts on the trichotomy of man? Spirit, soul, body. If your thoughts are in your question, answer it for me and explain.

There are no tricks to my post, I just want to hear from my brothers and sisters on this doctrine. Any large or small thoughts on it?

This is the question I read in your OP that I answered >

" So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?"

 

[Danus]

Re: The Trichotomy of Man

Why then did God make man with only two eyes, two hands, two legs , and why did God create man male and female in the one man Adam ?

Your thoughts on man being Spirit, soul, and body is a question?

What are your thoughts on the trichotomy of man? Spirit, soul, body. If your thoughts are in your question, answer it for me and explain.

There are no tricks to my post, I just want to hear from my brothers and sisters on this doctrine. Any large or small thoughts on it?

This is the question I read in your OP that I answered >

" So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?"

I got you, but the topic is the 'trichotomy of man" dealing specifically with the Spirit, soul and body. Tri being 3 parts, liken to the image of God in 3 parts or persons.

Do you have any feed back on man's spirit, soul and body? any biblical verses or definitions you might add? Do you think we are trinitarian liken to God in this way?

 

[SonByAdoption]

People Please Please I implore if you don't read anything else or learn anything else from me learn this. We simply can not make a whole doctrine on a misinterpretation on one or two bible verses that contradicts the rest of the Bible. We've seen this pattern over and over in Christian sects. They misinterpret "first born of creation of God""and beginning of the creation of God"Colosians 1:15 and Rev.3:14 then start preaching that Jesus is a created being. And then some others misinterpret "baptized for the dead"1st Corinthians 15:29 and then they go out and build glorious temples and have baptisms for dead loved ones that die without Christ.

Why do we recognized this pattern in Christian sects but we don't see it when we look at ourselves. Is it just because they are those sects unpopular and we are mainstream so we can trust everything being said by them as Bible fact when they are misinterpreting 2 Bible verses 1st Thesolonians 5:23 and Hebrews 4:12 to make a whole doctrine just like the Christian sects that contradict the rest of the Bible exactly the same as some are doing with Col 1:15 and Rev 3:14 Could it be that these triplicate/tricothmy/ minitrinity preaching false teachers are just better disguised wolves in sheep clothing so we don't recognize them as easily and are better deceived. Satans best trick is to mix alot of truth with a little error and many Christians follow after him.

Like to get some thoughts on this......

We are humans created by God in his own image. (Genesis 1:26-27).

Adam had a human form/dust and a human spirit/mind[non immortal] and Adam WAS[not had] a living soul.(Gen 2:7)
God the Father has a Divine form"Seen His Form"(John 5:37) and a Divine Spirit/Mind."Who has directed the Spirit(ruwach ) of Yahweh, or has taught him as his counselor?""Who has known the mind(nous)of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?"Isaiah 40:13 and Romans 11:34

Before God's only Born came to earth He also had His own form. "form of the Son of God""form of God""he[Moses] sees the form of Yahweh[Christ inherited His Father's name and used it sometimes in the O.T.]." Philipians 2:6 Daniel 3:25 and Numbers 12:8

Paul was inspired to translate the hebrew word for spirit(ruwach) into the greek word for mind (nous) and not the greek word for spirit (pneuma) and he did this over and over again every time he quoted this O.T. verse in the N.T. Rom 11:34 and 1Cr 2:16 to teach us that God the Father has a Divine mind in His Divine head just like we have a human mind in our human head and His mind is not to be thought of or talked about or worshiped as some other person in some trinity.

What type of being is God? A TRINITY — the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in one — this is the trichotomy of God. So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?

Yes we have all been trained to accept this Genisis 1:26 trinity misinterpretation blindly without thinking without questioning because if you do the world will call you a cult. But I beg you follow God and not man. Check your Gen. 1:26 trinity misinterpretation by comparing scripture with scripture because the rest of the creation accounts tell us that its not a trinity 3in1 talking. But One Divine Being is talking to another Divine Being of like substance who is equal in power and nature but younger than Himself.

"...who has estasblished the ends of the earth?what is his name[this is the one Divine being who's talking in Gen1:26]and what is HIS SON's[this is the Other Divine being who He was talking to] name. Surely you know! Proverbs 30:4

"...which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God,[the one Divine being who was talking] who created all things by Jesus Christ:[the other Divine being who He was talking to]"Ephesians 3:9 K.J.V.

"Long ago God[The One Divine being who was talking] spoke...through the prophets.And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son[The Other Divine being who He was talking to]. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe"Hebrews 1:1,2

Proverbs 8:22WorldEnglishBible"Yahweh[The Divine being who was talking in Gen1:26] possessed me [The Other Divine Being who He was talking to] in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth[born from the Father not created], when there were no springs abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was brought forth;
26 while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

27 When he established the heavens[before anything was created Christ was already born God's Self Existant Son], I was there; when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

28 when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

29 when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth;

30 then I was the craftsman by his side[Jesus was the one who created everything with His own hands except the creation of man which was so important to God the Father that he wanted to personally be there too]. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,

31 Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

All the other creation accounts make it clear that one Divine being was talking to another Divine being and was not some 3in1 talking. Will we continue to believe our traditional unbliblical but very popular trinity misinterpretation of Gen1:26 when the rest of the Bible contradicts this? By the way though they are two separate Divine beings they have the same image because one of them is the "express image of [the other's]person"Hebrews 1:3

 

[Danus]

What type of being is God? A TRINITY — the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in one — this is the trichotomy of God. So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?

Yes we have all been trained to accept this Genisis 1:26 trinity misinterpretation blindly without thinking without questioning because if you do the world will call you a cult. But I beg you follow God and not man. Check your Gen. 1:26 trinity misinterpretation by comparing scripture with scripture because the rest of the creation accounts tell us that its not a trinity 3in1 talking. But One Divine Being is talking to another Divine Being of like substance who is equal in power and nature but younger than Himself.

Thank you "son By Adoption".

I'm afraid will have to agree to disagree, but I'm not attempting to argue the concept of the trinity with my post. Also just to separate what I believe from what you have presented; the basis for my understanding and belief in the trinity does not match your presentation on why I might believe or understand the trinity. However, I welcome your thoughts, and it looks to me like you laid them out very well. I will have to consider what you have posted for another study.

So, in hopes that I might keep this thread in the direction I would like I to go, I am looking for Christians who know or want to study the "tricodomy of man". With that I guess I'm looking for those who do believe, or subscribe to the trinity doctrine; Just to re-post my OP

Like to get some thoughts on this......

We are humans created by God in his own image. (Genesis 1:26-27).

What type of being is God? A TRINITY — the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in one — this is the trichotomy of God. So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?

I’ve heard it explained: We are spirits, that have a soul, that live in a body. Those are the three parts of man: Spirit, Soul and Body.

Thoughts and definitions of each from all, welcome.

 

[SonByAdoption]

Someone asked: “If the soul of the believer will go to heaven when he dies, what about his spirit?†This view that the essence of man consists of three parts—body, soul and spirit—is very common today. Although most theologians reject this tripartite view of man, this teaching is very popular among evangelicals today...http://www.twoagespilgrims.com/doctrine/?p=7225

This was an introduction to a paper on a Trinitarian site.

The simple fact that I don't believe in the trinity does not make all my other points invalid. I clearly proved from the scripture that God the Father is a dichotomy Divine Form and Divine Mind. And His Son was a Dicotomy Divine Form and Divine mind/spirit before His incarnation. And I can also prove that that Jesus Christ was a dichotomy during His incarnation human body and Divine mind/spirit. And scriptures were clear that Adam was a dicotomy human body and human mind/spirit. So I don't know where you're getting your doctrine from but it isn't the Bible and you have posted on Apologetics and Theology and that gives everybody the right to come in here and speak out against false doctrine. Many trinitarians believe and have taught since the trinity was invented in 400ad that man is a dicotomy. And I thought your doctrine was new but I just found out on google that this teaching was heard of by the church fathers and rejected. Tricotomy is a belief invented by Plato and the Greek Philosophers and Early Gnostics what ever that word means. Anyways the following is a very short quote from a Trinitarian website that very quickly and efficiently destroys your argument with the Bible and I invite anyone to please search this tricothomy subject out and just don't fall for it just because people you trust are promoting it.

"Dichotomy, Trichotomy, or Polychotomy?
...Scripture has an impregnable case for dichotomy, the view that man consists of two parts, body and soul. Various texts show us that man consists of material (body) and immaterial (soul-spirit) parts:

(a) Soul and spirit are used interchangeably (Gen 41:8 – Psa 42:6 and Matt 20:28 (life=psyche); Matt 27:50 and Matt 6:25 – Eccl 12:7; Luke 1:46-47 and John 12:27 – John 13:21)

(b) Death is giving up soul (Acts 15:26 [life = psyche)]; 1 Pet 4:19) or spirit (Matt 27:50; Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59)

(c) The disembodied dead are called “souls†(1 Pet 3:19; Rev 6:9-11, 20:4).

(d) Man’s relationship to God is not just through the spirit (Psa 51:17; Ezek 36:26; 1 Cor 6:17), but also through the soul (Mark 8:36-37, 12:30; Luke 1:46; Jas 1:21)

(e) A twofold, not threefold, division happens at death (Eccl 12:7; Matt 10:28; Luke 23:46; Jas 2:26; Acts 7:59)

Compare the above with only two texts that seem to support trichotomy, the view that in addition to the material, the immaterial consists of two distinct substances:

(a) 1 Thessalonians 5:23: division into spirit, soul, and body?

(b) Hebrews 4:12: division between soul and spirit?

According to A. A. Hodge in his Outlines of Theology, page 299, this is the view of most Greek philosophers, including Aristotle, Pythagoras, Plato, and most Greek philosophers, who contributed to Gnosticism.

These two texts do not necessarily teach trichotomy. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul is not trying to split man into three parts (spirit, soul, body). Is Jesus saying that man is made up of four parts in Mark 12:30 (heart, soul, mind, strength)? There are several texts that lists different “parts†of man, and if they are taken literally, the resulting view would be polychotomy—not two or three parts, but many parts.

For example, in Deuteronomy 6:5, God commands Israel to love him with all their heart, soul and strength (see Matt 22:37) while Mark 12:30 lists heart, soul, mind, strength, and Mark 12:33 adds understanding. Isaiah 64:4 tells us that God is so unique that no eye, ear, mind can describe him. Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:5 that he is exhorting them so they may develop a love that issues from a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith. All of these lists merely encompass the whole being, not parts, of a person.

In Hebrews 4:12, the Greek verb used for “dividing,†merismos, is never used anywhere in Scripture to differenti­ate between two different things, but is always used when distributing and dividing up various aspects of the same thing (see Heb 2:4; contrast with diameridzo in Luke 11:17-18; Matt 27:35; John 19:24). Thus, this verse, in saying that the Word of God divides soul and spirit, teaches that the Word penetrates our innermost parts.

So whenever you think of yourself as body, soul and spirit, think again. Gnosticism may have a beachhead into your soul."
http://www.twoagespilgrims.com/doctrine/?p=7225

 

[SonByAdoption]

I know that I quoted from that paper and I agree with most things but I don't agree with their point c) just to go on record saying that. I don't believe that mans soul is immortal or that we have thoughts or our concsious after death but that we are sleeping peacefully until Christs wakes us up and takes us home. I know that this isn't what this topic is about I just had to go on record saying that I don't agree with point number C. on the paper I quoted.

 

[Ahuli]

Like to get some thoughts on this......

We are humans created by God in his own image. (Genesis 1:26-27).

What type of being is God? A TRINITY — the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in one — this is the trichotomy of God. So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?

I’ve heard it explained: We are spirits, that have a soul, that live in a body. Those are the three parts of man: Spirit, Soul and Body.

Thoughts and definitions of each from all, welcome.

I retitled my post. I intend to make a study of this for those who would like to participate.

There are two parts to man ... body and spirit. It's in the bible.

 

[Ahuli]

I know that I quoted from that paper and I agree with most things but I don't agree with their point c) just to go on record saying that. I don't believe that mans soul is immortal or that we have thoughts or our concsious after death but that we are sleeping peacefully until Christs wakes us up and takes us home. I know that this isn't what this topic is about I just had to go on record saying that I don't agree with point number C. on the paper I quoted.

"Who ONLY has immortality!" Where does that leave you and me? We do not have it yet. Paul did not have it yet.

I Timothy 6:15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

The concept of the "immortal soul" is of pagan origin. All those who believe otherwise should google that, it can be researched on the web.

 

[Danus]

Like to get some thoughts on this......

We are humans created by God in his own image. (Genesis 1:26-27).

What type of being is God? A TRINITY — the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in one — this is the trichotomy of God. So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?

I’ve heard it explained: We are spirits, that have a soul, that live in a body. Those are the three parts of man: Spirit, Soul and Body.

Thoughts and definitions of each from all, welcome.

I retitled my post. I intend to make a study of this for those who would like to participate.

There are two parts to man ... body and spirit. It's in the bible.

Thanks Ahuli. Now we are getting some where.

Consider this, Is there a difference between the soul and the spirit?
The soul has been described by some as that which makes up the essence of man, the personality, the mind, feelings; ....that which makes us alive I guess. The body is the body. the physical aspect of man......but what about the spirit? What do you think? is there a difference?

I would ask that you ponder it. Research a little and let me know what your thoughts are.

 

[glorydaz]

Like to get some thoughts on this......

We are humans created by God in his own image. (Genesis 1:26-27).

What type of being is God? A TRINITY — the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Three persons in one — this is the trichotomy of God. So if we were made in the image of God, and God is a trinity, what then is the trichotomy of man?

I’ve heard it explained: We are spirits, that have a soul, that live in a body. Those are the three parts of man: Spirit, Soul and Body.

Thoughts and definitions of each from all, welcome.

I retitled my post. I intend to make a study of this for those who would like to participate.

You're exactly right.

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.

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, (body) and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The spirit is the part of man that communes with God. The soul is the essence of who we are...will, mind, and emotions, and the body is the tent in which we reside.

 

[glorydaz]

I forgot to add...the body is the "outer court", the soul is the "inner court, and the spirit is the "holy of holies". People shouldn't scoff at what they don't understand.

 

[JamesG]

.
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.†Mark 12:30

How many parts of man does this verse say that we have? Add this verse to the ones used as evidence for the Trichotomy of man and one sees even more than four parts. That is unless one goes about trying to interpret the Bible in the way that Witness Lee did, the one who started the Lord’s Recovery or as they are commonly called, the Local Churches. He had a very intriguing and complex concept on the Trichotomy of man.

Man is not made up of parts in the sense that is portrayed by concepts like the Trichotomy of man, concepts that exist in many variations. Man has many aspects. The Trichotomy of man idea tries to make something that God created very complex into something that is simple and easy to understand. And each individual person is not a being with three persons as if he is a Trinity like God. Genesis does not say that we were created with just three parts. It says what it says. God took some dirt and breathed into it and man became a living being or soul. In trying to make man into a simple being we have to interpret simple Bible passages in a very complex way.

Instead of being concerned with this type of thing, it would be better if we learned how to walk according to the Spirit. Then we will be able to discern through the Spirit when we try to make up concepts with our mind that have nothing at all to do with reality.

JamesG

 

[glorydaz]

.Instead of being concerned with this type of thing, it would be better if we learned how to walk according to the Spirit. Then we will be able to discern through the Spirit when we try to make up concepts with our mind that have nothing at all to do with reality.

JamesG

This has absolutely nothing to do with cults, and it isn't making up concepts in our minds.... it's understanding how God made us. Man has a spirit that is renewed and communicates with the Spirit of God when we're saved. Man's will, mind, and emotions (soul) then need to be brought under subjection. A person can be saved and still not have their mind brought under the control of the Holy Spirit. It's a process of santification that deals with the whole of man, who has been created in the "image" of God.

There has been a long list of saints, down through the ages, who have written on this, not just Watchman Nee. In fact, most believers find it very helpful in understanding different portions of scripture to know that man is created in the image of God and is comprised of body, soul, and spirit. There are some verses that make no sense at all without that understanding.

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.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

 

[Danus]

Thanks glorydaz, for the scriptures.

To me this concept of the Trichotomy of man makes perfect sense from what we know of God, his nature, his word, and especially what the bible teaches us about our own condition. While the bible does not go into great detail of each, we can clearly see man being described as a trichotomy in scripture.

Here are a couple more.

Psalm 84:2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Job 7:11 "Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

There seem to be many verses where man's spirit, soul and body are clearly and distinctively mentioned, as separate measures, or make up's of man.

 

[glorydaz]

Thanks glorydaz, for the scriptures.

To me this concept of the Trichotomy of man makes perfect sense from what we know of God, his nature, his word, and especially what the bible teaches us about our own condition. While the bible does not go into great detail of each, we can clearly see man being described as a trichotomy in scripture.

Here are a couple more.

Psalm 84:2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Job 7:11 "Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

There seem to be many verses where man's spirit, soul and body are clearly and distinctively mentioned, as separate measures, or make up's of man.

Here's an excellent source if you're interested in learning more...The Historical perspective will link you with others, like Andrew Murray, who see the same thing.

Biblical Support for the Tripartite Man
Genesis 2:7
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Hebrews 4:12
Throughout both the Old and New Testament, the Scriptures reveal that man has been created with three basic parts: the body, the soul, and the spirit.

This trichotomous view of man is apparent even from the moment of man’s creation. In Genesis 2:7 “Jehovah God formed man with the dust of the ground.†With this act, God created man’s body. The verse continues, “And breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.†“Breath†is derived from the Hebrew word neshamah which, significantly, is translated “spirit†in Proverbs 20:27: “The spirit [neshamah] of man is the lamp of Jehovah.†We can thus infer, that God’s breathing into man the breath of life produced man’s spirit. Zechariah 12:1 corroborates the creation of man’s spirit by telling us that just as Jehovah stretched forth the heavens and laid the foundation of the earth, He also formed the spirit of man within him. Genesis 2:7 concludes “And man became a living soul.†The soul (man’s intrinsic person) was the issue of the breath of God entering into the nostrils of the body of dust. The biblical record of the three-step creation of man clearly reveals him to be tripartite.

This trichotomous view of man is apparent even from the moment of man’s creation

The New Testament continues and expands on this revelation. First Thessalonians 5:23 says, “And the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.†Here Paul enumerates man’s three distinct parts: “spirit and soul and body,†the repetition of the conjunction “and†serving to reinforce their distinctness. Furthermore, Hebrews 4:12 specifies “The word of God is living and operative and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit and of joints and
marrow.†All three parts are once again articulated in this verse: the joints and marrow pertain to the body, and the soul is explicitly separate from the spirit. These Old and New Testament references exemplify the Bible’s consistent presentation of the tripartite man.

http://www.tripartiteman.org/scriptural/index.html

 

[Danus]

Thanks glorydaz.
That link was helpful in my study. Confirms what I've been working on. I'm working on a study concerning the condition of man before the fall. Looking for illustrations and this "doctrine" if you will, I think best fits.

I probably should have posted this in the talk and advice section, but I'm sure debate would follow there as well.
I have diverted into looking at some of the arguments against this thought, and so far I've only found that you can pound any square peg into a round hole if you have a heavy enough hammer.

To me, the trichotomy of man is still a beautiful illustration of our condition before the fall, now, and in our time to come. However, there is not a lot of specific scripture. Rather, It's truth is unveiled across scripture, which makes it even more fascinating, and no need for large hammers because it fit's perfectly.

Personally I have found that God speaks to me best across scripture. It's better to know the whole than to focus only on a part, but study of a part leads to understanding the whole. This is one of those studies that I think requires many parts to see the whole.

 

[glorydaz]

Thanks glorydaz.
That link was helpful in my study. Confirms what I've been working on. I'm working on a study concerning the condition of man before the fall. Looking for illustrations and this "doctrine" if you will, I think best fits.

I probably should have posted this in the talk and advice section, but I'm sure debate would follow there as well.
I have diverted into looking at some of the arguments against this thought, and so far I've only found that you can pound any square peg into a round hole if you have a heavy enough hammer.

To me, the trichotomy of man is still a beautiful illustration of our condition before the fall, now, and in our time to come. However, there is not a lot of specific scripture. Rather, It's truth is unveiled across scripture, which makes it even more fascinating, and no need for large hammers because it fit's perfectly.

Personally I have found that God speaks to me best across scripture. It's better to know the whole than to focus only on a part, but study of a part leads to understanding the whole. This is one of those studies that I think requires many parts to see the whole.

There are little nuggets all through the Word on this, as it seems you've found out. Knowing that man has a spirit, soul, and body has opened up some wonderful truths from the Word. Soul and spirit are not just interchangeable terms, although some translations make them so. When our spirit is regenerated by God, our mind, will, and emotions (the soul) need to be brought under control of the spirit. Our body always obeys our soul so they are all connected. It's the inner man verses the outer man...I find it facinating, myself. :yes