What is a soul/spirit?

[Cosmos]

From a Hindu perspective,

the soul is life and consciousness. It is the Self. Can life be scientifically measured? Can consciousness? Can they be seen or proven?

Most interesting concept, my friend. As a Baha'i, I see the understanding of the nature of the soul alike to the understanding of God, for to know our selves is to know God, and visa versa, which is not a finite dimension of understanding but a continuously progressive reality. We read from the Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha:

My meaning is this, that in every aspect of life, purity and holiness, cleanliness and refinement, exalt the human condition and further the development of man’s inner reality. Even in the physical realm, cleanliness will conduce to spirituality, as the Holy Writings clearly state. And although bodily cleanliness is a physical thing, it hath, nevertheless, a powerful influence on the life of the spirit. It is even as a voice wondrously sweet, or a melody played: although sounds are but vibrations in the air which affect the ear’s auditory nerve, and these vibrations are but chance phenomena carried along through the air, even so, see how they move the heart. A wondrous melody is wings for the spirit, and maketh the soul to tremble for joy. The purport is that physical cleanliness doth also exert its effect upon the human soul.--Selected Writings from Abdu'l-Baha, pgs. 146-147

When identifying soul as energy, we need to define exactly what 'that is'. In Baha'i philosophy Divine Energy is the all-pervading emanation of God in the various realities therein, including the realm or kingdom of Creation. It is best then understood as the definable essence of a thing or being, as, for example, the human reality in creation is endowed with all of the qualities and attributes of God (i.e. image of God) and therefore an exalted station or reality. Likewise, the elements are component compositions that are random by nature and do not hold any reality or substance outside of the human consciousness to perceive and project meaning or purpose to phenomena. Note that a fundamental in scientific research as well as Baha'i philosophy and metaphysics is that we cannot know the absolute essence of anything, let alone the reality of the soul or God, but we can learn of their qualities and attributes. :rainbow1:

Abdu'l-Baha elaborates further into the nature of the soul in capacity:

Until man is born again from the world of nature, that is to say, becomes detached from the world of nature, he is essentially an animal, and it is the teachings of God which convert this animal into a human soul.

So, we can see from this quote that there are dimensions or levels to the human consciousness. If we compare the Baha'i philosophical view with Buddhism and Hinduism we will readily observe that there are many parallels, such as the Buddha's description of (true) Self as Mind (Citta) and the Hindu chakra system which concerns the flow of Consciousness through the body or central nervous system (CNS). Our soul can take any dimension, or shape if you will, at will and though independent in its essential reality, is dependent upon our cultivation and utilization of our spiritual capacities or powers in this very life.:group::bahai:

Baha'u'llah affirms:

"Thou hast asked me concerning the nature of the soul. Know verily that the soul is a sign of God, a heavenly gem whose reality the most learned of men hath failed to grasp, and whose mystery no mind, however acute, can ever hope to unravel. It is the first among all created things to declare the excellence of its Creator, the first to recognize His glory, to cleave to His truth, and to bow down in adoration before Him."--Gleanings From the Writings of Baha'u'llah, pgs. 158-159

The soul is a "gem"-like substance in that it is an object of potential value and like a valuable stone it is perfected in its grade of being to become perfect as it is. It is a mystery because the true potentiality latent within the soul is completely imperceivable. For example, the power of vision does not originate from the optic nerve or brain but the soul is vision itself. And it is the first of God's creatures to recognize Him because His creation has always been existent as the process of "Intelligence-rising".

So the question whether Consciousness can be measured or not is highly relevant and a valid scientific inquiry, as well. The Buddha stated that Truth exists nowhere and alluded to true Self being of the same condition or state. This is intrinsically paradoxical and takes deep meditation to comprehend. The Baha'i texts also relates how the soul is not the body or mind itself as an isolated phenomenon, but is associated in relationship to the body-mind so that body-mind-soul are all corelative aspects of the same human reality. I will conclude with a Discourse from the Buddha that I feel the Baha'i teachings in divine philosophy echoes:angel2::

"Thou believest, O Master, that beings are reborn;
that they migrate in the evolution of life;
and that subject to the law of karma we must reap what we sow.
Yet thou teachest the non-existence of the soul!
Thy disciples praise utter self-extinction
as the highest bliss of Nirvana.
If I am merely a combination of the sankharas,
my existence will cease when I die.
If I am merely a compound of sensations and ideas and desires,
wither can I go at the dissolution of the body?"



Said the Blessed One:
"O Brahman, thou art religious and earnest.
Thou art seriously concerned about thy soul.
Yet is thy work in vain because thou art lacking
in the one thing that is needful. "There is rebirth of character,
but no transmigration of a self.
Thy thought-forms reappear,
but there is no egoentity transferred.
The stanza uttered by a teacher
is reborn in the scholar who repeats the words."


"Now listen and answer these questions:
Where does the wind dwell?"


"Nowhere," was the reply.


Buddha retorted: "Then, sir,
there is no such thing as wind."


Kutadanta made no reply;
and the Blessed One asked again:
"Answer me, O Brahman,
where does wisdom dwell?
Is wisdom a locality?"



"Wisdom has no alloted dwelling-place," replied Kutadanta.


Said the Blessed One:
"Meanest thou that there is no wisdom,
no enlightenment, no righteousness, and no salvation,
because Nirvana is not a locality?
As a great and mighty wind
which passeth over the world
in the heat of the day,
so the Tathagata comes to blow
over the minds of mankind
with the breath of his love,
so cool, so sweet, so calm, so delicate;
and those tormented by fever assuage their suffering
and rejoice at the refreshing breeze."


Said Kutadanta:
"I feel, O Lord,
that thou proclaimeat a great doctrine,
but I cannot grasp it.
Forbear with me that I ask again:
Tell me, O Lord, if there be no atman,
how can there be immortality?
The activity of the mind passeth,
and our thoughts are gone
when we have done thinking."


Buddha replied:
"Our thinking is gone,
but our thoughts continue.
Reasoning ceases,
but knowledge remains."

:canoe:

 

[look3467]

A living soul was a resultant of a marriage between God and the clay vessel.
I say living in the sense that the body is alive in the flesh, with it's own spirit to manage bodily functions. (But as dead spiritually, explained later)

But with in that body lies a spirit of consciences, that defines who you are, as an individual; giving worth, and value to you as a creation of God.

That soul, you...... in spirit is what God sent His son to rescue by enabling a second birth to life.

Thus, the word living, now takes hold at the rebirth from a dead state to a state of living.

Jesus is the second type of Adam whose marriage with God created a living soul, (Spiritually speaking) and whose marriage with us, (Jesus the bridegroom and we the bride)are we to recreated into a living soul in Jesus.

Your soul's spirit then can be said; your spirit (Spiritual side) is alive in Jesus by rebirth.

Joh 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

Ain't God just wonderful!!!!

Blessings, AJ

 

[Beta]

Beta-

What I wanted to stress is that God's spirit is his powerful active force used to create.
Without God's spirit [dynamic energy] man would not have the spirit of life.
There would be no spark of life, so to speak.
When we hear of school spirit or a high-spirited horse we do not think of their spirit as a person or being. Rather we think of energy. A pep rally helps create school spirit.
A lively horse has a lot of spirit or spark of life.

It is interesting too that the word 'being' in Scripture is only applied to God not Jesus.

As the name 'Jesus', the OT people would have just been looking for, not the name, but the person that would be Messiah or promised Christ- [Daniel 9vs 25,26].
So from the time of the first prophecy of Genesis 3v15 the people would have been looking for the promised 'seed' that would be the Messiah.

Luke 3v15 mentions the people were in expectation of the Messiah.
Some were wondering if John the Baptist was he.
Because of the Hebrew OT Scriptures the people would have been aware.

Yes I agree with you , without the Power of GOD's SPIRIT there would have been no human awareness to begin with or human knowledge as advanced understanding - and all that just through our HUMAN spirit. Even so we need an ADDED DOSE of GOD's HOLY SPIRIT to further advance into ETERNAL life Jas.1v18. 1Pet.1v3. Joh.3v3-7. Eph.1v14. All these scriptures seem to point to a new 'Begettal and Re-birth through the HS of GOD'.
It really is not so complicated when we bear in mind our human conception (begettal) which also needs the union of 2 Persons for the creating of another Human. Similarly God's HS uniting with our spirit to create a new Spirit-Being.
This is my understanding of scripture for what it's worth - others may perceive it differently.

 

[Beta]

To assume we have spirits, is basically to assume we are gods.

We have the potential of becoming God's.
Man was originally created to become AS God (not God Himself) Gen.1v26,27, to have eternal Spirit-life. But scripture shows a 'process of further development' to reach that stage. This process demands our agreement AND a personal conscious participation in it Deut.30v19,20 is a good pointer in that direction with the NT scriptures giving added requirements for spiritual development.
But our free-will and choice are ever necessary since we are not automatically destined to make it for sure. We know from scripture that some may not choose God's prescribed way but work out a differnt route.

 

[look3467]

We have the potential of becoming God's.

We are gods, lower case g.

Gen 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

When we get to that point where we can judge between the good and evil, that day, our eyes shall be opened as gods.

Reference: Psa 82:6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

Joh 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

Are ye not able to discern between good and evil? Are ye not gods?Blessings, AJ

 

[Cosmos]

Most interesting bringing to mind Psalms 86:2!

I'd like to comment just a little bit in elaboration to this. If we look through the entire Bible we'll find that the usage of "Ye are gods" occurs three times to my knowledge, in Psalms, Book of Isaiah, and Gospel of John.

The word used is "elohiym" and this word has many dimensions of meanings that not everyone comprehends. Most think it specifically means "God" or "Gods" as in reference to deities, which is in fact only partially true. Here is the full expression of the Hebrew word 'elohim' from Strong's Bible Concordance:

1) (plural)
a) rulers, judges
b) divine ones
c) angels
d) gods

2) (plural intensive - singular meaning)
a) god, goddess
b) godlike one
c) works or special possessions of God
d) the (true) God
e) God


So, we can observe that when the Lord God refers to us as "gods" in the English translation, what is probably being described is our angelic or spiritual aspect of self or the fact that "judge" (elohiym) is also used in other Semitic languages, such as the word Ba'al, to refer to "great men", "judges", or "rulers", because 'ba'al' is also used as a name-place.



I hope that was somewhat informative and will allow for more research.

 

[Beta]

We are gods, lower case g.

Gen 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

When we get to that point where we can judge between the good and evil, that day, our eyes shall be opened as gods.

Reference: Psa 82:6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

Joh 10:34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

Are ye not able to discern between good and evil? Are ye not gods?Blessings, AJ

I would seriously question human ability to truly discern between good and evil. A 'natural' person can only judge according to his carnal nature Rom.8v7 which is far from God-like. And who was it who quoted Gen.3v5 ??? It was the serpent/satan who was out to deceive mankind and tempt them away from God.
We can not believe everything we read at face value - not even scripture. Can we really trust what satan says ?
And Ps.82v6 says God is standing among the mighty who deem themselves gods. Note what he says to them. If they were TRULY as gods they would not be unjust and eventually die like men themselves.
Man has a lot to learn before he will be AS God.

 

[look3467]

You are correct that "ye are gods' are mentioned three times in the whole of the bible.

The only reason I brought them up was to show that 'ye are gods" is in harmony with what caused the separation (Spiritual death) of the already alive individual.

In other words, alive physically, yet dead spiritually, due to the separation, a process that was part of the designed creation form.

Because of that, by necessity, God foreknew the need for a creation of a second type Adam, one in which life existed. Not life physical, but life spiritual.

This is consistent throughout the whole bible of which Jesus is the center of, and the beginning of life.

Life begin.........not with the first Adam, but with the second Adam.
For the first Adam brought life in the physical, yet death by separation was it's end.

The following verse applies: 1Co 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

The after wards is where life really begins.

But first the Potter (God) makes a vessel, an individual vessel that becomes marred in the Potters hands, that is in the making.

That individuality, the god thing, is the marred part by necessity, otherwise, why even give us a will?

Jesus had a will, yes, but in total obedience, willed it to the Father.

That was the second vessel from the same lump of clay that the Potter saw fit to make, and one, not many, fit for destruction.

The one fit for destruction is the one that died, and the rest were given life.

So now, the Potter rescued His marred vessels by the destruction of one, to the point where now all marred vessels are thrown into the fiery furnace of God's love.

For God is: Deu 4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

1Co 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

All that is consistent with the whole scope and work of God in the body of Jesus.

Now from all that, anybody can make of it anything they want.

Blessings, AJ

 

[look3467]

I would seriously question human ability to truly discern between good and evil. A 'natural' person can only judge according to his carnal nature Rom.8v7 which is far from God-like. And who was it who quoted Gen.3v5 ??? It was the serpent/satan who was out to deceive mankind and tempt them away from God.
We can not believe everything we read at face value - not even scripture. Can we really trust what satan says ?
And Ps.82v6 says God is standing among the mighty who deem themselves gods. Note what he says to them. If they were TRULY as gods they would not be unjust and eventually die like men themselves.
Man has a lot to learn before he will be AS God.

Just the ability to discern, to choose between two opposites is what makes us individuals or like as gods.

Blessings, AJ

 

[Beta]

Just the ability to discern, to choose between two opposites is what makes us individuals or like as gods.

Blessings, AJ

I am not denying it's a step up in our learning-curve. But as scripture says the way is tight , steep and narrow. Long way to go - much yet to learn for all of us.

 

[look3467]

I am not denying it's a step up in our learning-curve. But as scripture says the way is tight , steep and narrow. Long way to go - much yet to learn for all of us.

True as far as our merits are concerned, for they are judged here accordingly.

Now, as for this verse (Mind you, these are only my opinions) Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

That word few must fit into the works of Christ in order for "life" to begin, or in other words, Jesus walked the straits, the narrow way and opened the gates of life for us.

Then, few are them that take notice of it, yet it is gained: one for all.

Because one can see and understand the gift of grace without merit, should by shear appreciation for the love of God that we would want to live life justly.

A responsibility driven by love and not by force, as in many cases in our day by the requirements, traditions and practices of mankind.

Though, I must admit, that many of it is of necessity, for after all, are we not geared for the worldly?

That is why we should encourage each other in whatever beliefs there may be, peradventure, some may find the love of God irresistible?

Blessings, AJ

 

[LyricalDutchess]

We ARE living souls. There is no "casper" inside of us. The bible says God breathed the breath of life into the body and he BECAME a living soul.

 

[Beta]

True as far as our merits are concerned, for they are judged here accordingly.

Now, as for this verse (Mind you, these are only my opinions) Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

That word few must fit into the works of Christ in order for "life" to begin, or in other words, Jesus walked the straits, the narrow way and opened the gates of life for us.

Then, few are them that take notice of it, yet it is gained: one for all.

Because one can see and understand the gift of grace without merit, should by shear appreciation for the love of God that we would want to live life justly.

A responsibility driven by love and not by force, as in many cases in our day by the requirements, traditions and practices of mankind.

Though, I must admit, that many of it is of necessity, for after all, are we not geared for the worldly?

That is why we should encourage each other in whatever beliefs there may be, peradventure, some may find the love of God irresistible?

Blessings, AJ

Friend , I do have some difficulty following your line of thought. May I start with your last sentence. What kind of beliefs do you mean ? Christian beliefs or any other ?
Talking about the God of the Bible does open to man the opportunity to get to know and love him through Jesus Christ. Once we have taken that step we seem to be accepted by God for further Revelations that help us to move on and perhaps become one of the few who make it into his Kgd. But it is a struggle all the way having to fight human nature, satan's deception and worldly ways.
Not all will in future be subjected to this 3fold attack once Christ has removed some of these obstacles. But those in the first resurrection have a tough ride as did the apostles and prophets and others.
From scripture we see that more than our own willingness is needed for our salvation - not least the Power of God's HS.
I do not presume to speak for others , this is my understanding of scripture and God willing given time and patience we people will understand each other better too. Babylon and confusion will be no more !

 

[look3467]

May I start with your last sentence. What kind of beliefs do you mean ?

It is my belief that God allows for diversity of beliefs, and that within that diversity, love may be born.
An example would be, an individual born to a family totally void of belief in Jesus as Savior verses one that is.
It is by no means either ones fault where, or to whom and what belief system they were placed in.

Yes, it is my belief system that Jesus Christ died not only for my sins but for the rest of the worlds sins as well.

But then, there are those whose beliefs are not the same as mine.

So, the problem of differences is resolved by the love of God being born in both differing individuals via the trials of life and becoming as one in the love of God.

To love God can be in other forms, not necessarily how I view it.

It is akin to siblings, who love their parents in different ways, yet they do love them.

God for further Revelations that help us to move on and perhaps become one of the few who make it into his Kgd. But it is a struggle all the way having to fight human nature, satan's deception and worldly ways.

It is within each one of us a conscience towards something higher than our selves, which causes us to want to seek it out.

The degree to which that is done depends on, the trials and tribulations, and the godly material one is exposed to.

The whole point of this existence is the struggle.

Were it not for the adversary, what good could we do, if we were all good to start with?

Not all will in future be subjected to this 3fold attack once Christ has removed some of these obstacles. But those in the first resurrection have a tough ride as did the apostles and prophets and others.

Christ has removed the power of any obstacle over us at the cross, though we still have to deal with them, meaning we don't have to be under its bondage.

From scripture we see that more than our own willingness is needed for our salvation - not least the Power of God's HS.

If, salvation is a free gift, then what more than willingness is needed? Rather, accepting the gift and living for God in appreciation of our own free will is, what is desired.

The will to live for God verses the demand to live for God is what God desires.

I do not presume to speak for others , this is my understanding of scripture and God willing given time and patience we people will understand each other better too. Babylon and confusion will be no more !

I appreciate your honesty and the great attitude.

Definitely, the love of God is clearing away the covering (Spiritual circumcision) of your heart and allowing you to see more clearly the love for others as well.

Blessings, AJ

 

[look3467]

We ARE living souls. There is no "casper" inside of us. The bible says God breathed the breath of life into the body and he BECAME a living soul.

Yes, the breath of life into the clay vessels, Adam and Eve.

But then, God gave them the power to pro-create, becoming, sons of man, not sons of God.

When Jesus asked: Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

So Jesus was both a man, as son of man, and Son of God.

We, are sons of man by pro-creation, and sons of God by rebirth.

The "Casper" at our rebirth is the "Holy Ghost", or if you like "Holy Casper".

I do recall Casper being a good ghost.

Blessings, AJ

 

[Beta]

It is my belief that God allows for diversity of beliefs, and that within that diversity, love may be born.
An example would be, an individual born to a family totally void of belief in Jesus as Savior verses one that is.
It is by no means either ones fault where, or to whom and what belief system they were placed in.
Yes, it is my belief system that Jesus Christ died not only for my sins but for the rest of the worlds sins as well.
But then, there are those whose beliefs are not the same as mine.
So, the problem of differences is resolved by the love of God being born in both differing individuals via the trials of life and becoming as one in the love of God.
To love God can be in other forms, not necessarily how I view it.
It is akin to siblings, who love their parents in different ways, yet they do love them.
It is within each one of us a conscience towards something higher than our selves, which causes us to want to seek it out.
The degree to which that is done depends on, the trials and tribulations, and the godly material one is exposed to.
The whole point of this existence is the struggle.
Were it not for the adversary, what good could we do, if we were all good to start with?
Christ has removed the power of any obstacle over us at the cross, though we still have to deal with them, meaning we don't have to be under its bondage.
If, salvation is a free gift, then what more than willingness is needed? Rather, accepting the gift and living for God in appreciation of our own free will is, what is desired.

The will to live for God verses the demand to live for God is what God desires.
I appreciate your honesty and the great attitude.
Definitely, the love of God is clearing away the covering (Spiritual circumcision) of your heart and allowing you to see more clearly the love for others as well.
Blessings, AJ

Yes friend I like your reply as a whole but can I dig a little deeper for detail ? Are you saying 'diversity of beliefs' within the CHRISTIAN teaching ? (I am more or less ignorant of other rel.beliefs and could not comment on them except on very basic knowledge). Now if we take the 'family' as an example we would assume that all the children knew the same parents - but does all mankind (in a wider sense) know the SAME GOD ? (here your analogy may break down)
I think this is debatable and consequently can not lead to the same results that the God of Israel (the Bible) requires.
Perhaps I should leave it there for the moment until we get clarification on it ?
(perhaps we should cont.discussion on a 'christian only' section to avoid offence )

 

[LyricalDutchess]

Yes, the breath of life into the clay vessels, Adam and Eve.

But then, God gave them the power to pro-create, becoming, sons of man, not sons of God.

When Jesus asked: Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

So Jesus was both a man, as son of man, and Son of God.

We, are sons of man by pro-creation, and sons of God by rebirth.

The "Casper" at our rebirth is the "Holy Ghost", or if you like "Holy Casper".

I do recall Casper being a good ghost.

Blessings, AJ

I understand all of that. But life is the breathe of God. For the spirit returns to the One whom gave it. Now not all are going to heaven, so what does that mean? It simply means the spirit/breath of life, returns to the nostrils of God. And that living soul is now dead/sleep. The Holy Spirit is no casper. Because ghosts arent biblical. For the dead know nothing.

The Holy Spirit is the very essence of the Father, that guides us. So His Spirit should be the only one in us.

 

[look3467]

Are you saying 'diversity of beliefs' within the CHRISTIAN teaching ?

What I am talking about is beliefs in the world.

If for a moment, one stops to think about all those folks who lived and died prior to Jesus' coming, I mean all the worlds people non-Jews, who not even got so much of a chance to hear about Jesus, what became of their souls?

Then, let's include today's no-Christian religious beliefs, what is their fate?

If we follow the trend, the design of God's works, we will see the works of God being worked out in Jesus for the salvation of the whole world, not just the few believers who were privileged to have known or heard of Christ.

This is the pattern of the design of mankind's condition:
1.Creation/introduction = being born in the flesh
2. The Fall = meaning eating of the fruit of the tree of knowledge
3. The Judgment = because of the fall sin entered
4. Payment Due = death by separation

This same pattern Jesus went through on the day of His crucifixion.
The day is divided into four equal parts, each 6 hour periods.

1. Introduction = Jesus instructs His disciples on the things which must shortly come to pass sunset to midnight

2. The fall, Jesus takes on the sins of the world, is betrayed, arrested and held.

3. Judgment = Jesus is taken in front of four different courts as He is tried, convicted and sentenced.

4. Payment Due and carried out= Jesus is beaten, crowned with thorns and made to carry His own cross to His death on the cross.

You see, as a son of man, Jesus went through the same pattern/design, and because Jesus was "as God" (Son of God)on that day, He was able to deliver mankind from it's sentence of eternal death.

Amo 5:7 Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,

Rom 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Jesus died for the just and the unjust alike: Mat 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Rev 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

The only god (lower case g) that is not God, is everything worldly, that is made or worshiped as a god of our lives, which in turn renders to our own destruction.

Perhaps you can see my views a little more clearly.

The world who has a conscience towards God (not gods of this world) worship Him in their own way, for it may be that-that's the only thing they know.

Now, if they happen to come to hear about Jesus and believe, then they will be the more blessed.

Blessings, AJ

 

[look3467]

I understand all of that. But life is the breathe of God. For the spirit returns to the One whom gave it. Now not all are going to heaven, so what does that mean? It simply means the spirit/breath of life, returns to the nostrils of God. And that living soul is now dead/sleep. The Holy Spirit is no casper. Because ghosts arent biblical. For the dead know nothing.

The Holy Spirit is the very essence of the Father, that guides us. So His Spirit should be the only one in us.

Have you been touched by the presence of the Holy Ghost, I mean Spirit?

I have, and let me tell you, though I didn't see it, yet I felt Him as a loving warm light, of which was nothing but pure love.

Ghost, is just another word for Spirit, since spirit, can not be seen.

Blessings, AJ

 

[LyricalDutchess]

Have you been touched by the presence of the Holy Ghost, I mean Spirit?

I have, and let me tell you, though I didn't see it, yet I felt Him as a loving warm light, of which was nothing but pure love.

Ghost, is just another word for Spirit, since spirit, can not be seen.

Blessings, AJ

Yes. Ive felt God's Spirit. For it was what brought me back to Him. Im just not one call call the Holy Spirit anything but the Holy Spirit. Or Holy Ghost. Its a matter of reverence for me.