The Dichotomist View of Mankind
by Bryan Carlson
“Dichotomy refers to man being made up of two parts—a material part and an immaterial part” (Faith notes 102).
The dichotomist view of mankind is a doctrine that views humanity as consisting of two distinct parts: the body and the soul—or spirit—used interchangeably (John 12:27, 13:21; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Peter 3:19; Revelation 6:9, 20:4). “Scripture does not seem to support a distinction between soul and spirit. There does not seem to be a satisfactory answer to the questions…’What can the spirit do that the soul cannot do? What can the soul do that the spirit cannot do’” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, 477, notes p. 103). “Then the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). “Although there were two steps to the act of creating, the result was a single, unitary living person. To be sure, the particles of earth provided the material, while God’s breath effected life. Material and immaterial combined to produce a single entity” (Ryrie 103). The body is the physical aspect of humanity and is subject to corruption, decay, and death. The soul or spirit, on the other hand, is the non-physical aspect of humanity and is immortal and incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 4:16 encourages us to “not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
With regard to biblical counseling, the dichotomist view of mankind has several implications for understanding the inner and outer man:
First, it is important to understand and address both physical and spiritual needs. Since human beings consist of both a physical and a spiritual component, biblical counseling must address both aspects of a person's being. This means that counseling should not focus primarily on behavioral changes but address underlying heart issues that may be contributing to the problem. Matthew 10:28 says, "And do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” There are serious consequences to not addressing the heart with my counselee.
Second, we must focus with our counselees on the value of cultivating the inner man—their spiritual nature. In 2 Corinthians 4:16, Paul writes, "though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." Biblical counseling should encourage people to focus on developing their spiritual life through prayer, studying the Bible, and participating in fellowship with other Believers. When a person's inner man is strengthened, they are better able to withstand the challenges of life.
Third, the dichotomist view of mankind highlights the need for ultimate restoration, which involves the complete healing of both the physical and spiritual aspects of a person's being. This restoration will be fully realized in the future when Christ returns and believers are given new, glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). Until that time, biblical counseling should encourage people to seek both physical and spiritual healing, with the understanding that ultimate restoration is only possible through faith in Christ.
Fourth, it provides a framework for understanding the nature of the human condition and the root causes of many psychological and emotional struggles. For example, recognizing that the soul is the inner man and that it is immortal and incorruptible can help individuals understand that their ultimate hope and peace lies in their relationship with God, rather than in temporal or external factors. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, "may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Fifth, it provides a framework for addressing spiritual issues in counseling. Recognizing that the soul or spirit is the non-physical aspect of humanity can help individuals understand the importance of spiritual growth, encouraging us to work to address issues such as sin, guilt, and shame. Romans 8:10, “But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”
The heart is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9) and must be redeemed. This can and should be resolved biblically. The counselee does not need to see a pastor for the spirit and a psychologist for the soul. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12-16).
Faith Biblical Counseling, ACBC Exam Track 5, 102.
Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 477.
Charles Ryrie, Basic Theology, 223.
