Theodicy Soteriology, Hermeneutics

THEODICY : M. M. NINAN
THREE SPIRIT VECTOR MODEL
The following model was developed by me about 25 years ago. In time I have
come to realize that it is the right explanation and the early Christian Fathers
have presented them in the same spirit, though in different terminology.
A direct statement on these three forces or beings are given in 1 Corinthians as
below:
1Cor. 2:10-12 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all
things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of
a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the
thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of
this world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts
bestowed on us by God.
These verses in Paul's analysis of man in the world gives us three distinct spirits
that exist in the spiritual universe of existence. We are now talking about the
spiritual dimension where the real action is. Paul obviously applies this to man
1. The Spirit who is from God, (Holy Spirit ,Spirit of God)
John 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship him in spirit and in
truth."
We have seen earlier that one of the Trinity is Holy spirit. God gives this Holy
spirit into the hearts of those who believe in him. It is this presence that make a
being a Son of God. Adam was the son of God. In the creation of man God
breathed into the matter his spirit and Adam became a living being. Eve was
separated from Adam and hence shared this spirit and through Adam all mankind
shares this and are sons of God.
2. The Spirit of Person (Ego – Self Will)
Since man was created in the image of God he was also given a free spirit. God
created the spirit of man within him. It is a force that gives man his direction,
purpose and power. Spirit of man is the life giving spirit within man, it controls
him. It is totally free to choose. This is the Free Will of the being.
11