In the previous posts, we identified five core issues that conclusively point to the existence of an external source for our presence on earth: (i) the issue of existence and coming into being; (ii) the issue of life; (iii) the issue of order and purpose; (iv) the issue of the realm of thoughts and emotions; and (v) the issue of moral objectivity. We then saw how Scripture and the Christian faith offer coherent and satisfying answers to the first three of these foundational questions. In today’s post, we turn to the remaining two, and consider what the answers to these issues mean for each of us.
4. The Issue of the Realm of Thoughts and Emotions
God addresses the realm of thoughts and emotions by giving us knowledge of the spirit and soul of man. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul prays for the wholeness of spirit, soul, and body, showing that who we are extends beyond the physical. This is affirmed multiple times in Scripture. For example, “the word of God is living and active… penetrating even as far as the division of soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12), and “there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding” (Job 32:8).
Genesis 2:7 reads, “And 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 soul.” The Hebrew word translated “soul” also means “living being, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion.” This reveals that God’s breath made man a soul — a being with personality, including mind, will, and emotions. From the original Greek language, the word translated “soul” in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 is psuchē, which also refers to the seat of feelings, desires, affections, and aversions. It is the soul of man, which has its origin in the breath of God, that constitutes the seat of our emotions. We also read in James 2:26 that “the body without the spirit is dead.” This reveals that a human being is a spirit, who lives in a physical body. It is the presence of the spirit in the human body that gives life to the body. Once the spirit departs from the body, the body becomes lifeless (James 2:26). From these biblical texts, we understand that man is a spirit, who has a soul — that is, mind, will, and emotions — and lives in a body.
We also read the following in 1 Corinthians 2:11: “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.” Notice that the text does not say the mind or brain knows the thoughts of a man, but the spirit. This shows that the spirit in a man knows his thoughts even before his brain or mind becomes aware of them. In other words, the thoughts of man proceed or originate from his spirit and are passed on to his brain or mind.
Jesus affirmed this in His teachings: “Out of the heart (or spirit) proceed evil thoughts” (Matthew 15:19), and “Out of the abundance of the heart (or spirit) the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). What we say, i.e., the thoughts we express, originates from our spirits.
The realm of thoughts and emotions, which ultimately goes beyond a naturalistic and materialistic worldview, is addressed in Scripture. If we attend to this truth, we can rise above the hopelessness of a life based only on the physical and find meaning and purpose in God.
5. The Issue of Moral Objectivity
If everything came by random chance, man would be no different from beasts, sharing the same fate. Yet even the vilest offenders possess a sense of right and wrong, and people groups and nations have laws to promote what is “good” and curb what is “evil.” Romans 2 gives us insight as to why this is so:
“For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus” (Romans 2:14–16). From this text, we learn that God has given man a conscience. Even those without His law know inwardly what is good or evil, and their conscience either approves or condemns them.
Romans 1 expands on this:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened… And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:18-32).
The reality is clear: God has not left Himself without a witness. Creation itself testifies to Him, leaving humanity without excuse — even those who claim to be atheists. He has given each of us a conscience, so that within ourselves we have a sense of what is good and what is evil. This sense of justice, which goes beyond what a naturalistic and materialistic worldview offers, points to the One whose throne is founded on righteousness and justice: “I will sing of the lovingkindness of the LORD forever… Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You” (Psalm 89:1, 14).
It is from Him who sits on this throne — the Lord God Almighty — that humanity receives our moral objectivity, conscience, and sense of justice.
A Call to Action
The obvious indication of nature pointing to an external source, which is adequately addressed in the Bible, brings with it a responsibility. It is the responsibility to respond to God in humility and obedience — or to reject Him. But each choice carries with it a definite outcome, as we see in Romans 2: “But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each person according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God” (Romans 2:5-11). Therefore, just as it has been said, “today, if you hear the Lord’s voice, do not harden your heart” (Hebrews 3:15).
If we respond to God, we will find Him, and He will lead us to His Son, Jesus: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God Himself sent Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:2, 1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8) and because Jesus died and rose again from the dead, we have forgiveness of our sins, and a sure hope of eternal life if put our faith in Jesus as our saviour (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Ephesians 1:7, Acts 16:31). There is no better and greater decision we can make for our lives now and in the after life, than our decision to accept Jesus as our saviour. This is how we pass from death to life; from a life of hopelessness and no meaning to a life of purpose and fulfillment, and from hell and the lake of fire to eternal life with God.
Therefore, If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, I invite you to put your faith in Him. You can pray this prayer to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour: “I come to you God in Jesus’ name and surrender my life unto you. I repent of my sins and I ask You to forgive me all my sins. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, and I believe with my heart that God has raised Jesus from the dead. I thank you God for saving me, in Jesus name, Amen”. If you sincerely prayed this prayer, believe and be assured that you are saved, because the Bible says, “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 16:31). Find a Bible believing church to attend so that you can be taught and trained to grow in the ways of God. God bless you.
Kwadwo Omari, PhD
January 14, 2026