Most people have no understanding of this very important subject. The scriptures that mention the human spirit are generally assumed to refer to the bogus concept of an “immortal soul.” Physically, there are no great differences between human brains and many animal brains—it is the human spirit that accounts for the incredible differences, mentally and spiritually (see 1 Corinthians 2:11). In Genesis 1:26, we believe “likeness” refers to our bodily shape and design being similar to God and “image” refers to our having a spiritual similarity to God. But to truly become like God, we also need the gift of the Holy Spirit to combine with human spirit (Romans 8:16). One’s spirit permanently preserves his personality and character identity. Upon death, one’s spirit goes back to God (Ecclesiastes 3:21; 12:7). A resurrection is the combining of one’s spirit with a new body (either a physical body or a spirit body). God’s plan for adding sons and daughters to His Family is awesome beyond words! With this understanding, we can better appreciate how blessed we are to be human beings created in the image of God!

Don Hooser

United Church of God Pastor

Don Hooser is a minister for the United Church of God. He and his wife Judy live in his home in McKinney, Texas, during the winter months and in her home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, during the summer months. His wife Elsie died in August 2020 and he married Judy on January 1, 2022.  Mr. Hooser graduated in 1963 from Southern Methodist University with a degree in mechanical engineering, and graduated in 1966 from Ambassador College, Big Sandy, Texas.  For most of the time since then he served as a church pastor.