In the quotation from second Corinthians the pronoun “we” is applied to the inward man, and the “earthly house of this tabernacle” is spoken in reference to the outward man. In the quotation from second Peter the pronoun “I” has for its antecedent the “inward man,” and tabernacle refers again to the outward man.
The Outward Man Is Denominated “Body.”
In the fifth chapter of Mark's gospel there is recorded an instance of a woman who was diseased and suffered many things of many physicians in the outward man. She came to Jesus and touched his garment and she felt in her body she was healed of the plague.
The Inward Man Is Denominated “Soul.”
By the one text given above it is plainly to be seen that the outer man is the body. Many additional texts could be given but we consider it unnecessary, because all at once believe it.
But why not as readily believe one text which calls the inner man the “soul”? Some will not. This is the inconsistency of man. We will quote more than one. “When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord.” Jonah 2:7. “But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.” Job 14:22. “And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her.” 2 Kings 4:27.
The Inner Man Is The Responsible Man.
“Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” Micah 6:7. Since it is the soul that sins, of necessity the soul becomes the responsible man.
Sin Produces Death To The Soul.
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezek. 18:4.