In The Body of Man, Michael E.B. Maher examines the physical body as the “outward man” or “tent” that houses the inward man (spirit and soul). He explains that while the spirit is born again at salvation, the body remains unchanged and is inherited from Adam, contaminated with the sin virus. This sin nature causes the body to desire sinful behaviour, but through Christ, sin in the flesh has been condemned, enabling believers to overcome it.

Maher outlines the believer’s responsibility as a tenant of God’s property: present the body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, avoiding sexual immorality, addictions, tattoos, and gluttony, while practicing proper eating, exercise, rest, and fasting. God, as owner, promises divine health, provision, protection, and long life—all accessed through faith, as Christ has already provided these blessings through the cross.

The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and believers must not defile it. Ultimately, believers await the resurrection, when mortal bodies will be transformed into immortal, glorified bodies, fully manifesting God’s glory. Maher emphasizes that walking in these blessings requires both faith and responsible stewardship of the physical body.

 

Book 1 of 5: Man, the Image of God