What is the divine spark?

Answer  
  

The idea of a divine spark, most common in Gnostic and mystical religions, is that every human being possesses either a connection with God or a "part" of God. The goal of life, then, is to allow the divine spark to influence us toward love, peace, and harmony. Upon death, the divine spark returns to God. Is the idea of a divine spark biblical?  
  

No, the idea of a divine spark, as held by Gnosticism and mysticism, is not biblical. But there are some biblical truths that are somewhat similar to the idea of a divine spark. Genesis 1:26 teaches that every human being possesses the image of God. Ecclesiastes 3:11 declares that God has “set eternity in the hearts of men.” In Luke 17:21, Jesus proclaims, “The kingdom of God is within you.” The Bible teaches that every human being possesses an immaterial soul\-spirit, and it is this part of us that connects with God (Hebrews 4:12\).  
  

From these verses we learn that each of us possesses a soul\-spirit, is made in the image of God, and is innately aware of eternity. However, only a person who has been redeemed by Christ can truly connect with God. The indwelling kingdom of God is true only for believers in Jesus Christ. These scriptural principles do not teach a “divine spark,” as commonly defined. Whatever “divine spark” there ever was in humanity was snuffed out by sin (Romans 3:10\-23\). Without the truth and life of Jesus Christ (John 14:6\), there is no “spark.” Without a relationship with the light of the world (John 8:12\), there can be no light (2 Corinthians 4:4\).  
  

