Basic TrainingBible MinistriesGene CunninghamBasic Training Bible Ministries KBKnowledge Base

What does the Bible teach about spirituality?

Spirituality is the state of being filled by means of the Holy Spirit. It is an absolute condition; at any given moment, a believer is either one hundred percent filled by the Spirit and therefore spiritual, or not filled at all and therefore carnal (1 Cor. 3:1–4; Gal. 5:16–17; 6:1). This is distinct from indwelling, which is a once-for-all event occurring at salvation that cannot be changed or lost (Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19–20; Gal. 3:2; 4:6).

Biblical spirituality is defined by a contrast between the energy of the Spirit and the energy of the flesh. To be spiritual is to be "in the Spirit," to walk in fellowship, and to walk by faith rather than by sight. Conversely, carnality is temporal death—a loss of fellowship caused by giving in to temptation and the old sin nature. While salvation is the once-for-all victory, spirituality is the ongoing victory. This state is maintained by obeying the command to be filled (Eph. 5:18) and is restored through confession after sin. The evidence of spirituality is the production of divine fruit and a progressive conformity to Jesus Christ, which cannot be achieved through human energy or external piety.

Also asked: What does the Bible say about living in the Holy Spirit? · How does a Christian maintain a spiritual life according to the Bible?
Also asked, more loosely
What are the signs that a person is truly filled by the Holy Spirit?

Source: The Basics The Basics — Spirituality (canonical doctrine) · Read this lesson in the book →

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Where this is taught in the book

Closest first: the pages where the book treats this subject most directly.

Lesson 3–3: The Promise—Spirituality

Lesson 4–3: Testing—Temptation

Lesson 3–4: The Climb—Spiritual Growth

Lesson 4–1: Perspective—Grace

Lesson 4–2: Perception—Discernment

More pages teach this. The Source line above carries the full citation and opens the book.

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