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.
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Source: The Basics The Basics — Spirituality (canonical doctrine) · Read this lesson in the book →
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Related questions
- What is spiritual death, according to the Bible?James 1:15 · The Basics
- What does the Bible teach about carnality in the Christian life?James 1:15 · The Basics
- What does the Bible teach about temptation, including its sources and how to overcome it?James 1:15 · The Basics
- What is carnality in the Christian life?James 1:15 · The Basics · Lesson 3–2: The Danger—Spiritual Retreat/Reversion
- What is the biblical teaching on temptation and testing?Romans 8:2 · The Basics
- What is the goal of a Christian's life, and how can it be achieved?Romans 8:2 · The Basics
- What does the Bible teach about the soul, including its strengths and weaknesses, and how it relates to spiritual warfare and the filling of the Holy Spirit?Ephesians 5:18 · The Basics
- What is the Bible's teaching on confession and its role in the Christian life?Ephesians 5:18 · The Basics · Lesson 1–1: The Problem—Sin
See also
- What is the biblical teaching on being a hero of faith?Same lesson · The Basics
- What does the Bible teach about judging in the Christian life?Same lesson · The Basics
- What does the Bible teach about small things and their significance in God's plan?Same lesson · The Basics
- What does the Bible teach about mentality as a soul strength and soul kink?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 3–2: The Danger—Spiritual Retreat/Reversion
- What is self-consciousness according to the Bible?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 3–2: The Danger—Spiritual Retreat/Reversion
- What does the Bible teach about God's discipline of His children?Same lesson · The Basics · Lesson 3–2: The Danger—Spiritual Retreat/Reversion
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Where this is taught in the book
Lesson 3–4: The Climb—Spiritual Growth
Lesson 4–1: Perspective—Grace
Lesson 4–2: Perception—Discernment
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