Basic TrainingBible MinistriesGene CunninghamBasic Training Bible Ministries KBKnowledge Base

What are the seven steps of reversion?

In Ephesians 4:17-19, Paul traces seven steps in the downward spiral. First is carnality—negative volition to the Word, walking as the Gentiles walk, in unbelief. Second is the spiritual vacuum—the futility of the mind, an empty soul that, having rejected truth, begins to suck up the lies and filth around it. Third is the blackout of the soul—the understanding darkened as the doctrines we once knew slip away. Fourth is alienation from grace—excluded from the life of God, cut off from the power of Christ. Fifth is scar tissue on the soul—we calloused ourselves until our sensitivity to the Spirit is gone. Sixth is self-betrayal—we give ourselves over to sensuality in a frantic, degrading search for happiness. Seventh is insatiability, or implacability—nothing can satisfy us, and the next step is the sin unto death.

Also asked: What are the seven signs of spiritual decline according to Ephesians 4:17-19? · What are the warning signs that we're moving further away from God rather than closer to Him?
Also asked, more loosely
What is the downward spiral that happens when we stop following God's Word?

Source: The Basics The Basics, Unit 3, Lesson 3-2 - The Danger—Spiritual Retreat/Reversion (Review q2) · Read this lesson in the book →

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CarnalityDeathMindNegative VolitionPaulSoulThe Sin Unto DeathVolitionalienation from Grace

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