The Carnal Believer

Paul mentions three categories of people: the “natural man” (1 Cor 2:14), who is unsaved (Eph 2:3); the “spiritual” (1 Cor 2:15), who is saved (Jn 3:7), by trusting Jesus as Lord and Saviour by faith (Gal 2:16), and is growing “in grace” (2 Pet 3:18). Then there is the “carnal” group who are saved, but are living like the natural man. Paul calls them “babes in Christ” (v. 1), because they are not growing spiritually (v. 2). Let me just clarify that there is only one type of believer – the one who is saved by God’s grace (Eph 2:8). However, true believers will not always be carnal! Anyone who claims to be saved but continually lives in sin “is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 Jn 2:4).

Those who hate spiritual things and have no interest in obeying God’s will are not truly saved (Jn 15:6). Because real salvation (Acts 16:31), always results in significant changes in life (2 Cor 5:17); when the body becomes the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor 6:19), and “have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Gal 5:24). There are times that we may become “cold” (Rev 3:15), for the things of God. But the powerful conviction (Jn 16:8), and fire of the Holy Spirit (1 Thes 5:19), will always ignite us back on track toward God’s will for our lives (Rom 12:2).

We will encounter spiritual battles (2 Cor 10:3), because we are still in the flesh (1 Pet 2:11), which “lusteth against the Spirit” (Gal 5:17). There are times when we will give in to the flesh and act carnally (Rom 7:15). But the true child of God will find no real joy in such condition. Because we have no desire to wallow in the mud (Prov 24:16). We will always come humbly before the Lord to ask; for His forgiveness (1 Jn 1:9), cleansing (Ps 19:12), and restoration (Ps 51:12)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera