What is a ‘carnal’ Christian?

Although some have questioned whether it is so, the Bible clearly says a person who is born again may be either a Christ-centered “spiritual” Christian or a self-centered “carnal” Christian.

1 Corinthians 3 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal?

Obviously in the mind of God there is no other option than to become spiritual, yet Christian history proves the carnal variety has been predominant.

The New Covenant says God gave His Son Jesus Christ to establish a people to Himself with His own Spirit in them.

The conflict in this picture was the “old man” – the natural or “carnal” or “fleshly” person irrespective of Christ – was at odds with the “new man” – the “spiritual” person made alive by the new birth, united in spirit with God as one (1 Cor. 6:17).

Ephesians 4 – 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Every single sin in the Christian faith, and cause of strife and division can be traced to people acting apart from Christ’s indwelling spirit.

Most damaging is the “religious flesh.” It is treacherous, slippery, and deceitful and Jesus reserved His harshest criticism for would-be followers of God who were of this mold. Sadly it is rampant in the Christian church.

This is a word to the wise, and whoever has ears to hear.

Lord bless you.