If you are anything like me, being called a “Carnal Christian” is akin to being called cursed at. I believed that the two terms were completely incompatible. How could a “Christian”, someone with the indwelling Holy Spirit, live a carnal life? It just did not compute.
You can go across America on any given Sunday and in most moderate to conservative evangelical churches, asking if “Carnal Christians” even exist, and the answer would be a prompt no. Yet, as Paul Washer above and John MacArthur below state, there is a growing group of “believers” who are identifying as “carnal Christians.”
I think the issue is not having a proper Biblical understanding of what the term carnal means when applied to a Christian. For me, someone who claimed to be a “Christian” and showed no, zero, nada signs of change in their life was not a “carnal Christian,” they were not a Christian at all. If you read the definition below, you will see proponents of “carnal Christianity” hang their hat upon salvation without Lordship. That is like trying to collect $200 without passing Go. They want the benefits of a job without putting in any labor. It is easy or cheap believism.
Yet one can not discount the Apostle Paul and his writing in Romans 7:14-20. Paul clearly states that he has carnal moments. He, Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is writing this, so we can not discount it as man’s thoughts alone. So what is the difference? Paul writes about the struggle he has with the Flesh and the Spirit, something every true believer experiences, whereas no one living a carnal life worries about it.
So yes, while the term “carnal Christian” appears nowhere in scripture, man’s battle with the “carnal” way certainly does.
What is “carnal” Christianity?
Proponents of carnal Christianity assert that it is possible to trust in Christ as Savior without necessarily confessing Christ as Lord. According to advocates of this position, a person is saved if they confess Christ, even if they never live, or even care about, a life of obedience to Him as Lord. 1
What is a carnal Christian? – Answer The Bible
What defines a carnal Christian? – Bible Hub
What is a carnal Christian? – GotQuestions.org
Rethinking the “Carnal Christian”
Is there such a thing as a carnal Christian?
Final verdict: The answer to whether ‘carnal Christian’ is biblical or not2
After exploring the dangers of identifying as a ‘carnal Christian’ and practical steps to overcome carnality and grow in faith, it’s time to address the question of whether the term ‘carnal Christian’ is biblical or not.
The truth is, the term ‘carnal Christian’ is not found in the Bible. However, the concept of Christians struggling with sin and living in the flesh is certainly biblical. In Romans 7:14-25, Paul describes the struggle that he faced with sin and the battle between his flesh and spirit.
What does the Bible say about living in the flesh?
- Galatians 5:16-17 says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
- 1 Peter 2:11 says, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
What does the Bible say about overcoming the flesh?
- Galatians 5:24-25 says, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
- Romans 8:5-6 says, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Ultimately, while the term ‘carnal Christian’ may not be found in the Bible, the concept of Christians struggling with sin and living in the flesh is certainly biblical. It’s important for believers to recognize the dangers of identifying as a ‘carnal Christian’ and instead focus on practical steps to overcome carnality and grow in faith.
DEVOTIONAL
- https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/carnal-christian
- https://christianeducatorsacademy.com/unveiling-the-truth-is-carnal-christian-in-the-bible/#Final_verdict_The_answer_to_whether_%E2%80%98carnal_Christian_is_biblical_or_not
Discover more from Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach 
Amen🙏 I completely agree, there’s a big difference between struggling with sin and living comfortably in it. True believers wrestle with the flesh but keep seeking the Spirit.
It’s a daily battle, but through Christ, we overcome.
LikeLike
The expression “carnal Christian” is just one more example of the ridiculous oxymorons Liberal Christians keep dreaming up. “Social Justice” is another example. “Social Justice” is unjust by design.
If the world is supposed to know us by our love for each other, then how can we be living as carnal Christians, that is, like people of the world who are not Christians? Either we have accepted the Holy Spirit, and we have begun the process of sanctification, or we have not. If we do not love Jesus enough to both accept the Holy Spirit and to strive to obey our Lord, then what evidence is there that we are a Christian?
LikeLike
I agree Tom,
The Bible says the even the redeemed can think or do carnal acts. Like the Apostle Paul however those who do, struggle with this greatly. The difference is the so called “Carnal Christian,” does not appear to struggle at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person