What is a carnal Christian?

 

"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?" ~ 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

 

What does it mean to be a carnal Christian?

In 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 the Apostle Paul uses the word carnal four times in reference to Christians in Corinth. The definition for carnal is: pertaining to the body, its passions and appetites. Being called carnal is not a compliment. It is the opposite of the spiritual person Christ has called us to be and Paul removes the guesswork of what it means as he offers clear insights for how to identify a carnal Christian.

• Perpetual spiritual infants: In verse 2, Paul points out that these carnal Christians are still on the same spiritual diet as when they were first saved. They are unable to take in “solid food” which the writer of Hebrews describes as food that belongs to those who are mature, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
• Sin is unchecked: In verse 3, Paul tells these carnal Christians that they are acting like people who haven’t been saved. There is envy, strive and divisions. Once we belong to Christ, we are not to look or act like the world. In fact, Matthew 5:16 tells us to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

The sad reality is that carnal Christians are real. Their witness is not a good one because they do not let their light shine. Instead it is covered in the grime of this world, and to the outsider they look just like anyone else in the world. In my allegory, The Inheritance, I call these characters Carnals. Some of them even mislead others. I’ve included a short excerpt below.

Photo credits: pxfuel, TC Morgan,

 

Excerpt from chapter 40 of The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad

"What is a Carnal?" Chary asked. "I still don't understand."

"A Carnal is one who received the Light of Truth but turned aside from following it. Over time, their Light dims. The loam of this realm hides the Light. Little by little, they take on an appearance like those infected with the Condition [sin]. The longer they remain separated from following Truth, the crustier they become." She shook her head. "I've almost given up hope."

"You mean people that receive the Light can walk away from Truth? How? Why? I can't–" Jejune's shoulders drooped.

"The Dragon deceives." Mother shoved her feet into shoes unlike anything Jejune had ever seen. The hard-soled footwear extended just above her knees. She stomped each foot to adjust the fit. "Nothing gives the Dragon more pleasure than making a Light Bearer stray from the way of Truth. Then he can use them to lure others to his way of life. Pride struck your father in the wilderness and he never recovered."

 

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