Can A True Christian Be Carnal?

by my friend Mike Corrothers:

"Can a true Christian be carnal? In answering this question, let’s first define the term "carnal." The word "carnal" is translated from the Greek word sarkikos, which literally means "fleshly." This descriptive word is seen in the context of Christians in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3. In this passage, the apostle Paul is addressing the readers as "brethren," a term he uses almost exclusively to refer to other Christians; he then goes on to describe them as "carnal." Therefore, we can conclude that Christians can be carnal. The Bible is absolutely clear that no one is sinless (1 John 1:8). Every time we sin, we are acting carnally.

The key thing to understand is that while a Christian can be, for a time, carnal, a true Christian "will not remain carnal for a lifetime." Some have abused the term or idea of a "carnal Christian" by saying that it is possible for people to come to faith in Christ and then proceed to live the rest of their lives in a completely carnal manner, with no evidence of being born again or a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Such a concept is completely unbiblical and unGodly and would indicate a person in this state is not truly born again. James 2 makes it abundantly clear that genuine faith will always result in good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 declares that while we are saved by grace alone through faith alone, that salvation will result in works. Can a Christian, in a time of failure and/or rebellion, appear to be carnal? Yes. Will a true Christian remain carnal? No absolutely not !!

Dictionary definition of carnal:

1. pertaining to or characterized by the flesh or the body, its passions and appetites; sexual, sensual: carnal pleasures.

2. not spiritual; merely human; temporal; worldly: a man of secular, rather carnal, leanings.

Synonyms
1. bodily, lustful, lecherous, lascivious, libidinous, concupiscent. Carnal, sensual, fleshly, animal all refer to bodily rather than rational or spiritual aspects of humans. Carnal, although it may refer to the body as opposed to the spirit, often refers to sexual needs or urges: carnal cravings, attractions, satisfactions. Sensual implies a suggestion of eroticism: sensual eyes; a sensual dance; it may also refer to experience of the senses: a sensual delight. Fleshly may refer to any physical need or appetite, sex as well as hunger and thirst: the fleshly sin of gluttony; fleshly yearnings. Animal refers to sexual appetites in a censorious way only; it may also describe pleasing or admirable physical characteristics or appearance: animal lust; to move with animal grace. 2. earthly, natural."

Source: http://www.facebook.com/ref=tn_tnmn#!/Revelation21.8

Quote: The key thing to understand is that while a Christian can be, for a time, carnal, a true Christian "will not remain carnal for a lifetime." Some have abused the term or idea of a "carnal Christian" by saying that it is possible for people to come to faith in Christ and then proceed to live the rest of their lives in a completely carnal manner, with no evidence of being born again or a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17). Such a concept is completely unbiblical and unGodly and would indicate a person in this state is not truly born again.

It all depends how you define what is a carnal Christian. Clearly the definition that this article is trying to promote is the lordship salvation definition of it, which promotes faith/works. You will see later in the article that works is mentioned.

Romans 4:5-6 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.
We must remind ourselves salvation does not come by works but by faith as faith is counted as righteousness. God imputes righteousness without works.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
Salvation is either by works or grace; but it cannot be both.

Quote: Some have abused the term or idea of a "carnal Christian" by saying that it is possible for people to come to faith in Christ and then proceed to live the rest of their lives in a completely carnal manner, with no evidence of being born again or a new creation

The danger of saying there must be “evidence” is that can be understood as a "requirement" for salvation with the weight over your head that if you don’t show these “evidences” that your not born again. Then in your own strength you try and show the “evidence/requirement” and go from starting of in the Spirit but end up in the flesh.

Gal 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

If your saved then you received the “Spirit” by the hearing of faith but yet we are told in James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. So what is the works of faith?

James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Works of faith are when you hear God giving you direction on what to do and by faith you respond to God by doing what he says. In short it’s called obedience.

Jesus said if you love me you’ll keep my commandments John 14:15. What Abraham proved by “offering Isaac his son upon the altar” was that he love God with all his heart.

That’s the difference between the two works mentioned in this post is that one comes from the Spirit of God and the other the flesh (your own strength). One works loves God with all it heart, the other work loves self and in there own strength tries to save them.

For me the definition of a carnal Christian is not only one that has sin in there life but that they try in there own strength to live the Christian life putting themselves before Christ and will only be obedient to God when it benefits them.