Against Spiritual People

One of the great heresies of our age is the notion that “being spiritual” is the same as being Christian, when Scripture never calls us to pursue spirituality as such, but to be filled with the Holy Ghost. Greek philosophy prized spirituality over materiality and condemned Biblical faith as too earthly, but Scripture teaches that holiness not abstract spirituality is God’s command. Holiness means obedience to God’s law from the heart. Thus Paul writes, “This is the will of God, even your sanctification,” and then defines it in very practical terms: sexual purity, marital fidelity, honesty in work and business, brotherly love, quiet industry, minding one’s own affairs, and integrity toward unbelievers (1 Thess. 4:3–12). Sanctification is not emotional display or mystical airs but a life of disciplined, godly obedience. Whenever spirituality is emphasized instead of holiness, occultism, deception, and mental confusion flourish Satan, being purely spiritual, gladly encourages such distortions. True faith is practical because God redeems the whole man, body and soul, and speaks to the whole man in His Word. The devil is “spiritual,” but he is not holy; and Scripture declares that without holiness, no man shall see the Lord (Heb. 12:14).