What does Paul mean when he speaks of a carnal Christian or carnal believer?
Paul uses “carnal Christian” for a genuine believer who is in the body of Christ but not Spirit-filled or Spirit-directed; his priorities are mixed, and he remains more in the flesh than in the Spirit. This differs from the lost person, who is still under old Adam and has no eternal life.
Les explains that the word carnal can describe two kinds of people. For the believer, it means one who is saved and in the body of Christ but is not Spirit-filled or Spirit-directed; his priorities are mixed up, and he is still more in the flesh than in the Spirit. Paul calls that person a carnal believer. Normally, however, carnal refers to the lost individual still under old Adam’s control, still in the flesh and having nothing of eternal life. To be carnally or fleshly minded is death. The lost are headed in only one direction: spiritual and eternal death. This matches Jesus’ words that he who has the Son has life, while he who does not have the Son does not have life, but God’s wrath abides on him and he is condemned already.
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
More Questions
What happens to someone who remains carnally minded?
Remaining carnally minded (in the old Adam) leads to eternal separation from God.