What does 'carnal' mean in the Bible?

The term "carnal" in the Bible carries profound implications, deeply rooted in the spiritual and moral teachings of Christianity. To understand its meaning, one must explore its biblical context, its theological significance, and its application to Christian living. The word "carnal" is derived from the Latin word "carnalis," which means "fleshly" or "pertaining to the flesh." In the Scriptures, it often refers to human nature and desires that are opposed to the spiritual and divine nature that God desires for His people.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently uses the term "carnal" to describe a life dominated by fleshly desires, in contrast to a life led by the Spirit. One of the clearest examples of this can be found in Romans 8:5-8, where Paul writes:

"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. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

Here, Paul contrasts living "according to the flesh" with living "according to the Spirit." The "flesh" in this context refers to the sinful human nature that is inclined toward self-gratification, immorality, and rebellion against God. Therefore, to be "carnal" is to be governed by these fleshly desires, which ultimately lead to spiritual death and separation from God.

Paul further elaborates on this concept in his letter to the Galatians. In Galatians 5:19-21, he provides a list of "works of the flesh" which are synonymous with carnal behavior:

"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

This passage highlights that carnal behavior encompasses a wide range of sinful actions, from sexual immorality to idolatry to interpersonal conflicts. These behaviors stand in stark contrast to the "fruit of the Spirit," which Paul lists in the following verses (Galatians 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The dichotomy between the carnal and the spiritual is not just a matter of behavior but of identity and allegiance. In Romans 7:14-25, Paul describes the internal struggle that believers face between their old carnal nature and their new spiritual nature. He laments, "For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing" (Romans 7:19). This internal conflict is a common experience for Christians, as they strive to live in accordance with the Spirit while still battling their fleshly inclinations.

Theologically, the concept of carnality is tied to the doctrine of original sin. According to this doctrine, humanity inherited a sinful nature from Adam and Eve, the first humans who disobeyed God. This sinful nature, or carnal nature, is characterized by a propensity toward sin and a resistance to God's will. As Paul explains in Romans 5:12, "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned."

However, the Bible also offers hope and a solution to this predicament. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are given a new nature and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to overcome their carnal inclinations. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

This transformation is both instantaneous and ongoing. At the moment of salvation, believers are justified and given a new spiritual identity. However, the process of sanctification, in which they grow in holiness and become more like Christ, is a lifelong journey. This is why Paul exhorts believers in Romans 12:1-2, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

In practical terms, overcoming carnality involves a daily commitment to live according to the Spirit rather than the flesh. This requires regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and the fellowship of other believers. It also involves a conscious effort to resist temptation and to cultivate the virtues that reflect the character of Christ.

One of the key strategies for overcoming carnality is to "put to death" the deeds of the flesh, as Paul instructs in Colossians 3:5-10:

"Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

This passage underscores the necessity of actively rejecting sinful behaviors and attitudes and replacing them with godly ones. It is a call to a radical transformation that affects every aspect of a believer's life, from their thoughts and desires to their actions and relationships.

The writings of early Christian theologians also provide valuable insights into the concept of carnality. For example, Augustine of Hippo, in his seminal work "Confessions," reflects on his own struggles with carnal desires and his journey toward spiritual renewal. He famously wrote, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." Augustine's reflections highlight the deep longing for God that lies beneath human desires and the fulfillment that comes from a life oriented toward Him.

In conclusion, the term "carnal" in the Bible refers to a life dominated by sinful human nature and desires, in opposition to the life led by the Spirit. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God's will. However, through faith in Jesus Christ and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, believers are given the ability to overcome their carnal inclinations and to live in accordance with God's purposes. This involves a daily commitment to spiritual growth, the cultivation of godly virtues, and the rejection of sinful behaviors. By doing so, believers can experience the fullness of life that God intends for them and reflect His character to the world.