"I'm A Spiritual Person"

Have you ever made your plans, and then “God directs your steps” (Prov. 16:9) . . . to someplace completely different from where you thought you would end up?  Most believers would say, “Yes.”  I had made my plans; thought I had it all figured out.  Well, about two years ago, God redirected my steps.  I didn’t realize it in the beginning, but slowly the Lord was moving me out of the pastorate and into the ministry of a Chaplain in a medical center. There is much to share about my journey but not in this article.

In this article I will focus on a phrase that I have heard frequently as a Chaplain, and I suspect that many of you have heard it too:  “I don’t believe in religion, but I’m a spiritual person.’” “I’m a spiritual person” . . . .  What does that mean exactly?  If a person is “spiritual” does that mean that they have a right relationship with God?  Does it mean that they are saved from God’s wrath and will inherit eternal life?  Does it mean that their sins are forgiven simply because they proclaim themselves to be “spiritual?”  Does it mean that they are justified and reconciled to a holy God simply because they have proclaimed themselves to be a “spiritual” person?

There are some who absolutely convinced that the answer to those questions is a resounding, “Yes!”  They would defend themselves by saying that their “spirituality” is enough.  They hold to the belief that God (whether that be Mother Earth, Gaia or some other man-made deity) is “all loving.”  Therefore, “He/she wouldn’t judge me because that wouldn’t be loving. Besides, I am a ‘spiritual’ person.”

The biblical answer to all of those questions is a resounding, “No!” 

Question 1:

If a person is “spiritual” does that mean that they have a right relationship with God?  It’s always good to define terms. In this case, ask them to define what/who they mean when they say, “God.” 

Several passages come to mind here:

• “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’” (John 3:3). Being “spiritual” is not equal to being born again (born from above).
• “He who believes in Him [Jesus] is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).  Being “spiritual” is not equivalent to believing/trusting in Jesus Christ as the Savior the world and for forgiveness of one’s sins.

Question 2:

Does it mean that they are saved from God’s judgment against their sin and will inherit eternal life? 

• “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures” (Romans 1:18-23).  Being “spiritual” does not militate against God’s wrath for those who deny Him.
• “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36). Being “spiritual” is not the same as removing God’s wrath. Only believing/trusting in Jesus’ death and resurrection can do that.

Question 3:

Does it mean that their sins are forgiven simply because they proclaim themselves to be “spiritual?”

• “In Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins^”  (Ephesians 1:7). Being “spiritual” does not bring redemption or forgiveness of sins. Those two things are only found in Jesus.
• “And there is salvation in no one else [other than Jesus]; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Being “spiritual” is not an acceptable alternative to finding salvation in the name of Jesus Christ alone.

Queston 4:

Does it mean that they are justified and reconciled to a holy God simply because they have proclaimed themselves to be a “spiritual” person?

• “ . . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). Being “spiritual” in no way replaces God’s free gift of grace and redemption.  Grace and redemption are only found “in Christ Jesus.”
• “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:10-11). Being “spiritual” does not bring about reconciliation between a holy God and sinful people.  Reconciliation comes only through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I believe people say “I’m a spiritual person” for a number of reasons: (1) to appear to have what true believer really have, a loving relationship with Almighty God; (2) to fend off any questions from other people who might ask them about their belief (or lack of belief) in God; (3) to feel good about themselves without having to do any soul searching; (4) to have an appearance of godliness which will impress others; (5) to convince themselves that they are “good people” despite what Scripture clearly states.

The next time someone says to you, “I’m a spiritual person,” ask them this question, “If you are wrong, would you want to know?”  Their answer will give you much insight into whether or not the Holy Spirit is drawing them to Himself.

May the Lord bless you as you seek to serve Him.

By His Grace,

Gary T. Dromi, Ph.D.