Question #5

Isn’t it more important to be spiritual than scriptural?

“I often hear the church of Christ brethren state that we must be scriptural. I do not see the word “scriptural” use anywhere in the bible. I do, however, see the word “spiritual” used quite often. Why do you state that we must be scriptural, and seldom if ever, instruct that we must be spiritual? Being scriptural is NOT the same as being spiritual!”

The Answer:

First, your premise that the church of Christ does not often speak of being “spiritual” is incorrect. Second, your premise that “scriptural” and “spiritual” are totally separate and different is incorrect. One cannot be “scriptural” without being “spiritual”; one cannot be “spiritual” without being “scriptural.”

What does it mean to be “scriptural”? It means no more or no less than to have one’s faith and practice conform to scripture. The fact that the word “scriptural” is not found in scripture does not mean that the concept is not there. It is found in such language as “keeping Christ’s words” by which we shall be judged (John 12:48). Being “scriptural” is the same as obeying the scripture. In the American Standard Version “obey” is found 21 times in the New Testament (53 times in both Testaments), “obeyed” is found 5 times (33 total), “obeyeth” is found 2 times (3 total), “obedience” is found 16 times (17 total), and “obedient” is found 7 times (11 total). The bottom line is that one cannot be the friend of Christ unless he does the things that Christ has commanded, i.e., follows or obeys the scripture. John 15:14. You cannot truthfully claim to love Christ unless you keep (obey or follow) his commands. John 14:15. That is the same as having one’s faith and practice conform to scripture. Put another way, it is “being scriptural.”

Certainly you believe this as well. While we may disagree on what the commands are and require, anyone who believes that the commands of Christ found in scripture (given either personally or through the inspired writings) do not need to be followed has done away with Christ. The result is either universal salvation or universal damnation. Absent scripture, and a faith and practice that conforms to scripture, there is no logical basis to treat any person differently from any other.

Your real complaint is most likely what you perceive to be a failure to emphasize “spirituality.” Unfortunately you failed to define what you mean by that term. If by that term you mean some emotional experience that is “better felt than told” and that is contrary to the teaching and guidance of scripture, you do not understand what it means to be spiritual. If by being spiritual you mean walking according to the Spirit’s teaching and guidance in scripture, a great emphasis is placed on “spirituality.” Having the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11) is being “spiritual.” But notice that immediately after that language Paul said, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12). Obedience (“being scriptural”) was urged based upon the mind of Christ. The mind of Christ was to do the will of God. Hebrews 10:7.

Clearly there can be do doubt – a person cannot be “spiritual” without being “scriptural”; a person cannot be “scriptural” without being “spiritual.” A person cannot be guided by an emotional experience unrelated to scripture and be either “scriptural” or “spiritual,” no matter what he calls it.