Abolishing Externalism in Favor of Christian Spirituality
Abolishing Externalism in Favor of Christian Spirituality
The concept of abolishing externalism in favor of Christian spirituality is rooted in the New Testament's emphasis on the internal transformation of believers. The Apostle Paul warns against being taken captive by "philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ" [1]. This warning highlights the tension between external religious practices and the internal reality of faith.
In Christian spirituality, the focus is on the inner transformation that occurs through faith in Christ. This is reflected in the writings of the Apostle Paul, who emphasizes the importance of bringing "into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" [2]. The goal is to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, characterized by sincerity and genuine love [4].
The distinction between external and internal aspects of faith is also evident in the interpretation of biblical passages related to sanctification. According to one Reformed interpretation, sanctification is both internal and external, with the internal work of the Spirit leading to a holy life and conversation [6]. This understanding underscores the importance of genuine faith being expressed in outward actions, but not being defined solely by external observances.
In the view of some Protestant interpreters, true worship is characterized by a spiritual and truthful approach to God, as opposed to mere external observances [7]. This perspective is supported by Jesus' teaching that true worshipers will worship the Father "in spirit and truth" [John 4:23, referenced in 9]. The emphasis is on the heart's attitude and the authenticity of one's faith, rather than on outward rituals or practices.
The call to abandon externalism in favor of Christian spirituality is thus a call to prioritize the internal reality of faith. Believers are encouraged to "offer sacrifices in the right spirit," redirecting their emotions toward the Lord and avoiding excessive self-reflection [5]. By doing so, they can cultivate a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, one that is characterized by love, sincerity, and a commitment to living out their faith in a genuine way [3, 4].
Sources
- Colossians “Colossians 2:8 (BSB) — See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) — Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
- 1 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Thessalonians 4:12: honestly--in the Old English sense, "becomingly," as becomes your Christian profession; not bringing discredit on it in the eyes of the outer world, as if Christianity led to sloth and poverty (Rom 13:13; Pe1 2:12). them . . . without--outside the Christian Church (Mar 4:11). have lack of nothing--not have to beg from others for the supply of your wants (compare Eph 4:28). So far from needing to beg from others, we ought to work and get the means of supplying the need of others. Freedom from pecuniary embarrassment is to be desired by the ”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 4:9: (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2.) Not the spurious hospitality which passes current in the world, but the entertaining of those needing it, especially those exiled for the faith, as the representatives of Christ, and all hospitality to whomsoever exercised from genuine Christian love. without grudging--Greek, "murmuring." "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity," that is open-hearted sincerity; with cordiality. Not secretly speaking against the person whom we entertain, or upbraiding him with the favor we have conferred in him.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 4:5: 4:5 Offer sacrifices in the right spirit: Redirecting emotions toward the Lord prevents a godly individual from doing too much self-reflection (40:6-8; 51:17).”
- 1 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Thessalonians 4:3: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,.... Which is another reason to enforce the above exhortation. "Sanctification" is internal or external. Internal sanctification is the work of the Spirit of God, and is a principle of spiritual life in the soul, a divine and spiritual light in the understanding, a flexion of the will to the will of God, and a settlement of the affections on divine things, and is an implantation of every grace in the heart. External sanctification arises from this, and lies in holiness of life and conversation; and is what ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 15.5: him, self-renunciation, and a pure conscience. We must supply an antithesis, for he censures, on the other hand, legal worship, which was exclusively pressed upon them by the false Apostles. “They command that God should be worshipped with outward observances, and because they observe the ceremonies of the law, they boast on false grounds that they are the people of God; but we are the truly circumcised, who worship God in spirit and in truth.” ( John 4:23 .) But here some one will ask, whether truth excludes the s”