Spiritual – Eternal – Carnal – Temporal

Four concepts contrast the fleeting, physical nature of earthly life with the unending, divine nature of the soul. Together, they form a framework to guide believers in prioritizing lasting spiritual growth over temporary physical desires. The distinctions break down into two main pairs:

1. Spiritual vs. Carnal.
This pair relates to the nature of the mind and desires:
Spiritual: Pertaining to the soul, faith, and a connection with God. It represents a mindset focused on divine truth, peace, and eternal life.
Carnal: Pertaining strictly to the flesh, natural human desires, and worldly appetites. A "carnal mind" is often described as being driven by physical senses rather than unseen, spiritual realities.

2. Eternal vs. Temporal
This pair relates to the duration of existence:
Eternal: Beyond the limits of time; lasting forever. In theology, this is the imperishable realm of God, salvation, and everlasting life.
Temporal: Confined to the present, earthly world. It describes things that are transient, decaying, and temporary, such as physical bodies and material wealth.

The principle (often discussed in biblical teachings like 2 Cor. 4:18) is that the temporal world is carnal (seen and temporary), while the eternal world is spiritual (unseen and everlasting).

Believers are encouraged to look past carnal temptations, temporal lusts, and physical hardships to focus on spiritual growth and eternal rewards.

1 Cor. 2:14, But the natural, unbelieving man does not accept the teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness, absurd and illogical to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters.

Rom. 8:7, Because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

1 Cor. 1:18, For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Prov. 18:2, A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.

John 8:47, “Whoever belongs to God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

2 Cor. 4:4, The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

John 3:3-6, Jesus answered and said unto him, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

1 John 3:9, Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

The born-again (from above) spiritual man cannot sin anymore, as far as God is concerned, because His Seed (Christ) remains in him... he is a NEW man, in Christ and Christ in him, spiritual, a citizen of heaven... PERIOD!