The topic of spiritual enlightenment is one that has been debated among Christians for centuries. On one hand, some argue that the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment aligns with Biblical teachings about seeking wisdom, understanding, and a deeper relationship with God. Others caution that the term “enlightenment” has roots in Eastern religions and philosophies that may be at odds with Christian beliefs. What guidance does the Bible provide on this complex issue?
Defining spiritual enlightenment
First, it is helpful to define what is meant by “spiritual enlightenment.” In a broad sense, it refers to a deep understanding of spiritual truth that profoundly changes one’s worldview. Enlightenment is associated with gaining wisdom, achieving clarity about life’s big questions, and experiencing spiritual awakening. For Christians, spiritual enlightenment would involve growing in knowledge of God’s Word and character, as well as deepening one’s relationship with Him.
In Eastern religions like Buddhism, enlightenment often refers to realizing one’s own divine nature or non-duality with God. This differs from the Biblical view, which maintains a distinction between the Creator God and created humanity. Biblical enlightenment focuses on gaining insight about God and His plan, not realizing one’s own divinity.
The Bible promotes gaining spiritual wisdom and insight
The Bible contains many passages that urge believers to earnestly seek greater spiritual understanding and wisdom from God. Proverbs 2:3-6 says, “If you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” This shows that we are to actively pursue spiritual wisdom.
The apostle Paul prays in Ephesians 1:17-18, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.” Here, spiritual enlightenment is associated with gaining heart-level understanding of the hope found in Christ.
Many other verses portray growing in spiritual wisdom and understanding as a worthy pursuit (Colossians 1:9-10, Psalm 119:18, Daniel 2:21-22, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Proverbs 4:5-7). God wants us to keep maturing in our knowledge of Him through studying His Word, prayer, life experiences, teaching of the Holy Spirit, and community with other believers.
Cautions regarding “spiritual enlightenment”
While Scripture promotes earnestly seeking greater spiritual wisdom, certain cautions are appropriate regarding the specific terminology of “spiritual enlightenment.” First, some Eastern religions teach that enlightenment brings realization of one’s own divine nature and ability to achieve spiritual liberation apart from submission to a personal God. This contradicts the Biblical teaching that we are finite created beings dependent on God’s grace.
Additionally, the mystical approach of pursuing an inward path to spiritual enlightenment conflicts with the Bible’s emphasis on gaining insight through God’s revealed Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 19:7-11). Any subjective spiritual experiences should be carefully evaluated against the truth of Scripture.
Some also note that the term enlightenment arose during the Enlightenment period and is linked to the exaltation of human reason over faith. From a Biblical perspective, human reason alone cannot lead to full spiritual enlightenment – we need the wisdom that comes from God (1 Corinthians 2:6-16).
Given these concerns, Christians may prefer to use other terms like gaining “wisdom,” “insight,” “understanding,” or a “deep knowledge of God.” This communicates the same desired outcome of spiritual maturity without potential confusion.
Biblical ways to pursue deeper spiritual insight
How then should Christians biblically pursue deeper spiritual wisdom and a mature understanding of God? Here are some key ways:
- Study, mediate upon, and memorize Scripture (Psalm 1:2, Psalm 119:15-16)
- Ask God for wisdom in prayer with an attitude of humility (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:3-6)
- Obey God’s commands with a willing heart (Psalm 111:10, Psalm 25:4-5)
- Fellowship with the body of Christ (Proverbs 27:17, Romans 12:4-5)
- Serve others – growth comes through living out our faith (Matthew 25:34-40)
- Participate in the Lord’s Supper and Baptism (Luke 22:17-20, Romans 6:3-4)
- Experience life with an awareness of God’s presence and activity (Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:6-7)
- Respond properly to trials and suffering (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4)
Additionally, Christ-followers should be guided by the Holy Spirit each day (John 14:26, John 16:13), maintain a repentant heart and willingness to obey God (2 Corinthians 7:10), and rest in God’s grace rather than striving in their own strength (Ephesians 2:8-10). A lifelong process of spiritual growth awaits all who walk with God.
A wisdom that aligns with Christ’s truth
In summary, the Bible affirms that Christians should earnestly seek to gain spiritual wisdom, insight, and understanding. However, this must be grounded in God’s revealed Word and pursued with humility and reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ should remain at the center.
Any form of “enlightenment” that minimizes human sinfulness, exalts human divinity or abilities, or derives primarily from Eastern religion or secular philosophy should be avoided. Christians have access to a knowledge of the holy that enlightens the eyes of the heart when anchored in Christ-centered truth (Ephesians 1:18).
The apostle Paul beautifully sums up this pursuit of spiritual wisdom that is worthy of a believer’s devotion: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17).