In the last post we looked at the benefits of understanding stages of spiritual growth as well as two repeating patterns of growth. In this post we look at two popular models of progressive growth. The second one is an expansion of the first. These models are non-repeating models of growth. This means they cover the entire lifetime of a believer and do not repeat; they will help you identify your spiritual life stage. These models are part of spiritual theology, or the theology of maturity. They are based on what the writers saw in Scripture and in their experience so they are attempts to do biblical spiritual theology.
As you read through this it will help to ask yourself how it applies to your life. What spiritual life stage do you most identify with? Do you see a flow to your spiritual growth that is reflected in one of these models? What spiritual life stage do you think you need to focus on next in order to continue to grow?
1st Model: Origen’s classic three-stage model. This general pattern was taught by Origen in the early 3rd century and has been used by great Christian teachers since then, with variations.
- Beginner. This does not refer to a baby Christian. Rather, this refers to the period of time when Christians are purifying their lives from the usual sins that unbelievers do.
- Proficient. This refers to a level of maturity where one does not intentionally sin, except occasionally in the heat of the moment. (This is similar to what Wesley and Holiness people would consider “entire sanctification”.) One is wholly committed to God in Christ and pursues him diligently. One also begins to experience deep work by God involving trials – internal and/or external – which begins to transform the deepest part of their self.
- Perfect. One has completed deep trials and has been Christformed in their center. They experience a deep oneness with God. It is no longer they who live but “Christ who lives in them (Gal. 2:20).”
2nd Model: John of the Cross, from his books Ascent of Mt. Carmel and Dark Night of the Soul. John of the Cross (1542-1591) was persecuted by leaders in the Catholic church for his reforms. He wrote profound works on the dynamics of spiritual growth and had a deep love of Jesus and a huge heart for people. His writings on spiritual growth are arguably the most influential of all historical writers. His stages of growth are an expansion of Origen’s three-stage model. Following is a very brief outline of his model of spiritual growth:
- Early years of the faith.
- Active night of the senses. One actively puts to death the flesh.
- Active night of the spirit. One actively puts to death the deeper self (impact of your history, your beliefs and thinking, your passions and will).
- Passive night of the senses. One focuses on letting God purify their flesh.
- Proficiency. Mostly an enjoyable plateau of feeling connected to God. Holy and loving. No intentional sin.
- Passive night of the spirit. Focus on letting God purify the deeper self.
- Spiritual marriage. Rare. Deep oneness with God. Much love, deep purity, very Christlike
John wrote hundreds of pages on these stages so there is much to learn. But this gives you a basic framework to examine your own life and ask where you are and where you should be headed. In the next post we will look at the “nights” or dryness that Christians go through and how they help us grow. Check out the previous post for the benefits of considering stages of growth.
Which spiritual life stage described by John of the Cross you think you are in? Which stage would you like to reach by the end of your life? What will you do to reach that stage?
