How to Grow Spiritually: From Salvation to Maturity in Christ
Spiritual growth is a phrase we often hear in Christian circles, but what does it truly mean?
For many, growing spiritually feels abstract—something mystical, distant, or reserved for a few “super-spiritual” people. Yet the Bible presents spiritual growth as natural, intentional, and expected for every believer.
Let us break this down biblically, practically, and truthfully.
What Does It Mean to Grow Spiritually?
When we say we want to grow spiritually, we are usually referring to: Growing intimacy with God, Living an empowered supernatural lifestyle, Growing in faith, Hearing God clearly, Growing in anointing, Flowing in miraculous signs and wonders or Simply… falling deeply in love with God.
We may have many definitions - But before we pursue how to grow spiritually, we must first understand what being spiritual actually means.
Being Spiritual: Let’s Set the Definition Straight
Being spiritual does not mean being emotional, mystical, or detached from daily life.
Biblically speaking, being spiritual means this:
You are a spirit being, created in God’s image, who was once spiritually dead—but is now made alive in Christ.
Ephesians 2:1“You were dead in your trespasses and sins…”Ephesians 2:5“…God made us alive together with Christ.”
The moment you accepted Jesus as your Savior, your spirit came alive.
So here is the truth many believers miss:
- You are already spiritual.
- Salvation made you spiritual.
- Growth is what follows salvation.
Salvation Is the Beginning — Not the Destination
Many believers stop at salvation, but the Word never intended us to camp there.
1 Peter 2:2 (ESV)“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.”
This verse is powerful.
- You don’t grow into salvation by works
- You grow up from salvation into maturity
Salvation is birth.
Spiritual growth is growing up.
A baby is fully human at birth—but not fully mature. In the same way, a believer is fully saved at salvation—but not yet fully mature.
Why Many Believers Don’t Grow: Lack of Understanding
Hosea 4:6“My people perish for lack of knowledge.”
Notice—it does not say lack of prayer, lack of church attendance, or lack of effort.
It says lack of Knowledge - This is not head knowledge. It is relational, covenantal, revealed knowledge of God. The understanding of Word of God.
Simple Example:
Imagine someone hears: “God wants you to live in freedom.”
They like the word.
They repeat the word.
They try to act on the word.
But without understanding:
- What freedom is
- From what they are free
- How Christ already accomplished it
They end up striving instead of resting. Understanding roots the Word. And revelation flows from understanding.
Proverbs 4:7“Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Moving from Milk to Maturity
The Bible clearly calls us to grow beyond basics.
Hebrews 6:1 (ESV)“Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity…”
Elementary does not mean wrong — it means foundational. Some believers repeat the same cycle:
- Repent
- Feel guilty
- Repent again
- Question forgiveness
- Start over
But the Word says:
Hebrews 10:14“For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”
If we constantly return to the foundation as though it was never laid, it’s like asking Christ to be crucified again. God is not asking, “How many times must I forgive you?” He is saying, “Why haven’t you believed that I already have?”
Rooting Our Identity in How God Sees Us
True spiritual growth begins when we stop defining ourselves by failure and start defining ourselves by identity.
Colossians 1:22“He has now reconciled you… holy, blameless, and above reproach.”Romans 8:1“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
When your belief system aligns with God’s view of you, growth becomes natural—not forced.
Heavenly Focus Produces Earthly Fruit
Colossians 3:1–2“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
This does not make us disconnected from life—it makes us effective in life.
The more rooted you are in:
- Heavenly identity
- Kingdom truth
- God’s presence
The more successful, peaceful, and fruitful your earthly life becomes.
What Spiritual Growth Looks Like in Daily Life
Spiritual growth results in: first ----> become intentional of seeking What the word of God speaks about you. Focus on What I am created to be in Christ.. Pen them down- list all of them and keep your prayers aligned to them stating "Thank you Lord for making me...., How you have loved me, to make me......
2 Peter 3:18“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Final Thought
Spiritual growth is not about becoming more accepted by God. It is about becoming more aware of what He has already done.
Salvation gave you life.
Understanding grows that life.
We will go deeper in this topic step by step.. so stay tuned...... please share your thoughts, concerns in the comment below...