Understanding Higher Life Theology

What’s Wrong with Higher Life Theology? Also known as the Keswick, the movement began in the late 19th century with a focus on achieving a higher spiritual state after conversion. Proponents of this theology encourage Christians to pursue a “second blessing” or a deeper spiritual experience, marked by victory over sin, spiritual empowerment, or even sinless perfection. This second work of grace is seen as distinct from justification, offering an elevated spiritual status to believers.

From a Reformed Calvinist perspective, however, Higher Life Theology presents significant issues. Reformed theology emphasizes the ordinary means of grace and views sanctification as a gradual, lifelong process. The pursuit of a crisis experience that promises instantaneous spiritual victory distorts the biblical understanding of sanctification and can lead to disillusionment, spiritual elitism, and confusion about the nature of grace.

The Flawed View of Sanctification

One of the foundational errors in Higher Life Theology is its misunderstanding of sanctification. The theology teaches that believers can reach a state of “instant sanctification” through a crisis experience, often described as “letting go and letting God.” This passive approach to sanctification suggests that believers simply need to surrender in order to overcome sin and experience victorious Christian living.

In contrast, the Reformed view of sanctification is rooted in Scripture’s teaching on the progressive nature of spiritual growth. Sanctification is not an instant, one-time event but a gradual, lifelong process in which believers are conformed to the image of Christ (Philippians 2:12-13). As Romans 7 illustrates, even mature Christians like the apostle Paul continued to struggle with sin. The Christian life is marked by ongoing repentance, spiritual discipline, and growth in grace.

The “quick fix” approach of Higher Life Theology often leads to disappointment. When believers expect to achieve complete victory over sin but find themselves still struggling, they may feel discouraged or doubt their salvation. Reformed theology, however, recognizes that sanctification is a daily battle against sin, with victory ultimately assured through Christ (Romans 6:12-14).

The Misunderstanding of the Human Condition

A key problem with Higher Life Theology is its dualistic view of Christians. It divides believers into two categories: “carnal” and “spiritual.” This teaching suggests that some Christians remain in a lower, fleshly state, while others achieve a higher, more spiritual life after a crisis experience. This division introduces a dangerous form of spiritual elitism, implying that some believers are “better” or more advanced than others.

Reformed theology, grounded in the doctrine of total depravity, rejects this division. All believers are sinners saved by grace, and none of us can claim to be more worthy of God’s favor than others (Romans 3:23). There is no second tier of Christians; all who are in Christ are equally justified and sanctified through the work of the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is not a special blessing for a select few, but a process that applies to all believers (Ephesians 4:4-6).

The idea of dividing Christians into two categories can lead to spiritual pride or despair. Those who see themselves as “higher” Christians may fall into arrogance, while those who continue to struggle with sin may feel inferior. Reformed theology encourages believers to avoid such comparisons, focusing instead on the universal need for God’s grace and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in every believer.

Misconception of Grace

In Higher Life Theology, grace is often presented as a means to reach a higher spiritual plane. The focus is on emotional or mystical experiences that are taken as evidence of God’s grace. This experiential approach to sanctification makes the Christian life dependent on subjective feelings and special moments of encounter with God, leading to instability in the believer’s walk.

Reformed theology views grace as the foundation of the entire Christian life, not just conversion. Grace is what saves us and sustains us in every moment of our sanctification (Ephesians 2:8-9). Through the ordinary means of grace—Scripture, prayer, sacraments, and fellowship—God sanctifies His people progressively. Growth in holiness does not come from seeking extraordinary experiences, but from faithfully pursuing the ordinary means God has given us (Titus 2:11-12).

In focusing so heavily on experience, Higher Life Theology can slide into a form of legalism. While it may not emphasize outward works, it often equates the inward experience of a higher life with true sanctification. This pressure to attain a certain spiritual experience can lead believers into thinking that their relationship with God depends on their performance or feelings, rather than Christ’s finished work.

Biblical and Doctrinal Issues

Many of the key scriptures used by Higher Life Theology are misunderstood or misapplied. For example, Romans 6 is often cited to suggest that believers can achieve complete victory over sin in this life, without recognizing the ongoing nature of the struggle described in Romans 7. Similarly, Galatians 2:20 is taken to mean that believers no longer have to wrestle with sin, while the full counsel of Scripture teaches the need for daily repentance and dependence on Christ.

The Reformed doctrine of union with Christ teaches that all believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection from the moment of conversion (Romans 6:1-14). There is no need for a second blessing or additional spiritual event to bring us into fuller fellowship with Christ. All the blessings of salvation, including justification and sanctification, are ours in Christ, and we grow into them progressively through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Rather than resting in the promises of God’s Word, Higher Life Theology encourages believers to seek subjective experiences for assurance. This undermines the biblical assurance of salvation, which rests on Christ’s finished work and the promises of Scripture, not on fluctuating spiritual experiences (Hebrews 10:14).

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification

Higher Life Theology often teaches that the Holy Spirit’s work in sanctification is unlocked through a crisis experience or a “second baptism.” Believers are encouraged to seek additional spiritual blessings or manifestations of the Spirit’s power in order to live the victorious Christian life.

Reformed theology teaches that every believer receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit at conversion (Ephesians 1:13-14). The Spirit works consistently in the believer’s life through the means of grace, enabling growth in holiness, faith, and obedience. There is no need to seek additional experiences or baptisms; the Holy Spirit is fully present and active in every believer’s life from the moment of regeneration.

The Christian life is not about unlocking hidden spiritual powers but about abiding in Christ and growing in His Word. As believers faithfully submit to God’s will, the Spirit transforms them into the image of Christ over time (John 14:16-17). Sanctification is a lifelong journey, empowered by the Spirit, but it is never complete in this life.

Theological and Pastoral Implications

The pastoral dangers of Higher Life Theology are significant. By promising instantaneous sanctification, it sets up unrealistic expectations that can lead to emotional burnout and spiritual frustration. Believers who fail to achieve the “higher life” may question their salvation or feel abandoned by God. The constant focus on extraordinary spiritual experiences also causes many to neglect the ordinary and sometimes difficult aspects of discipleship (Luke 9:23).

In contrast, Reformed pastoral counsel emphasizes the ordinary means of grace and the steady, often slow, work of sanctification. Believers are encouraged to persevere in faith, trusting that God will complete the good work He has begun in them (Philippians 1:6). True Christian growth comes not through extraordinary experiences but through faithful obedience and reliance on God’s grace.

Conclusion: The Reformed Call to Persevering Faith

In summary, the errors of Higher Life Theology lie in its misunderstanding of sanctification, its flawed view of the human condition, and its misconception of grace. Rather than seeking a “higher” Christian experience, believers are called to persevere in faith, trusting in God’s promises and relying on the means of grace He has provided. The Christian life is a journey, not a destination, and sanctification is a gradual process of being conformed to the image of Christ.

As believers rest in the finished work of Christ, they can find peace in the assurance that God is faithful. He will complete the work He has begun, and through the power of His Spirit, He will bring them safely home (Philippians 1:6).

What’s Wrong with Higher Life Theology: Related FAQs:

What are the key teachings of Higher Life Theology? Higher Life Theology centers on three main teachings: Entire Sanctification, which posits believers can achieve a state of complete holiness or freedom from conscious sin in this life. It suggests that Christians can reach a point where they no longer struggle with sin on a daily basis. The “Second Blessing” which claims that after conversion, believers can experience a distinct moment of spiritual empowerment, often called the “second blessing” or “baptism of the Holy Spirit.” This experience is said to elevate the Christian to a higher plane of spiritual life and victory over sin. Emphasis on Personal Holiness: This focuses on achieving practical holiness and victory over sin in daily life. It often presents this as an achievable goal through full surrender to God and faith in His sanctifying power.

Which are the key Scripture passages the movement misquotes and misapplies? Higher Life Theology often misquotes passages like Romans 6:11, Galatians 2:20, and 1 John 3:9 to claim that believers can live without sin through a crisis experience. Romans 6:11, which speaks of believers being “dead to sin,” is taken to mean sinless perfection, rather than the gradual process of sanctification. Similarly, Galatians 2:20’s focus on Christ living in believers is misinterpreted to imply instant victory over sin, neglecting the ongoing spiritual struggle outlined in other parts of Scripture, like Romans 7.

What’s wrong with the Higher Life theology? One of the dangers of Higher Life Theology is that it promotes unrealistic expectations about the Christian life, leading to spiritual disillusionment when sin persists. It fosters a division between “ordinary” and “higher” Christians, encouraging spiritual elitism and pride. Moreover, by focusing on a crisis experience, it downplays the importance of the ongoing means of grace—such as Scripture, prayer, and fellowship—in the daily growth of sanctification.

How do we address common Higher Life proof texts? When addressing common Higher Life proof texts, we should consider: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: This passage is a prayer for the Thessalonians’ sanctification, culminating in their preservation for Christ’s coming. It doesn’t promise complete sanctification in this life but points to the completion of God’s work in eternity. John 17:17-19: Jesus’ prayer for His disciples’ sanctification is an ongoing process through the truth of God’s Word, not an instantaneous experience. The sanctification mentioned here is positional (set apart for God’s purposes) and progressive, not a state of sinless perfection. 2 Corinthians 7:1: Paul’s exhortation to cleanse ourselves and perfect holiness is a call to ongoing sanctification. It acknowledges that this process continues “in the fear of God,” implying an ongoing struggle against sin rather than a one-time achievement of perfect holiness.

In contrast, what is the Reformed perspective on sanctification? The Reformed perspective on sanctification differs significantly: It views sanctification as a lifelong process of growing in holiness, not an instantaneous experience. Believers are progressively conformed to Christ’s image through the work of the Holy Spirit. It emphasis the believer’s union with Christ as the foundation for sanctification, rather than a post-conversion “second blessing.” All aspects of salvation, including sanctification, flow from this union. Reformed theology recognizes the ongoing presence and influence of sin in the believer’s life, teaching that the struggle against sin continues until glorification. This view promotes humility and continual dependence on God’s grace. It emphasizes the use of means of grace (Word, sacraments, prayer) in sanctification, rather than seeking a single transformative experience. Growth in holiness occurs through faithful use of these means, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Reformed view balances human responsibility in pursuing holiness with God’s sovereignty in the sanctification process, avoiding both passivity and self-reliant striving.

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