He That Is Spiritual: A Classic Study of the Biblical Doctrine of Spirituality

This book is essentially a work that speaks of liberation and freedom in the Christian Life. It is, without a doubt, one of the best works written on the Christian Life and the provisions given to live it out confidently, with rest and peace, solely in faith and hope in the Spirit who has been given so abundantly to every believer at the moment of conversion. As a Biblicist, Chafer goes to great lengths to exegete the three essential passages that focus in on how to we should live the Christian Life above reproach. These are Eph. 4:30, 2 Thess. 5:19, and Gal. 5:16. Chafer views the Spirit as being given fully and completely at the moment of faith. All that is needed for life and godliness has already been supplied to every believer. The believer does not need to seek other blessings and works of special graces to live a victorious Christian Life. The key to living the life victoriously is to be daily yielded to the Spirit, and through this, the believer is 'Filled' (controlled) by the Spirit and allows the Spirit (already fully given) to manifest His fruit and the immanence of Christ to others. The 'Filling of the Spirit' is not quantitative by any means; Chafer explains that it is a matter of control, which Eph. 5:18 strongly suggests when it contrasts being 'Filled with the Spirit' by not being drunk, for this is dissipation. Though Chafer says a few things that resemble Keswickian teaching from time to time, such as needing an event of 'complete surrender' to begin the process of a true willingness for progressive sanctification (pp. 91-94, etc.), Chafer does not allow these views to override his essential emphases. His view of the Mosaic Law being fulfilled in Christ is essentially important for his understanding of the 'Economy of Grace' which the Christian now lives under (Rom. 6:14). Chafer ultimately sees the economy of grace as something that has completely superseded the shadows of the Mosaic economy just as the person of Christ has done with respect to the Law of Moses and everything tied to it (explained in the Book of Hebrews). Christ is the final Word of God and is almost a consummation of His progressive revelation. So, as the NT believer is a part of this development in the progressiveness of revelation, so he/she is now to live just as Christ has lived (1 Jn. 2:5-6). This is altogether 'superhuman' in character in comparison to the OT Law which is external in character and cannot regenerate the person but merely lead them to the final Word of God, the Living Word Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3, Rom. 8, Heb. 1:1-3, etc.). Thus, to live a superhuman life, known to Chafer as the Christian Life, one must have the appropriate means to achieve this kind of life in a daily manner. God has given this fully and completely to every Redeemed person by way of the Helper, the Holy Spirit. This is why 'Life in the Spirit' is not Law. However, commands are to be obeyed and lived out daily, but this can only be done by way of a c

Recently this book was chosen by a bible study I belong to and it was written in 1919? What is amazing is the way the author conveys what living in a more spiritual walk can do for those who are Christians in their belief. It takes some of its basis from the teaching of Paul, the apostle, but is also very relevant to today pressures with life.

This is a wonderful book that needs to be read more than once! It is a great aid in learning how to truly be spirit-led and spirit-filled! I highly recommend it to all Christians seeking to grow in the Lord.

Dr. Chafer in this brief book exposes the reality of being spiritual. From solid Biblical exposition he affirms that being spiritual or in fellowship with the Lord is an absolute state. While Dr. Chafer's archaic prose is sometimes difficult to navigate through, the book is a diamond in a dung heap. It is one of the best books available for sound spiritual growth and well worth overcoming Dr. Chafer's old prose.

Dr. Chafer presents a brief but practical work on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the daily life of the Believer. It is worth reading, and rereading, to glean all that is available to the hungry heart! The Lord has used the truths unfolded in this book to really empower my own walk in the Spirit.