Ever hear someone say, “When you first get saved, you’re a baby Christian, and then you need to grow into a spiritual giant?” I hear it all the time—and honestly, I find it pretty funny. Why? Because the Bible never says anything about believers getting a “baby-sized” Holy Spirit!
You’re Not Born Again as a Spiritual Infant
At salvation, the Bible clearly states we become a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Notice it says “new,” not “infant.” Yet somehow, many teachings today insist we start out as spiritual babies who have to grow and perform spiritually impressive feats to become mature or anointed believers.
This idea that you have to “grow” to become spiritually mature adds an unnecessary pressure to perform. It subtly sneaks legalism back into grace, implying you have to work or strive to earn spiritual maturity. If you don’t agree with me ask yourselves- who do you call spiritually mature? It is the leader of the ministries, or someone who does perform quite a bit. The others, “nah”.
This isn’t biblical—it’s just human tradition dressed up as spiritual growth.
You Were Baptized into Christ—Fully Mature!
Scripture plainly tells us that when we are born again, we are baptized (fully immersed) into Christ (Galatians 3:27). And if you’re fully immersed into Christ, guess what? You share His spiritual maturity. You’re immediately as sanctified, holy, blameless, and mature as Jesus Himself. You’re not a spiritual toddler trying to find your way—you’re already a fully-grown heir of God!
Paul refers to people under the Old Covenant Law as “children” who needed guidance until Christ came (Galatians 4:1-7). But here’s the exciting part: When Christ came and you believed, you instantly moved from child to son—from immature to fully mature, from bondage to freedom. Paul explicitly says believers are sons, not spiritual babies waiting to grow up.
There’s Only One Level of Anointing—Jesus Level!
Let’s ditch this unbiblical concept of “levels” of spiritual maturity or anointing. There’s no “baby Christian” level, “intermediate Christian” level, or “spiritual giant” level. There’s only one level, and that’s Jesus-level anointing! The Holy Spirit within you isn’t partial or incomplete; He is the fullness of Christ Himself.
Objections answered
So what about verses like Heb 5:12-14, 1 Cor 3:1-3 and 1 Pet 2:2, where they talk about spiritually immature, infants and all that? They refer to the understanding we have, not about how we are in the spirit. Yes, you can walk in that understanding in different levels, but even a new believer who barely knows anything other than they are saved, have a spiritual status equal to Jesus in the spirit.
1. Hebrews 5:12–14 (NASB):
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles… and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature.”
In this passage, spiritual immaturity is described metaphorically as someone who hasn’t grasped deeper spiritual truths (solid food) and is still relying on basic teachings (milk). It’s about knowledge.
2. 1 Corinthians 3:1–3 (NASB):
“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it.”
Here, Paul addresses believers to whom basic knowledge was given, and again it is about knowledge.
3. 1 Peter 2:2 (NASB):
“Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.”
Peter is using the metaphor of newborn babies to emphasize the importance of desiring and consuming the Word of God for spiritual growth. This doesn’t mean that we are “baby Christians” in terms of our identity or status before God, but rather it highlights the process of growth and maturity in our understanding and experience of our salvation.
Understanding the Context Clearly
These references highlight a distinction between:
- Identity (Who you are in Christ):
At salvation, you’re fully justified, completely forgiven, and made righteous. Spiritually speaking, you’re complete in Christ from day one (Colossians 2:10, Hebrews 10:14, 2 Peter 1:3; Colossians 2:10). Our identity is secure, and we are righteous and holy in God’s sight (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 4:24). - Behavior & Understanding (How you live & mature):
Growth, maturity, and deepening understanding do occur. They’re not about becoming more holy or accepted (that’s fully settled at salvation)—they’re about renewing your mind, walking out your identity, and reflecting Christ more clearly in everyday life (Romans 12:2).
Embrace Your True Identity Now!
Stop seeing yourself as spiritually immature or incomplete. You’re fully equipped, fully sanctified, and fully mature because Christ Himself is your life. Embrace your identity as a fully grown son or daughter of God—and watch how that changes everything about your walk with Him!
Call to Action (CTA)
Don’t live like you’re missing part of God’s Spirit. Embrace the fullness you already have in Christ.
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