THEOLOGY
Is spiritual formation biblical?
In short, yes.
Will you find the term in the Bible?
In short, no.
However, the word "Bible" is not found in the Bible -- nor is "Christianity," "Trinity," "Rapture," or “Discipleship," just to name a few. The word "Bible," specifically, is of Greek origin, meaning "the books" and/or "scripture." So, it is important to note that sometimes, words that are considered "biblical" are interpretations derived from the biblical languages (Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek).
My goal here is not to convince.
My goal here is to witness.
Upon research of the question at hand, a multiplicity of writings will surface from pastors, preachers, teachers, theologians and professors that are theologically sound and reply in the affirmative, but they all apply different text(s) to the answer. So, for sake of this article, I will share the scriptures that I personally hold as the foundational biblical tenets of spiritual formation.
The true question to ask is this: Is spiritual formation rooted in scripture? The answer to that question is emphatically, yes.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
(Matthew 6:33 NIV)
This text is a foundational biblical tenet of spiritual formation because at the root of spiritual formation lies a deep desire to grow in Christlikeness. This verse informs us of where we should seek, first, before we look anywhere else.
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
(John 10:10 KJV)
This text is a foundational biblical tenet of spiritual formation because it points us to the true source of life. Generally speaking, there are many people walking the face of the earth, consumed with distractions, looking beyond themselves in every way possible trying to find joy, happiness, fulfillment, peace, companionship, love, etc. Even within our congregations, we find people that love God, and they are "good" people, but they feel like something is missing. Jesus is missing. A deeper connection to Jesus is missing. Jesus needs to be at the center of the equation in order for the true life and abundance to spring forth. Spiritual formation illuminates and activates the pathways to that connection.
"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
(1 John 4:16 NIV)
This text is a foundational biblical tenet of spiritual formation because the heart of spiritual formation is a call to love. It begins with an awareness of how God loves us. First, we are loved by God. In response, we love Him. Then, we love others more. And in return, we receive more love from others through Him. Thereby, love is made perfect.
"This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us."
(1 John 4: 17-19 NIV)
On a personal note, in my spiritual journey, I did not come into full awareness of just how much God loves me until I became a parent. It then became overwhelmingly clear, and my relationship with God began to transform, and my true life and purpose began to unfold. I am reminded of the Prodigal Son, whose father welcomed him home. For me, God welcomed me back into His fold.
In sum, at the root of spiritual formation we have:
a deep desire to grow in God
a deep desire to live more like Jesus
a deep desire to love
Throughout biblical/Christian history, we will find a great cloud of witnesses whose love of Jesus made history, and their testimony provides a historical witness to the evolution of spiritual formation over the ages.