The concept of stages or levels is not explicitly outlined in the Bible as a systematic doctrine, but the Scriptures do provide numerous examples and principles that illustrate the progression of spiritual growth, maturity, and the unfolding of God's plan. These stages can be seen in the lives of biblical characters, the development of the early church, and the spiritual journey of believers.

Spiritual Growth and Maturity

The Bible frequently uses metaphors of growth to describe the spiritual journey of believers. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of spiritual maturity as a process. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 , Paul addresses the Corinthians as "infants in Christ," indicating that they were at an early stage in their spiritual development: "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it." This metaphor of milk and solid food suggests a progression from basic teachings to deeper understanding.

Similarly, the author of Hebrews exhorts believers to move beyond elementary teachings and press on to maturity: "Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity" (Hebrews 6:1). This call to maturity implies a journey through various stages of understanding and application of faith.

Stages in the Life of Biblical Characters

The lives of biblical figures often reflect distinct stages of spiritual development. For example, the life of David illustrates a progression from shepherd boy to king. His early years were marked by faithfulness in small things, such as tending sheep and defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 17). As he matured, he faced trials and learned to rely on God's guidance, eventually becoming a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22).

Similarly, the Apostle Peter's journey from a fisherman to a foundational leader of the early church demonstrates stages of growth. Initially impulsive and sometimes lacking understanding, Peter matured through experiences such as walking on water (Matthew 14:29), denying Christ (Luke 22:54-62), and being restored by Jesus (John 21:15-19). His later writings reflect a deep spiritual maturity and understanding of Christ's teachings.

The Development of the Early Church

The early church also experienced stages of growth and expansion. Beginning with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2), the church grew rapidly, moving from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). This expansion involved overcoming challenges, such as persecution and doctrinal disputes, which required the church to mature in its understanding and practice of the faith.

Personal Spiritual Journey

For individual believers, the spiritual journey involves stages of growth in faith, knowledge, and character. The Apostle Paul describes this process in Ephesians 4:13-15 , where he speaks of attaining "the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." This passage highlights the goal of spiritual maturity, which is to become more like Christ in every aspect of life.

The Bible encourages believers to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18), indicating that spiritual growth is an ongoing process. This growth involves stages of learning, testing, and refining, as believers are transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2).

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly outline a doctrine of stages or levels, it provides a rich tapestry of examples and teachings that illustrate the progression of spiritual growth and maturity. Through the lives of biblical characters, the development of the early church, and the personal journey of believers, the Scriptures reveal a dynamic process of becoming more like Christ and fulfilling God's purposes.