spiritual truths. The word "parallel" means to be similar to something or to "lay side by side.” In
a "natural parallel of a spiritual truth" God uses a natural example to explain or represent a
spiritual truth.
The parables of Jesus were natural examples of spiritual truths. For example, in one parable He
used the natural example of a woman searching intensely for a lost coin. He used this to
illustrate the intense concern we should have for men and women who are lost in sin. This is just
one of many examples of parables in which Jesus used natural examples to illustrate spiritual
truths.
This principle of natural and spiritual parallels is explained in I Corinthians:
...There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last
Adam was made a quickening spirit.Howbeit that was not first which was spiritual but that which is natural; and
afterward that which is spiritual. (I Corinthians 15:44-46)In these verses the Apostle Paul shared one of the greatest examples of a natural parallel of a
spiritual truth. The first man created by God was the natural man, Adam. Jesus, who is called
the last Adam, was a spirit. Adam was a natural parallel of the spiritual truth God revealed
through Jesus Christ. By the natural man came sin and death. By the spiritual man came
salvation and life.
That which is natural is something you can observe with your senses; you can see, hear or touch
it. That which is spiritual can only be observed with spiritual senses. Natural examples can be
recognized with the physical senses. Their spiritual parallels can only be recognized through the
revelation of the Holy Spirit. Understanding this principle of natural parallels of spiritual truths
results in new insights in the study of God's Word.
DEVELOPING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
Jesus used the term "fruit" of the Spirit as a natural parallel of a spiritual truth. Certain
conditions are necessary to produce fruit in the natural world. These are spiritual parallels of
things necessary for production of spiritual fruit. In the natural world, as well as the spiritual
realm, there are specific conditions necessary to assure growth. These include the following: