Evangelical Counsels refer to the three vows or commitments traditionally embraced by individuals who choose to live a life of consecrated service to God, particularly in monastic or religious orders. These counsels are poverty, chastity, and obedience. They are called “evangelical” because they are rooted in the teachings of the Gospels (the Evangelium) and reflect a way of life that seeks to follow Christ more closely. From a Bible-believing Christian worldview, the evangelical counsels are seen as expressions of a deeper commitment to discipleship, although their application and significance may vary between different Christian traditions.

Historical Development of the Evangelical Counsels

Origins in Early Christianity

The evangelical counsels have their roots in the early Christian community, where believers were called to live out the teachings of Jesus in a radical way.

• Jesus’ Teachings:
  • The evangelical counsels are directly inspired by the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, where He calls His followers to a life of self-denial, simplicity, and total commitment to God.
  • Matthew 19:21: “Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'” This verse is often cited as a biblical basis for the counsel of poverty.
  • Matthew 19:12: “For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” This verse supports the counsel of chastity.
  • Luke 22:42: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will is the ultimate example of obedience.

Monasticism and Religious Orders

The formalization of the evangelical counsels as vows began in the early centuries of Christianity, particularly with the rise of monasticism.

• Monasticism:
  • The monastic movement, beginning in the 3rd and 4th centuries, saw individuals and communities dedicated to living out the evangelical counsels in a radical way. Monks and nuns took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience as part of their commitment to living a life wholly devoted to God.
  • St. Benedict (6th century): The Rule of St. Benedict, which became the foundation for Western monasticism, emphasizes the evangelical counsels as essential components of monastic life.
• Religious Orders:
  • Throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, various religious orders, such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Jesuits, adopted the evangelical counsels as part of their spiritual discipline and communal life.
  • St. Francis of Assisi (12th century): St. Francis is particularly known for his radical embrace of poverty, which he saw as a way to imitate Christ and live out the Gospel.

Protestant Reformation

During the Protestant Reformation, the evangelical counsels were viewed differently. While they were still respected, the Reformers emphasized the priesthood of all believers and the idea that all Christians are called to live holy lives, not just those in monastic orders.

• Reformation Critique:
  • Reformers like Martin Luther criticized the monastic vows, arguing that they were not necessary for salvation and could lead to a works-based approach to righteousness.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:17: “Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.” This verse was often cited to emphasize that holiness could be pursued in any vocation, not just through monastic life.

The Evangelical Counsels in Detail

Poverty

Poverty in the context of the evangelical counsels involves a voluntary renunciation of material possessions and wealth to focus on spiritual riches and dependence on God.

• Biblical Basis:
  • Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus teaches the importance of valuing heavenly treasures over earthly wealth.
• Spiritual Significance:
  • Poverty is seen as a way to imitate Christ, who “though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). It reflects a trust in God’s provision and a commitment to simplicity.

Chastity

Chastity involves the commitment to celibacy, refraining from marriage and sexual relations, in order to dedicate oneself entirely to God.

• Biblical Basis:
  • 1 Corinthians 7:32-34: “I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided.” Paul speaks of the benefits of celibacy for those who can accept it, as it allows for undivided devotion to the Lord.
• Spiritual Significance:
  • Chastity is seen as a way to imitate Christ’s own life of celibacy and to focus entirely on spiritual matters. It is also viewed as a way to experience spiritual intimacy with God.

Obedience

Obedience involves the commitment to submit to God’s will and to the authority of one’s religious superiors, as a way of cultivating humility and discipline.

• Biblical Basis:
  • Philippians 2:8: “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will, even to the point of death, is the model for Christian obedience.
• Spiritual Significance:
  • Obedience is seen as a way to surrender one’s own will to God and to trust in His guidance. It reflects the humility of Christ and the willingness to follow His example.

Theological and Practical Implications

A Call to Holiness

The evangelical counsels are understood as a call to holiness, not just for those in religious orders but for all Christians. While not everyone is called to take formal vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, the principles behind these counsels are relevant to all believers.

• 1 Peter 1:15-16: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” All Christians are called to pursue holiness, and the evangelical counsels provide a framework for doing so in a radical way.

Voluntary Sacrifice

The evangelical counsels involve voluntary sacrifices made out of love for God. They are not requirements for salvation but are seen as ways to follow Christ more closely.

• Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” The call to offer oneself as a living sacrifice is reflected in the evangelical counsels.

Witness to the World

Those who live out the evangelical counsels serve as a witness to the world of the values of the Kingdom of God. By embracing poverty, chastity, and obedience, they point to a reality that transcends the material and temporal concerns of this world.

• Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The evangelical counsels are a way to let the light of Christ shine in the world.

Conclusion

From a Bible-believing Christian worldview, the Evangelical Counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience represent a radical commitment to following Christ and living out the teachings of the Gospel. While traditionally associated with monastic and religious orders, these counsels have a broader relevance for all Christians as they seek to live holy and devoted lives.

Historically, the evangelical counsels have been embraced by those seeking a deeper, more consecrated life in service to God, particularly within the context of monasticism and religious orders. Biblically, they are rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus and reflect a call to live counter-culturally, prioritizing spiritual riches over material wealth, chastity over earthly relationships, and obedience to God over personal autonomy.

Theologically, the evangelical counsels are seen as voluntary sacrifices made out of love for God, reflecting a desire to imitate Christ more closely. Practically, they serve as a witness to the world of the values of the Kingdom of God and challenge all believers to consider how they might live more fully in alignment with the teachings of Jesus.

In embracing or reflecting on the evangelical counsels, Christians are invited to explore how they might deepen their commitment to Christ, whether through formal vows or through the intentional pursuit of holiness in their daily lives.