Is the Bible Useful for Spiritual-Not-Religious People?

The Bible is one of the most profound and enduring texts in human history, offering a wealth of wisdom, guidance, and inspiration for navigating life’s challenges and triumphs. To me, it’s not just a religious text but a beautifully layered collection of allegories and metaphors—rich with symbolic meaning meant to stir the soul and illuminate our journey. While some choose to interpret its verses literally, I see its stories as timeless reflections of the human experience, spiritual truths, and the inner workings of divine connection.

As someone who identifies as spiritual-not-religious, I believe the Bible was never intended to be the exclusive cornerstone of organized religion or wielded as a tool of division and conflict. And it certainly wasn’t created to be used as a marketing or PR prop. Instead, it is a deeply personal and universal manual for living, designed to inspire growth, compassion, and alignment with higher truths. With this perspective, we can read its pages with open hearts and minds, discovering how its wisdom speaks to the core of our shared humanity.

In this post, I’ll explore how the Bible can serve as a spiritual guide for anyone—regardless of religious affiliation—offering insights on living with purpose, faith, and love— as it was intended.

Let’s talk about God

When I think of “God,” I don’t envision a corporeal old man in the sky, but rather an infinite intelligence that permeates and governs the universe. This divine presence is the essence of creation itself, flowing through all things seen and unseen. It’s the rhythm of the tides, the brilliance of the stars, and the intricate design of a single leaf. It is the force that sustains life, the still small voice of intuition, and the infinite potential within every human being. God is not a distant being watching from above but an omnipresent energy that moves through the fabric of existence, uniting all of nature—including mankind—in a cosmic dance of interconnectedness.

This understanding of God reflects a boundless creativity and wisdom that transcends human form or definition. It is the source of love, inspiration, and the harmony that binds all living things. Whether we call it God, the Universe, Source, or something else entirely, this infinite intelligence speaks to us in the language of beauty, balance, and mystery. It invites us to see the sacred in the mundane and to recognize that we are not separate from the divine but are vital expressions of it. In this view, to know God is to know the interconnectedness of all life and to marvel at the wonder of existence itself.

How the Bible Explains the Law of Attraction & Manifesting

While the Bible does not explicitly use the words “manifesting” or the “law of attraction,” it contains numerous verses about faith, the power of thoughts and words, and trusting in God’s provision, which align with similar timeless principles of manifesting. Here’s a list of Bible verses that resonate with those themes:

Faith and Belief

These verses outline the modern steps for manifesting: asking for what you desire, believing not only in its possibility but having faith in its certainty, and being open to receiving it. Prayer serves as the act of asking and connecting with a higher power—whether you call it God, Infinite Intelligence, or Source.

1. Mark 11:24
   “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
2. Hebrews 11:1
   “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
3. Matthew 21:22
   “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
4. Romans 4:17
   “…God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”

“I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6)
“When you say ‘I am,’ you are declaring the creative power of God within you. The ‘I am’ is the consciousness of God within you, the point of power through which all manifestation happens. Whatever you attach to your ‘I am’ statement shapes your reality.”

neville goddard

The Power of Words

These verses demonstrate the power of affirmations and speaking your reality into existence – whether good or bad. Your words create your reality.

5. Proverbs 18:21
   “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
6. Matthew 12:37
   “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
7. James 3:5
   “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”

Trusting in God’s Provision

Well-being, abundance, and prosperity are the natural order of the earth, woven into its very design. These qualities are evident in the cycles of nature, where everything is provided in balance and harmony—the sun rises, plants grow, and rivers flow to sustain life. This divine blueprint is also reflected in these verses, which highlight the innate abundance and care embedded in creation and remind us that living in alignment with this natural flow, which I translate as Christ consciousness, brings blessings and fulfillment.

8. Philippians 4:19
   “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
9. Matthew 6:33
   “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
10. Jeremiah 29:11
    “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Renewing the Mind and Focusing on Positivity

These verses emphasize the importance of minding your thoughts when it comes to manifesting. Keeping your focus on your vision and what’s possible is key, while intentionally tuning out the negative noise that can distract or discourage you. Tap into the magic of the Universe and focus only on that .

11. Romans 12:2
    “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
12. Philippians 4:8
    “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
13. 2 Corinthians 10:5
    “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Sowing and Reaping

You cannot fool the laws of the Universe, including the law of reciprocity or karma, “What goes around, comes around.” There is no escape from this truth as shown in these two verses.

14. Galatians 6:7-8
    “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
15. Proverbs 11:25
    “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Divine Alignment and Guidance

These verses reflect the benevolence and intelligence of the Universe (God). When we trust it, lean into, stop trying to control everything ourselves, miracles happen. Simply as for what you want and wait for instructions.

16. Psalm 37:4-5
    “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
17. Ephesians 3:20
    “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
18. Isaiah 55:11
    “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Gratitude and Thanksgiving

All great manifestors and spiritual teachers understand the power of gratitude. It is the foundation for attracting all good things and enhances a person’s ability to receive blessings while also sharing them with others.

19. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
    “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
20. Psalm 100:4
    “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

Final Thoughts

These verses reveal how ancient wisdom aligns seamlessly with modern manifesting principles. The Bible has long emphasized the power of aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with faith in something larger that ourselves—a practice that resonates deeply with today’s new thought teachings. Just as contemporary manifesting techniques encourage us to focus on our desires, believe in their fulfillment, and take inspired action, the Bible reiterates these truths through timeless wisdom. Whether we’re seeking spiritual growth or practical abundance, these teachings remind us that when we align with divine intelligence, we open the door to transformative manifestations in our lives.

We don’t need religion to be spiritual, and in fact, spirituality can be a deeply personal journey that transcends religious boundaries. The Bible, when viewed through a broader lens, can be seen as a powerful book filled with timeless teachings that guide humanity in understanding itself—its purpose, its connection to the divine, and the deeper truths of existence. The wisdom within its verses offers insights into human nature, the power of thoughts and emotions, and the importance of living with integrity, compassion, and faith. Regardless of religious affiliation, the Bible can serve as a profound tool for self-reflection, growth, and spiritual awakening, helping us navigate life’s challenges and align with our highest potential.

This is just the beginning. The Bible offers insight into so many aspects of modern life, and I’ll be sharing more in future posts. If there’s a topic you’d like to explore, feel free to let me know!