Evangelical humiliation is a profound sense of one's utter spiritual inadequacy, despicableness, and odiousness, accompanied by a corresponding disposition of the heart. It is a work of the Holy Spirit that reveals the beauty of God's holiness, leading to a deep abhorrence of sin and a voluntary self-abasement before God. Unlike legal humiliation, which stems from a natural awareness of God's power and the strictness of the law and can exist without a changed heart, evangelical humiliation is unique to true Christians and transforms their inner being.

This deep humility is the principal component of Christian self-denial, particularly the renunciation of one's own pride, dignity, and self-importance. It's the inward emptying of self that goes beyond merely forsaking worldly pleasures.

Evangelical humiliation stands in direct opposition to spiritual pride, a subtle and dangerous sin characterized by a high conceit of one's own religious attainments and even one's own humility. Counterfeit humility, a manifestation of spiritual pride, often involves outward displays of self-abasement while inwardly harboring self-exaltation and a judgmental attitude towards others.

True evangelical humiliation profoundly shapes a believer's self-perception. They tend to have a low estimation of their own spiritual progress, recognizing their deep dependence on God's grace and the vastness of their remaining sinfulness. This leads to a "poor in spirit" attitude, a willingness to learn, and a modest demeanor in all interactions, reflecting a genuine recognition of their unworthiness before a holy God.

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