Carnality defines the state of the believer who is in perpetual sin, but has not obeyed God by confession (1 John 1:9) and then leaving that sin or sins behind. The command to confess means to humbly admit or acknowledged disobedience (transgression).
Carnality is discussed and defined by the Apostle Paul in Romans 7:14-25. When we sin, we fall under the control of the sin-nature, which results in more sin — living in carnality and “out of fellowship” with God.
God’s answer to the believer’s sin problem is found in Galatians 5:16-18; Ephesians 5:18. Confession is how we believers are restored to intimate fellowship, which is the filling of the Spirit.
Carnality is the exhibition of the characteristics of an unsaved person, though they are a saved person. As long as we are in the flesh we will sin — be at times disobedient. This is why God gave us 1 John 1:9.
The book of First John is written to believers.