The Knowledge of the Holy⁚ A Classic Exploration of God’s Attributes
A.W. Tozer’s “The Knowledge of the Holy” is a timeless masterpiece of Christian spirituality, offering a profound exploration of God’s attributes and their profound impact on the lives of believers. This book is a call to recover the majesty and wonder of God in a world that has grown increasingly indifferent to His holiness.
Introduction
In a world often characterized by a diminished sense of the divine, A.W. Tozer’s “The Knowledge of the Holy” stands as a beacon of spiritual renewal, urging Christians to rediscover the majesty and wonder of God. Published in 1961, this classic work delves into the attributes of God, exploring His wisdom, grace, mercy, and other divine qualities with a depth and clarity that has resonated with readers for generations. Tozer’s profound insights are woven together with Scripture, hymnody, prayer, and practical applications, creating a rich tapestry of theological reflection and devotional experience.
The book’s central thesis is that a proper understanding of God’s holiness is essential for a vibrant and authentic Christian life. Tozer argues that a distorted view of God leads to a distorted view of ourselves and our relationship with Him. He contends that a true appreciation of God’s majesty inspires awe, reverence, and a deep desire to live in accordance with His will.
A.W. Tozer⁚ A Visionary Voice
A.W. Tozer (1897-1963) was a prominent American evangelical preacher and writer known for his profound insights into the nature of God and the Christian life. Tozer’s ministry was marked by a deep reverence for the divine, a passion for biblical truth, and a yearning to see the church awakened to the reality of God’s holiness. He was a prolific writer, authoring numerous books that have become staples of Christian literature, including “The Pursuit of God,” “The Keys to the Kingdom,” and “The Knowledge of the Holy.”
Tozer’s writing style is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and eloquence. He possessed a gift for expressing complex theological concepts in a way that was both accessible and inspiring. His words have touched the hearts and minds of countless readers, prompting them to re-examine their faith and deepen their relationship with God.
The Significance of “The Knowledge of the Holy”
“The Knowledge of the Holy” stands as a cornerstone of Christian literature, offering a powerful antidote to the prevailing spiritual apathy and diluted understanding of God prevalent in modern times. Tozer’s book is a passionate plea for believers to rediscover the awe-inspiring majesty and unfathomable holiness of God, urging them to move beyond a superficial knowledge and embrace a deeper, more transformative encounter with the Divine. He argues that a true understanding of God’s attributes is essential for a vibrant and authentic Christian life, shaping our worship, our prayer, and our very perception of the world around us.
This work has resonated deeply with generations of readers, reminding them of the profound beauty and power of a God who is infinitely beyond our comprehension. It serves as a vital reminder of the need for genuine spiritual awakening and a renewed focus on the transcendent nature of our God.
The Importance of Thinking Rightly About God
Tozer’s central argument in “The Knowledge of the Holy” revolves around the profound impact of our understanding of God on our spiritual lives. He contends that our thoughts about God are not merely intellectual exercises but deeply shape our beliefs, actions, and ultimately our very relationship with Him. A distorted or inadequate view of God, Tozer warns, can lead to a shallow and unfulfilling faith, while a true and accurate understanding of His attributes can ignite a passion for holiness, a desire to walk in obedience, and a profound sense of awe and wonder.
Tozer emphasizes that thinking rightly about God is not simply a matter of theological correctness but a vital spiritual necessity. He challenges readers to move beyond superficial notions of God and delve into the depths of His nature, embracing the incomprehensible vastness of His being and the immeasurable depths of His love and grace.
God’s Incomprehensibility
Tozer boldly asserts that God’s essence is inherently incomprehensible to human minds. He argues that our finite minds, limited by time and space, cannot fully grasp the infinite nature of a God who exists outside of our comprehension. This realization should not lead to despair or resignation, but rather to a profound sense of humility and awe. Tozer encourages us to embrace the mystery of God, acknowledging that our understanding will always be incomplete and our knowledge will always be partial.
He reminds us that true knowledge of God is not about intellectual mastery but about a deep and abiding faith. We can know God through His revelation in Scripture, through His work in our lives, and through the witness of His Holy Spirit. But ultimately, our understanding of God will always be a journey, an ongoing process of seeking and discovering more of His infinite glory.
Attributes of God
Tozer delves into the attributes of God, exploring the multifaceted nature of His character. He emphasizes that each attribute is not merely a separate quality but rather a reflection of the divine essence. In exploring these attributes, Tozer doesn’t seek to reduce God to a set of abstract concepts but rather to illuminate the depth and richness of His being. He encourages us to contemplate the divine attributes not as theoretical propositions but as living realities that shape our relationship with God.
Tozer emphasizes the importance of understanding God’s attributes not as abstract concepts but as living realities that shape our relationship with Him. He encourages us to meditate on these attributes, allowing them to shape our thinking, our emotions, and our actions. He argues that a deeper knowledge of God’s attributes leads to a more profound and intimate relationship with Him.
Wisdom
Tozer explores the wisdom of God, highlighting its infinite scope and its manifestation in both the creation and the redemption of mankind. He argues that God’s wisdom is not merely intellectual brilliance but a profound understanding of all things, past, present, and future. He emphasizes that God’s wisdom is not a cold, impersonal force but a loving and compassionate guide, guiding all things towards their ultimate purpose. This wisdom, Tozer emphasizes, is not only evident in the grand design of the universe but also in the intricate details of our lives, shaping our circumstances and directing our steps.
He encourages readers to contemplate the wisdom of God in their own lives, recognizing His presence in the seemingly insignificant events and challenges they face. He also emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s wisdom in our own lives, recognizing that His guidance is available to all who seek it.
Grace
Tozer delves into the profound nature of God’s grace, highlighting its unmerited character and its transformative power in the lives of believers. He contrasts grace with human merit, emphasizing that it is a gift freely given, not earned through good works or moral striving. This understanding of grace, he argues, is essential for a true relationship with God, as it allows us to approach Him not with fear or self-righteousness but with humility and gratitude. Grace, according to Tozer, is the divine power that empowers us to overcome sin and live a life of holiness. He emphasizes its transformative effect on the human heart, replacing selfishness with love, pride with humility, and despair with hope.
He encourages readers to embrace the reality of God’s grace in their own lives, recognizing its ability to redeem the past, empower the present, and secure a hopeful future. He urges them to live in a constant state of gratitude for this undeserved gift, allowing it to shape their thoughts, words, and actions.
Mercy
Tozer explores the attribute of mercy, revealing its profound depth and its essential role in God’s relationship with humanity. He emphasizes that mercy is not simply a temporary reprieve from punishment but a deep and abiding love that extends even to those who deserve judgment. He contrasts mercy with justice, explaining that while justice demands retribution for sin, mercy offers forgiveness and restoration. Tozer highlights the fact that God’s mercy is not a sign of weakness but a testament to His boundless love and compassion. He argues that it is this mercy that motivates God to offer redemption to His creation, even in the face of rebellion and sin.
He encourages readers to meditate on the vastness of God’s mercy, recognizing its ability to transform hearts, heal wounds, and offer hope even in the darkest circumstances. He emphasizes that this attribute is not a right to be demanded but a grace to be received with humility and gratitude.
Other Attributes
Beyond the core attributes of wisdom, grace, and mercy, Tozer delves into a rich tapestry of other divine qualities. He explores the unfathomable power of God, emphasizing that it is not a force to be feared but a source of strength and protection for those who trust in Him. He examines the unwavering faithfulness of God, highlighting His steadfast love and commitment to His promises, even in the face of human fallibility. Tozer also addresses the holiness of God, which is not simply a moral quality but a fundamental aspect of His being, a radiant purity that sets Him apart from all creation.
He further explores the immutability of God, emphasizing that His character is unchanging, a source of stability and comfort in a world marked by constant flux. He reminds readers that God is eternal, existing beyond the confines of time, and that His knowledge encompasses all things, past, present, and future. Tozer encourages readers to contemplate these attributes, deepening their understanding of the God they worship and allowing their faith to grow stronger.
The Holy Trinity
Tozer skillfully guides readers through the complex doctrine of the Trinity, presenting it not as an abstract theological concept but as a living reality that shapes our understanding of God and our relationship with Him. He emphasizes that the Trinity is not a mere collection of three distinct beings, but a single, unified God existing in three co-equal persons⁚ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, yet they exist in perfect unity and harmony, a truth that defies human comprehension.
Tozer further explains that the Trinity is not just a theological doctrine but a lived experience. He argues that our understanding of God is incomplete without acknowledging the Trinity, for it is through the Son, Jesus Christ, that we come to know the Father, and it is by the power of the Holy Spirit that we experience the love and presence of God in our lives. The Trinity, then, becomes not merely a doctrine to be intellectually grasped but a profound mystery to be embraced in faith and lived out in our daily lives.
The Self-Existence of God
Tozer delves into the profound concept of God’s self-existence, a truth that sets Him apart from all creation. He argues that God is not dependent on anything or anyone for His being, but rather exists eternally and independently. This inherent self-existence is a fundamental aspect of God’s nature, a truth that underscores His absolute sovereignty and power.
Tozer challenges readers to grapple with the implications of God’s self-existence. He points out that this truth should inspire awe and reverence, reminding us that we are utterly dependent on Him for our very existence. It also prompts us to acknowledge our limitations and to recognize that God is the ultimate source of all things. By understanding God’s self-existence, we are better equipped to worship Him with a sense of humility and gratitude, recognizing that He is the eternal, self-sufficient Creator who deserves our ultimate allegiance.
The Self-Sufficiency of God
In “The Knowledge of the Holy,” Tozer explores the concept of God’s self-sufficiency, emphasizing that He is entirely independent and needs nothing from creation. This truth stands in stark contrast to the human experience, where we are constantly seeking fulfillment and satisfaction from external sources. Tozer argues that God’s self-sufficiency is not a sign of aloofness or indifference, but rather a reflection of His infinite perfection and boundless love.
Tozer highlights the importance of grasping God’s self-sufficiency, reminding us that He is not dependent on our praise or worship to sustain His existence. This truth should inspire us to relinquish our need to control and manipulate God, recognizing that He is in complete control of His own affairs. By embracing God’s self-sufficiency, we are freed from the anxieties and burdens of trying to earn His favor or meet His needs, and instead, we are empowered to focus on living in accordance with His will and purpose.
The Eternity of God
Tozer delves into the profound concept of God’s eternity, emphasizing that He exists outside of time, unaffected by its constraints. This truth challenges our human understanding of time, which is linear and finite. God, however, is beyond time’s limitations, existing in a state of timeless perfection. Tozer asserts that God’s eternity is not merely a temporal concept, but rather a reflection of His unchanging nature. His attributes, His love, His wisdom, and His power remain constant throughout all eternity.
By meditating on God’s eternity, Tozer urges us to transcend our limited perspectives and embrace a sense of awe and wonder. This perspective reminds us that God is not subject to our human limitations, and His promises are not bound by the constraints of time. Understanding God’s eternity allows us to experience a deeper sense of hope and security, knowing that He is unchanging and His love endures forever.
The Infinitude of God
Tozer explores the concept of God’s infinitude, highlighting the vastness and boundless nature of His being. He emphasizes that God is not limited by any spatial boundaries or physical constraints. God’s infinitude extends beyond our comprehension, encompassing all things and existing beyond the realm of our finite minds. Tozer reminds us that God is not confined to our limited understanding, but rather transcends our ability to fully grasp His immensity.
He encourages us to approach God with reverence and awe, acknowledging our inability to fully comprehend His boundless nature. By recognizing God’s infinitude, we are humbled and inspired, realizing that He is beyond our control and deserves our utmost respect and adoration. This understanding fosters a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God, reminding us that we are but finite creatures in the presence of an infinite Creator.
