Introduction to Tozer's Theology
A.W. Tozer (1897-1963) was a prominent Christian mystic, pastor, and author whose writings focus on the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God. His works emphasize the importance of knowing God not just through doctrines but through personal experience and relationship. In "The Knowledge of the Holy," Tozer outlines the attributes of God, which can be categorized into two main groups: incommunicable and communicable attributes.
Incommunicable Attributes
Incommunicable attributes are those qualities that God possesses that cannot be shared with or imitated by humans. These attributes set God apart from His creation and emphasize His transcendence. Tozer identifies several key incommunicable attributes:
1. Independence: God exists independently of everything else. He is self-sufficient and does not rely on any external source for His existence or well-being.
2. Immutability: This attribute means that God does not change. His nature, character, and promises remain constant throughout time, providing a foundation of stability for believers.
3. Eternity: God exists outside of time. He is not bound by temporal limitations, which allows Him to perceive all of time simultaneously—past, present, and future.
4. Omnipresence: God is present everywhere at all times. There is no place where God is not, and His presence is not limited by physical space.
5. Omniscience: God possesses complete and perfect knowledge. He knows all things, including the thoughts and intentions of every human heart.
6. Omnipotence: God is all-powerful. There is nothing that He cannot do, and His will is ultimately accomplished within creation.
Communicable Attributes
Communicable attributes are those qualities that God shares with humanity, albeit in limited and imperfect ways. These attributes reflect God's nature and character and can be observed in human beings created in His image. Some of the key communicable attributes discussed by Tozer include:
1. Love: God is love. This attribute defines His interactions with humanity and emphasizes His desire for a relationship with us.
2. Holiness: God is completely pure, righteous, and separate from sin. His holiness calls believers to live according to His standards.
3. Justice: God is just and fair in all His actions. He upholds justice and righteousness within His creation, ensuring that wrongdoing is addressed.
4. Mercy: God shows compassion and kindness toward humanity, offering forgiveness and grace even when we fall short of His standards.
5. Truth: God is the ultimate source of truth. His words are reliable, and He cannot lie, making His promises trustworthy.
6. Goodness: God is inherently good, and all His actions reflect His goodness. Believers can trust that God’s plans for them are for their ultimate benefit.
The Significance of Understanding God’s Attributes
Understanding the attributes of God is crucial for several reasons:
- Deepening Relationship: Recognizing who God is helps believers cultivate a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him. Knowledge of His attributes fosters intimacy and trust.
- Guiding Morality: The attributes of God serve as a moral compass. Understanding God’s holiness and justice encourages believers to strive for righteousness in their lives.
- Strengthening Faith: Knowing that God is omnipotent and omniscient provides comfort and reassurance during difficult times. Believers can trust in His sovereign plan.
- Encouraging Worship: A deep understanding of God’s attributes inspires genuine worship, as believers recognize His greatness and majesty.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Understanding God’s Attributes
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in helping believers grasp the attributes of God. Through the Spirit, individuals can gain insight into God’s nature and apply this knowledge to their lives. This process includes:
1. Revelation: The Holy Spirit reveals God’s attributes through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and spiritual experiences.
2. Conviction: The Spirit convicts believers of their shortcomings in relation to God’s holiness, prompting growth and repentance.
3. Guidance: The Holy Spirit provides guidance on how to reflect God’s attributes in daily life, helping believers to embody His love, justice, and mercy.
Practical Applications of God’s Attributes
Tozer’s exploration of the attributes of God is not merely academic; it has practical implications for the lives of believers. Here are some ways to apply these attributes:
- Living Independently: Just as God is independent, believers are called to find their identity and sufficiency in Him alone, rather than relying on external validation.
- Pursuing Holiness: Understanding God’s holiness should motivate believers to pursue a lifestyle of holiness, striving to reflect His character in their actions.
- Exercising Justice and Mercy: Believers should emulate God’s justice and mercy in their interactions with others, advocating for fairness while extending grace.
- Seeking Truth: In a world filled with deception, believers are called to uphold truth in their speech and actions, reflecting God’s nature in a society that often distorts it.
- Demonstrating Love: As God is love, believers are encouraged to express love through acts of kindness, service, and compassion toward others.
Conclusion
The attributes of God Tozer PDF serves as a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the divine nature. Tozer’s insights into God’s incommunicable and communicable attributes provide a framework for exploring the character of God and its implications for believers. By understanding and applying these attributes, individuals can cultivate a more profound relationship with God, live in accordance with His standards, and reflect His nature in a world that desperately needs His light. Engaging with Tozer’s work encourages a lifelong journey of knowing God, experiencing His presence, and sharing His love with others. In doing so, believers not only enrich their own lives but also contribute positively to the lives of those around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main attributes of God discussed in A.W. Tozer's writings?
A.W. Tozer emphasizes attributes such as God's holiness, love, omniscience, omnipotence, and immutability in his writings.
Where can I find a PDF version of A.W. Tozer's 'The Attributes of God'?
You can find PDF versions of 'The Attributes of God' on various online platforms, including educational websites and eBook libraries, but ensure they are legitimate sources.
How does A.W. Tozer describe the holiness of God?
Tozer describes God's holiness as His intrinsic purity and moral perfection, a standard that is absolute and incomparable.
What is the significance of God's love according to Tozer?
Tozer emphasizes that God's love is unconditional and not based on human merit, highlighting its transformative power in believers' lives.
Does Tozer discuss the concept of God's immutability?
Yes, Tozer discusses God's immutability as the attribute that signifies God never changes in His nature, character, or promises.
What is the purpose of studying the attributes of God according to Tozer?
Tozer believes that studying the attributes of God deepens our understanding of His nature, leading to a more profound worship and relationship with Him.
Are there any other books by Tozer that explore similar themes?
Yes, Tozer's other works, such as 'The Knowledge of the Holy' and 'The Pursuit of God', also explore the nature and attributes of God.
What is Tozer's view on the accessibility of God's attributes?
Tozer asserts that while God's attributes are profound, they are also accessible to believers through prayer, scripture, and contemplation.
How can one apply the attributes of God in daily life according to Tozer?
Tozer suggests that recognizing God's attributes encourages believers to live in faith, obedience, and trust, reflecting His character in their actions.
