Book SummaryThe Knowledge of the Holy, by A. W. Tozer

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Knowledge of the Holy

Investigating the attributes and traits associated with the deity.

Understanding God's character is inherently linked to His qualities.

Tozer emphasizes that how we perceive God fundamentally shapes our very being. He argues that our understanding of God significantly shapes how we engage in worship and manifest our spirituality. A steadfast belief and a lifestyle in harmony with His will are significantly influenced by a precise understanding of God's character, akin to how the stability of a building relies on a solid foundation. To grasp the essence of the Divine, we must explore the deep-seated convictions that form the core of our existence, rather than just acknowledging formal statements of belief. Tozer warns that not fully understanding the divine essence may greatly diminish or completely negate the profound impact that the gospel can have on our lives.

He calls us to explore beyond superficial understanding and engage in an in-depth examination of the attributes that characterize Him. Tozer emphasizes that such a journey of discovery should be an engaging and deeply spiritual practice for every believer who sincerely desires to understand God. Our pursuit should be marked by an eager desire to fully grasp the divine, immersing our entire being in the awe and majesty of His presence.

The attributes of God, such as His self-existence, autonomy from all else, and immutable nature, affirm His eternal and unchanging existence.

Tozer highlights the eternal and unchanging nature of the Divine, emphasizing His independence, sovereignty, and the unwavering attributes of His nature. God, who has never been created and stands apart from His creation, which all had a starting point, exists eternally as the Creator. He exists as the self-sustaining I AM, independent and requiring nothing beyond His own nature to exist. God's wholeness is underscored by His independence from creation. Tozer challenged the notion that human assistance is necessary for God, emphasizing instead that it is a deity defined by autonomous love who chooses to engage His devotees in His actions.

God's nature is characterized by unyielding constancy. God's essential nature, including His steadfast promises and views on sin and humanity, remains constant for all time. Tozer takes comfort in the unchanging nature of God's essence and the everlasting nature of His love. God's steadfast affection provides a solid base in the constantly changing world.

Context

• These attributes are often discussed in the context of classical theism, which posits a God who is fundamentally different from the contingent universe, emphasizing His transcendence and ultimate reality.
• God's independence signifies that He does not need the universe or anything within it to exist or to be fulfilled, emphasizing His self-sufficiency.
• Sovereignty refers to God's supreme power and authority over the universe. It implies that God has the ultimate control and governance over all creation, directing everything according to His will and purpose.
• Philosophically, the idea of an eternal, self-existent being addresses questions about the origin and sustenance of the universe. It posits that there must be an uncaused cause or a necessary being that explains why anything exists at all.
• Throughout history, theologians have debated the implications of God's immutability, especially in relation to His interactions with the world and the concept of free will.
• God's unchanging views on sin and humanity imply a consistent moral and ethical framework that believers are expected to adhere to, providing a clear standard for behavior and judgment.

The divine Trinity, encompassing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, stands as a foundational belief in Christian theological thought.

Tozer discusses the divine mystery of the triune nature of God with profound reverence. He warns against dismissing these teachings simply because they are beyond our comprehension, highlighting that a considerable part of the natural world remains beyond our complete knowledge. He emphasizes the perpetual significance of the Trinity, highlighting its function in promoting unity among Christians throughout history and as a source of holiness and vigor within the Church.

The three distinct persons of the Trinity perfectly embody the divine essence, actions, and intentions.

Tozer illuminates the unity and harmony of the...

The Knowledge of the Holy Summary Humanity's relationship to the Divine.

God's omniscience and omnipresence foster a profound connection and involvement throughout the entirety of His creation.

Tozer underscores the profound impact of the divine's omniscience and omnipresence on our existence. God's omniscience is marked by His perpetual and total awareness, emphasizing that there is nothing for Him to learn now or at any point in the future. God's all-encompassing knowledge spans the entirety of creation, covering past happenings, present events, and future possibilities. Tozer juxtaposes the possible trepidation that this fact could evoke with the solace it offers; God possesses complete knowledge of our imperfections and shortcomings, yet His love for us is unwavering and absolute.

Tozer clarifies that God's presence is omnipresent, not restricted to a specific place but existing everywhere at once. He asserts that recognizing God's perpetual presence in our lives fortifies our bond with the Divine. He confronts the idea that God is distant or uninvolved, emphasizing His deep connection to every aspect of creation. Tozer encourages us to accept and dwell in the palpable nearness of the Divine, which offers not only an acknowledgment of His...

The Knowledge of the Holy Summary Grasping the impact of God's attributes on the lifestyle of a believer.

The recognition of God's unmatched holiness should inspire profound reverence, humility, and worship among believers.

Tozer underscores the significant impact that recognizing God's flawless and holy nature can have on a person, indicating that such realization should inspire profound reverence, humility, and commitment among believers. He urges us to perceive our intrinsic flaws with an understanding that acknowledges our deep dependence on the grace that only the Divine can bestow. Tozer argues that an honest self-assessment leads us to develop a deep reverence that compels us to surrender our autonomy and submit to His supreme authority.

He emphasizes that encountering the Divine often leads to a transformative experience, typically instilling deep humility and igniting a desire for absolution. Tozer mentions the instance where Isaiah, profoundly affected by God's absolute holiness, conveyed his deep distress. My redemption is unattainable, for impurity has tainted my lips. However, Tozer clarifies that while acknowledging our innate sinfulness might initially cause dismay, it should eventually bring joy because it drives us to embrace the sacrifice of Christ, through...

The Knowledge of the Holy Summary The unparalleled holiness and supreme authority of the Divine.

God's holiness sets Him apart, signifying His unique and flawless moral character.

Tozer emphasizes the unmatched and flawless nature of God, primarily characterized by His holiness, setting Him apart as the epitome of singularity and moral perfection. He argues that the holiness of God transcends mere amplified human virtue, representing instead a distinct and unparalleled characteristic that sets Him infinitely apart from everything He has created. Tozer reinforces the "otherness" of God, reminding us that His holiness is unapproachable and incomprehensible, a mystery that surpasses our limited human understanding.

Tozer underscores that upon encountering the divine purity, Isaiah was wholly engulfed by an intense awareness of his own impurity. Tozer underscores the deep impact that comes from recognizing the sanctity of God in this divine encounter. It humbles us, reveals our most profound shortcomings, and drives us to pursue cleansing and forgiveness. Tozer encourages an approach to the divine characterized by humility and reverence, recognizing the immense gap between its perfect holiness and our imperfect state.

Our deep understanding of the divine purity and...

The Knowledge of the Holy Summary The benevolence of the Divine.

God's love serves as the primary impetus for His actions to save, establishing the essential bond that links the faithful to the Divine.

Tozer explores the idea that God's love is the fundamental motivator behind His acts of redemption and forms the foundation of our relationship with Him. He cautions against mistaking God's love for simple human emotion, underlining that while it encompasses deep feelings, it is rooted in His unwavering and perfect character. Tozer emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s love, reminding us that it is not a temporary feeling that comes and goes, but an everlasting attribute inherent in His very being.

God's love for us stems not from our own qualities or worthiness, but from His intrinsic goodness. Tozer presents the idea that God's love for us is a matter of divine choice, independent of our actions, and cannot be influenced by anything we do to gain or lessen it. He underscores the fundamental tenet of Christian faith, highlighting that the ultimate sacrifice made by Christ, even while we were entrenched in sin, serves as the most transparent manifestation of God's steadfast and unconditional love.

God's boundless, benevolent...

The Knowledge of the Holy Summary Grasping and experiencing the profound importance of God is essential.

A believer's primary pursuit should be to fervently seek profound and practical insights into the divine nature.

Tozer underscores the importance for every believer to prioritize the development of a profound and intimate comprehension of God. He argues that understanding God's essence is such a profound experience that it makes all other aspects of life seem relatively insignificant. Tozer underscores that truly comprehending God goes beyond simple intellectual comprehension, necessitating a journey that deeply engages our emotions as well as our cognitive faculties. He inspires us to enhance our understanding of the divine nature and to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Supreme Being.

Tozer emphasizes the importance of intentional commitment and exertion to gain a more profound comprehension of the divine. He encourages us to commit periods to prayer and to deeply reflect on the characteristics of the divine while delving into sacred texts. Tozer warns that a multitude of distractions vie for our attention, which in turn can lead us away from a close relationship with God. He encourages us to place our pursuit of the divine at the forefront, ahead of...