The Knowledge of the Holy summary

The Nature of God

In The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer, we are invited to explore the nature of God. Tozer begins by emphasizing the importance of knowing God as He truly is, rather than as we might imagine Him to be. He argues that our understanding of God profoundly shapes our lives and worship.

Tozer then delves into the attributes of God, starting with His infinitude. He explains that God is unlimited, unbounded, and infinite in every way. This means that God is not subject to space and time, but rather encompasses them. This understanding of God's infinitude is meant to inspire awe and reverence in us.

The Holiness of God

The next attribute Tozer focuses on is God's holiness. He argues that holiness is not just one of God's attributes, but rather the sum of all His attributes. God's holiness sets Him apart from His creation and makes Him utterly unique. Tozer emphasizes that our understanding of God's holiness should lead us to a profound sense of our own sinfulness and our need for God's grace.

He then explores God's justice, mercy, and grace. Tozer explains that God's justice demands punishment for sin, but His mercy and grace offer us a way to be reconciled to Him. He stresses that it is only through Jesus Christ that this reconciliation is possible, highlighting the centrality of Christ's atoning work in God's plan of salvation.

God's Sovereignty and Love

Tozer then addresses God's sovereignty and love. He acknowledges the tension between these two attributes, as God's sovereignty means that He is in control of all things, while His love means that He desires the best for His creation. Tozer argues that we must hold these two truths in tension, trusting that God's sovereign plan is ultimately an expression of His love.

He also discusses the Trinity, the complex and mysterious nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Tozer explains that the Trinity is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be embraced, and that our understanding of God is enriched by contemplating this divine community.

Living in Awe of God

In the final chapters of The Knowledge of the Holy, Tozer encourages us to respond to our knowledge of God with awe, reverence, and obedience. He argues that our understanding of God should lead us to a life of worship, service, and devotion. He reminds us that knowing God is not just an intellectual exercise, but a deeply personal and transformative journey.

In conclusion, The Knowledge of the Holy is a profound exploration of the nature of God. Tozer invites us to contemplate the awe-inspiring attributes of God, encouraging us to worship Him in spirit and in truth. This book serves as a reminder that our understanding of God shapes our lives and our relationship with Him, and that knowing God as He truly is, is the most important pursuit of our lives.