All People Are . . . People!
The Christian message is directed at the same thing in every human being, regardless of external differences, and Christ died for lost humanity in general.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that all people, regardless of their external differences, share a fundamental human nature that is lost and in need of salvation. He asserts that the Christian message is directed at this shared condition, highlighting that before the cross, distinctions such as age, education, and social status are irrelevant. Tozer illustrates that Christ's sacrifice was for all humanity, not for specific groups, and that the essence of human nature remains unchanged despite varying circumstances. He encourages believers to recognize this unity in humanity as they share the message of the Gospel. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a focus on the common need for redemption that transcends societal differences.
Text
The man of God may labor on in complete trust and in full expectation of success, provided he is aware of a few basic truths. One is that however different people may be in externals, they are all alike fundamentally. That in us to which the Christian message is directed is the same in every human being. Before the cross of Jesus we are not old or young, educated or ignorant, cultured or uncouth, dull or brilliant; we are just people-human beings lost and ruined deep inside where incidental differences do not matter, where indeed they are not even known.
As gold is gold whether it is mixed with the sand of the stream or wrought into an exquisite work of art by the hand of a Cellini, so the essential stuff of human nature is the same under whatever conditions it may be found.
That about us which yields itself to social differentiation, is not that for which Christ died. He did not, for example, die for doctors, farmers, authors, laborers, artists, engineers, professors, vagrants, presidents, musicians, lumbermen; He died for lost humanity, and any one can receive the benefits of His atonement, but only as lost beings. Color, race, social standings, occupation, cultural levels do not count, for they do not alter the basic human thing for which His blood was shed.
Sermon Outline
- The Fundamentals of Humanity
- The Incidental Differences
- The Universality of Christ's Atonement
- Christ died for lost humanity, not specific groups
- Color, race, social standings, occupation, cultural levels do not count
Key Quotes
“Before the cross of Jesus we are not old or young, educated or ignorant, cultured or uncouth, dull or brilliant; we are just people-human beings lost and ruined deep inside where incidental differences do not matter, where indeed they are not even known.” — A.W. Tozer
“That about us which yields itself to social differentiation, is not that for which Christ died.” — A.W. Tozer
“He died for lost humanity, and any one can receive the benefits of His atonement, but only as lost beings.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize that despite external differences, we are all the same at our core and in need of salvation.
- Understand that Christ's atonement is universal and available to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.
- Yield yourself to Christ and receive the benefits of His atonement by acknowledging your lost and ruined state.