Image Restoration
The divine-human friendship is a possible and logical relationship between God and man, made possible by God remaking men in His own image.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound concept of divine-human friendship, asserting that God initiated this relationship by declaring, 'Ye are my friends' (John 15:14). He explains that true friendship does not require complete similarity, but rather a connection at points where personalities align. This friendship between the infinite God and finite man is credible and fulfilling, as it reflects the likeness of their hearts. Tozer highlights that God created man in His image and is actively restoring that image, which was marred by sin, allowing for a deep and satisfying relationship with Him.
Text
The idea of the divine-human friendship originated with God. Had not God said first ?Ye are my friends? (John 15:14) it would be inexcusably brash for any man to say ?I am a friend of God.? But since He claims us for His friends it is an act of unbelief to ignore or deny the relationship. . . . Even though radically different from each other, two persons may enjoy the closest friendship for a lifetime; for it is not a requisite of friendship that the participants be alike in all things; it is enough that they be alike at the points where their personalities touch. Harmony is likeness at points of contact, and friendship is likeness where hearts merge.
For this reason the whole idea of the divine-human friendship is logical enough and entirely credible.
The infinite God and the finite man can merge their personalities in the tenderest, most satisfying friendship. In such relationship there is no idea of equality; only of likeness where the heart of man meets the heart of God. This likeness is possible because God at the first made man in His own image and because He is now remaking men in the image that was lost by sin.
Sermon Outline
- The Divine-Human Friendship
- Characteristics of Friendship
- The Possibility of Divine-Human Friendship
- Made possible by God remaking men in His image
- No idea of equality, only likeness
Key Quotes
“The infinite God and the finite man can merge their personalities in the tenderest, most satisfying friendship.” — A.W. Tozer
“Had not God said first ?Ye are my friends? (John 15:14) it would be inexcusably brash for any man to say ?I am a friend of God.?” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize the possibility of a deep and satisfying friendship with God.
- Understand that the divine-human friendship is not about equality, but about likeness at the points where our hearts meet God's heart.
- Trust in God's ability to remake us in His own image, making it possible for us to be friends with Him.