Truth Has a Soul
True Christianity is not just a code, but a living, personal relationship with Christ.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that faith can exist in the form of mere adherence to biblical texts, yet remain lifeless without a genuine connection to the soul of truth. He references Matthew 11 to illustrate that true knowledge of God comes through revelation by the Son, highlighting the necessity of experiencing the transformative power of God in our lives. Tozer argues that what many call revival is actually a return to authentic New Testament Christianity, where individuals move from mere belief in doctrine to a personal faith in Christ. This shift leads to true salvation and a vibrant relationship with God, rather than a superficial understanding of faith.
Text
I believe there is a positive warning in the gospels that a person's faith may stand in the revealed Bible text-and still be as dead as the proverbial door nail! Consider the prayer of our Lord in Matthew 11: "All things are delivered unto me of my Father; and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him." There is more than a body of truth - and if we do not get through to the soul of truth, we have only a dead body on our hands. When the power of God moves in on the text and sets the sacrifice on fire, then you have genuine Christianity! We try to call that revival, but it is not revival at all. It is simply New Testament Christianity.
People who thought they were saved get saved!
People who have only believed in a code now have placed their faith and trust in Christ's person. It is not any deluxe edition of Christianity-it is simply New Testament Christianity having its place!
Sermon Outline
- I. The Problem of Dead Faith
- A. Faith in the Bible text is not enough
- B. The need for a living, personal relationship with Christ
- II. The Revelation of the Father
- A. Only the Son knows the Father
- B. The Son reveals the Father to those who trust Him
- III. The Power of God in Revival
- A. God's power sets the sacrifice on fire
- B. Genuine Christianity is not just a code, but a living relationship
Key Quotes
“There is more than a body of truth - and if we do not get through to the soul of truth, we have only a dead body on our hands.” — A.W. Tozer
“It is not any deluxe edition of Christianity-it is simply New Testament Christianity having its place!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- You can have a living, personal relationship with Christ by trusting in His person and allowing Him to reveal the Father to you.
- Revival is not just a feeling or a movement, but a return to New Testament Christianity, where people place their faith and trust in Christ's person.
- True Christianity is not just about knowing the Bible, but about having a personal relationship with Christ.