True religion confronts earth with heaven and brings eternity to bear upon time. The messenger of Christ, though he speaks from God, must also, as the Quakers used to say, ”speak to the condition” of his hearers; otherwise he will speak a language known only to himself. His message must be not only timeless but timely. He must speak to his own generation. The message of this book does not grow out of these times but it is appropriate to them. It is called forth by a condition which has existed in the Church for some years and is steadily growing worse. I refer to the loss of the concept of majesty from the popular religious mind. The Church has surrendered her once lofty concept of God and has substituted for it one so low, so ignoble, as to be utterly unworthy of thinking, worshipping men. This she has done not deliberately, but little by little and without her knowledge; and her very unawareness only makes her situation all the more tragic. The low view of God entertained almost universally among Christians is the cause of a hundred lesser evils everywhere among us. A whole new philosophy of the Christian life has resulted from this one basic error in our religious thinking. With our loss of the sense of majesty has come the further loss of religious awe and consciousness of the divine Presence. We have lost our spirit of worship and our ability to withdraw inwardly to meet God in adoring silence. Modern Christianity is simply not producing the kind of Christian who can appreciate or experience the life in the Spirit. The words, "Be still, and know that I am God," mean next to nothing to the self-confident, bustling worshipper in this middle period of the twentieth century.
This loss of the concept of majesty has come just when the forces of religion are making dramatic gains and the churches are more prosperous than at any time within the past several hundred years. But the alarming thing is that our gains are mostly external and our losses wholly internal; and since it is the quality of our religion that is affected by internal conditions, it may be that our supposed gains are but losses spread over a wider field. The only way to recoup our spiritual losses is to go back to the cause of them and make such corrections as the truth warrants. The decline of the knowledge of the holy has brought on our troubles. A rediscovery of the majesty of God will go a long way toward curing them. It is impossible to keep our moral practices sound and our inward attitudes right while our idea of God is erroneous or inadequate. If we would bring back spiritual power to our lives, we must begin to think of God more nearly as He is. As my humble contribution to a better understanding of the Majesty in the heavens I offer this reverent study of the attributes of God. Were Christians today reading such works as those of Augustine or Anselm a book like this would have no reason for being. But such illuminated masters are known to modern Christians only by name. Publishers dutifully reprint their books and in due time these appear on the shelves of our studies. But the whole trouble lies right there: they remain on the shelves. The current religious mood makes the reading of them virtually impossible even for educated Christians. Apparently not many Christians will wade through hundreds of pages of heavy religious matter requiring sustained concentration. Such books remind too many persons of the secular classics they were forced to read while they were in school and they turn away from them with a feeling of discouragement. For that reason an effort such as this may be not without some beneficial effect. Since this book is neither esoteric nor technical, and since it is written in the language of worship with no pretension to elegant literary style, perhaps some persons may be drawn to read it. While I believe that nothing will be found here contrary to sound Christian theology, I yet write not for professional theologians but for plain persons whose hearts stir them up to seek after God Himself. It is my hope that this small book may contribute somewhat to the promotion of personal heart religion among us; and should a few persons by reading it be encouraged to begin the practice of reverent meditation on the being of God, that will more than repay the labor required to produce it.
This chapter reflects on the supreme importance of one’s concept of God, arguing that what we think about God shapes our entire spiritual and moral life. It warns that low or false views of God lead to spiritual decline, idolatry, and the collapse of both personal faith and the Church’s moral foundation. True worship and theology depend on holding a high, pure, and reverent understanding of God’s nature. When individuals or the Church lose sight of God’s majesty, they inevitably fall into error, corruption, and decay. The author calls for a revival of right thinking about God, emphasizing that idolatry begins in the mind when we imagine God as less than He truly is. He urges believers to purify and elevate their concept of God to restore spiritual health and preserve the faith for future generations. A proper understanding of God, he insists, brings clarity, humility, and freedom from countless temporal burdens, whereas false ideas about Him lead to confusion and moral weakness.
This chapter delves into the profound mystery of understanding God's nature, emphasizing that while humans are compelled to seek knowledge about Him, true comprehension remains beyond our grasp. The author acknowledges this dilemma by stating that in the presence of God, silence is ideal, but love urges us to speak despite our limitations. Drawing on scriptural references and theological insights, it illustrates how even inspired descriptions fall short, relying heavily on analogies to convey divine truths. Figures like Ezekiel's visions underscore the use of familiar imagery to describe the incomprehensible. The text argues that attempts to conceptualize God often lead to idolatry in thought, as human imagination can only create within known boundaries. Instead, it posits that God reveals Himself through faith and love rather than intellectual reasoning. The chapter further explores how modern perceptions tend to diminish God's transcendence by trying to make Him more comprehensible or controllable. It highlights the Christian belief that true understanding of God is possible not through human efforts but through Christ, who offers complete self-disclosure accessible only via faith and love. This paradoxical knowledge—darkness to reason but sunshine to the heart—is emphasized as a profound spiritual experience. The text concludes by affirming that while God's essential nature remains secret, His attributes are revealed in ways that reverent minds can comprehend, offering a satisfying yet limited understanding of the divine.
This chapter explores the profound mystery surrounding the knowledge of God's nature through prayerful reflection, theological insights, and spiritual contemplation. It emphasizes that while God remains ineffable in essence, His attributes are revealed to humanity for our enrichment and spiritual growth. The text argues against reducing divine qualities to human concepts like traits or characteristics, instead inviting readers to engage deeply with the attributes of God as revealed in nature, scripture, and especially through Christ. By studying these attributes, believers can find joy and inspiration, as articulated by poets like Frederick W. Faber. The text underscores that understanding God requires humility, prayer, and a disciplined approach to scripture, suggesting that true knowledge comes from an intimate relationship with the divine. The chapter extends to distinguishing between human nature and divine nature, highlighting God's simplicity and unity in contrast to humanity's composite existence. It elaborates on theological doctrines such as the Trinity and underscores that God's attributes are not separable qualities but integral expressions of His being. By meditating on God’s self-revelation through creation, scripture, and Christ, believers can cultivate a deeper appreciation for divine mysteries while remaining aware of their own limitations in comprehending the fullness of God’s nature.
The chapter "The Self-Existence of God" delves into the profound theological concept that God exists independently and eternally, with no origin or beginning. It contrasts the divine nature of God with all created entities that inherently possess a starting point. The discussion begins by exploring the inherent curiosity about God's existence through a child’s innocent inquiry, "Where did God come from?" highlighting how this question reveals an understanding of causality ingrained in human thought yet points towards the limitations when applied to God. The chapter further elaborates on the difficulty humans face in comprehending the idea of something uncreated. It references thinkers like Novatian and Michael de Molinos, who emphasize that while philosophy and science strive for explanations, they often fall short in grasping God's transcendence. The divine attributes described—self-existent, self-dependent, timeless, and spaceless—are contrasted with human limitations, which tend to reduce God to familiar categories. This theological exploration emphasizes the need for humility and faith to appreciate God’s nature fully. As the chapter progresses, it addresses humanity’s tendency to focus on tangible worldly issues rather than pondering divine existence. It argues that knowing God's self-existence is essential not only for theological understanding but also for a meaningful life philosophy and worldview. The text underscores the Christian doctrine of man being created in God's image, suggesting that true self-knowledge and holiness require acknowledging God as the foundation of all existence.
The chapter delves into the theological concept of God's self-sufficiency, emphasizing that nothing is necessary for God's existence or actions, as this would imply imperfection. It begins with an opening prayer inviting believers to recognize that no entity, including themselves, holds necessity over God. The discourse highlights how all life and sustenance originate from God, who possesses inherent completeness and independence in contrast to created beings that rely on external sources for their existence. Throughout the chapter, misconceptions about a needy or dependent deity are addressed. It stresses that God's relationship with creation is voluntary, rooted not in need but in divine will and goodness. The incarnation of Christ is portrayed as an act of divine humility rather than limitation, showcasing God's supreme nature through perfect humanity. By understanding these truths, believers are encouraged to embrace faith over unbelief, recognizing the necessity of trusting in God’s sufficiency. This theological perspective aims to inspire Christian action aligned with divine purpose, rooted in the recognition of God's unfathomable majesty and independence from creation.
The chapter explores the concept of everlastingness as a central tenet in both Hebrew and Christian theology, asserting that God's eternal nature is fundamental to understanding any Christian doctrine. The discussion emphasizes that terms like "everlasting" signify more than long-lasting attributes; they inherently carry an implication of unending existence. This perspective underscores how essential eternity is for the coherence of theological concepts, such as God's timeless presence and the immortality promised in Christian faith. Further illustrating this notion, Frederick F. Faber elaborates on God’s nature beyond time constraints—where God exists eternally without a past or future but identifies with temporal life to engage with creation. Analogies from C.S. Lewis and Nicholas of Cusa help visualize the relationship between time and eternity, portraying God as existing outside sequential time yet encompassing it within His eternal 'now.' This leads into Moses' reflection on divine eternity, where God is seen not only as a timeless being but also as an everlasting home for humanity amidst life's transient nature.
The chapter begins with an opening prayer seeking divine understanding and presence amidst a world perceived as spiritually lacking. It describes a retreat of God's conscious presence from the church, replaced by a false deity born of human making—one easily comprehended but unable to truly astonish or overwhelm. Anselm's exhortation encourages individuals to momentarily set aside their worldly concerns and seek solitude with God, emphasizing a spiritual journey requiring effort and faith rather than mere intellectual pursuit. This sets the stage for discussing the challenge of grasping God’s infinitude—a concept difficult to comprehend due to its inherent contradiction in human understanding. The chapter argues that while infinitude—God's limitlessness—is complex and elusive, it is essential to accept this attribute as part of God’s nature according to Scripture. Despite the limitations of human language and thought, one must attempt to conceive of God’s greatness, recognizing His incomprehensible majesty surpasses all human expression. The chapter clarifies that "infinite" should strictly refer only to God, critiquing its misuse in describing finite phenomena such as wealth or patience. It suggests that attempting to measure divine attributes with earthly standards fails since God exists beyond the limitations of space, time, and material existence. Addressing God's hidden aspects, it posits that certain divine qualities may remain unknown even to humanity, much like the unexplored far side of the moon—implying a respectful acceptance of the mystery surrounding God’s nature. The discussion shifts to the benefits of God's infinitude for humanity. It highlights how understanding and participating in this limitless aspect offers eternal comfort and abundance beyond human constraints, providing infinite time and life through Christ Jesus. This contrasts with the finite lifespan experienced by all created beings, emphasizing the eternity of divine life which knows no end. The chapter underscores that while natural life is cyclical and limited, God's grace—also infinite—offers boundless hope and healing from sin’s afflictions. It portrays God’s love as immeasurable and limitless, encompassing all creation without bounds. A closing hymn encapsulates the themes of divine constancy and boundless love, praising Jesus as an enduring guide and expressing trust in His unending grace.
The prayer opens by acknowledging Christ as a constant refuge throughout generations, contrasting God's unchanging nature with the fluctuating circumstances of our human lives. It highlights that while the world around us is subject to chance and change, in God we find stability without variation or doubt, offering a foundation for facing life's uncertainties. Understanding God’s immutability involves recognizing His consistent essence; He never alters in character or moral quality. This divine constancy ensures that all of God's words and promises remain eternal truths, providing believers with assurance against the backdrop of human mutability. The sacred texts affirm this attribute, illustrating how change is inherent to humanity but absent from the divine nature. For those who seek stability amidst life’s impermanence, knowing they encounter an unchanging God offers profound comfort and peace, reinforcing faith in a constant presence unaffected by time or circumstance.
The opening prayer acknowledges God's omniscience, expressing a desire for childlike simplicity in the believer's relationship with Him. Recognizing that God knows all aspects of human life intimately—from thoughts to actions—the prayer seeks freedom from care through divine knowledge and guidance. This recognition of God’s perfect understanding is intended to bring peace and assurance to those aware of their own imperfections. In exploring the concept of God's omniscience, the text emphasizes that God possesses complete and eternal knowledge, knowing Himself and all creation instantaneously and perfectly. Unlike humans, God does not learn or discover; He is unchanging in His understanding. This divine attribute provides both a source of awe and comfort: it can be frightening to those harboring hidden sins but offers profound reassurance and peace to believers who embrace the Gospel. In knowing their deepest flaws and pains intimately, God’s knowledge becomes a compassionate presence that assures them of unwavering love and support.
This chapter explores the infinite wisdom of God as the foundation of all truth and creation. It begins with a prayer of humility, asking Christ to protect us from the pride of human wisdom and guide us toward divine understanding. The author emphasizes that faith precedes comprehension — believers trust in God’s wisdom not because it is proven, but because it is revealed in His nature and works. Unlike the flawed and often deceptive wisdom of man, God’s wisdom is perfect, moral, and eternal, shaping every act of creation and redemption with flawless precision. The chapter moves from theological reflection to practical faith, showing that God’s wisdom governs all events — even pain, confusion, and apparent chaos. Though the world suffers under the shadow of the Fall, believers can rest in confidence that every divine act serves both God’s glory and human good. Through Christ’s incarnation and atonement, God’s infinite wisdom is most fully revealed, and faith becomes the soul’s anchor amid life’s uncertainties. Trusting God, even when His ways are hidden, brings peace and assurance that His plans are always perfect, His timing precise, and His purposes good.
This chapter opens with a humble prayer acknowledging human weakness and dependence on God’s divine power, setting the tone for a profound reflection on His omnipotence. It explores how sovereignty and omnipotence are inseparable, for God’s reign demands complete power. Drawing from Scripture and reason, the author reveals that God’s infinite, self-existent nature makes His power limitless, absolute, and unshared. While modern minds attribute the workings of the universe to impersonal “laws of nature,” the text restores God to His rightful place as the living source of all power and order. Science merely traces the patterns of His activity, while religion seeks communion with the Person behind creation — the Almighty who said, “I AM.” Further, the chapter emphasizes that God’s omnipotence is not abstract force but the attribute of a personal, loving Father revealed in Jesus Christ. The narrative of A. B. Simpson illustrates how faith in this limitless God renews both body and soul, inspiring a lifetime of service and strength. The text closes with a hymn of worship that bows before the majesty of the all-powerful Creator, whose sustaining power fills both heaven and earth.
This chapter opens with an exalted prayer and moves into a profound reflection on what it means for God to be transcendent — infinitely above creation in nature and being. Tozer explains that transcendence is not about spatial distance but about quality of existence: God is spirit, utterly beyond material limitations. Through vivid analogies, he contrasts the preciousness of spiritual life with the grandeur of nature and warns against reducing God to a higher version of created beings. The author reminds readers that God stands apart — not merely greater in degree but wholly different in kind, separated from all creation by an infinite gulf. The chapter then explores humanity’s proper response to this transcendence: awe and holy fear. Through biblical examples — Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Daniel — Tozer shows how encountering God’s majesty brings trembling humility. He contrasts this with the irreverence of modern faith, where the sacred fear of God has been replaced by casual familiarity. The closing hymn restores the spirit of worship, proclaiming God as both the distant Lord of all being and the near presence of divine love.
This chapter unveils the doctrine of divine omnipresence, affirming that God is present everywhere — close to everything and next to everyone. Tozer explains that God’s infinitude means there is no limit to His being or presence; He surrounds and sustains all creation. The world itself is spiritual in nature, originating from and existing within the life of God. The believer’s awareness of this presence transforms faith from theory into experience — a living acknowledgment that God is here, not as imagination, but as a real and active Presence guiding every moment. Tozer then reflects on the comfort and realism of this truth. God’s nearness offers deep peace but does not eliminate sorrow; even Christ, though in the bosom of the Father, wept. Yet, every tear is healed by the Presence that enfolds us. The chapter closes with a hymn of reverent awe, reminding readers that recognizing and adoring the ever-present God leads to joy, stability, and worship that is both intimate and eternal.
The chapter “The Faithfulness of God” reveals the unchanging reliability of God as an inseparable aspect of His divine nature. It emphasizes that all of God’s attributes are perfectly unified—His faithfulness cannot exist apart from His immutability, justice, or love. Tozer warns against isolating or exaggerating one attribute over another, explaining that every act of God perfectly harmonizes with His whole being. God’s faithfulness, therefore, is not a temporary quality but an eternal expression of His perfect and consistent character. For believers, this truth offers profound comfort and assurance. God’s promises are unbreakable because His nature is unchangeable. The chapter calls Christians to trust in God’s unwavering loyalty even amid fear, weakness, or doubt. Through Scripture, song, and experience, the people of God have always found peace and confidence in His faithfulness—knowing that His word will stand secure and His love will never fail.
This chapter explores the boundless goodness of God—His constant, self-caused desire to bless, comfort, and redeem His creation. It distinguishes divine goodness from holiness or righteousness, emphasizing that God’s goodness is His natural inclination toward love, kindness, and benevolence. Because His nature never changes, His goodness never lessens; He is as kind today as He has ever been. All blessings, mercy, and acts of grace flow from this perfect goodness, which undergirds the entire moral order of the universe. For humanity, this truth transforms fear into faith and rebellion into repentance. God’s goodness, fully revealed through Jesus Christ, welcomes the penitent with forgiveness and love. He delights in showing mercy and desires fellowship with His creation. When we truly believe that we live under a friendly heaven ruled by a good God, our prayers, faith, and lives take on new meaning—rooted not in merit, but in trust in the everlasting goodness of God.
The chapter emphasizes that God’s justice and righteousness are inseparable attributes of His divine nature. Unlike human justice, which operates under external laws, God’s justice flows inherently from who He is. The prophets and psalmists recognized Him as the righteous Judge whose throne is founded upon judgment and equity. Even His punishments and mercies spring from His unchanging character. Through the lens of Anselm’s theology and the redemptive work of Christ, we understand that divine justice and mercy are not at odds but in perfect harmony. The cross of Christ satisfies divine justice and enables mercy to be extended to humanity without compromising God’s righteousness. The chapter concludes by affirming that ignoring divine justice leads to moral decay, but embracing it brings peace, restoration, and everlasting life through faith in Christ.
This chapter explores the infinite mercy of God, presenting it as an eternal, unchanging attribute of His divine nature. Mercy is not a temporary disposition or a conditional response; it is inherent in God’s very being and manifests in His compassion toward human suffering, guilt, and sin. Through Scripture and Christian reflection, the chapter emphasizes that mercy has always been present, from Eden to the present, and that God’s mercy is inseparable from His justice, goodness, and holiness. The chapter also highlights the human response to divine mercy, urging believers to actively receive it through faith and trust. Unbelief, ignorance, or a lack of understanding may hinder individuals from experiencing the joy of God’s mercy. By acknowledging God’s merciful character and embracing Him through Christ, the faithful can enter the spiritual banquet prepared for them. Hymns from Joseph Addison and Charles Wesley reinforce the theme, celebrating God’s mercy as both an inspiration for worship and a source of spiritual nourishment.
This chapter explores grace as an attribute of God, highlighting its inseparable connection to mercy and its expression through Jesus Christ. Grace is the divine goodness that reconciles sinners to God, imputes merit where none existed, and allows human beings to participate in heavenly fellowship. The text emphasizes that grace has always been operative, even in Old Testament times, and remains infinite and eternal, surpassing all human need and sin. By understanding and accepting God’s grace through faith, believers can confidently return to His presence, welcomed as children of God.
This chapter emphasizes the profound and personal nature of God’s love, clarifying that while God is love, love is an attribute of His being and not a replacement for His other qualities. His love is eternal, infinite, and active, manifesting in good will, friendship, and selfless sacrifice. Through Christ, believers are brought into intimate fellowship with God, where fear is cast out and hearts are secured in His eternal care. The text also illustrates that God’s love is joyous, taking delight in creation and in His saints. Love expresses itself in music, creativity, and generosity, reflecting the divine pleasure that accompanies His eternal attributes. It is both personal and cosmic, calling believers into harmony with the Creator and inviting them to share in the boundless, everlasting, and intimate love that defines God’s character.
This chapter reflects on the awe-inspiring holiness of God, emphasizing the shock and moral awakening experienced when confronting His divine perfection. Human beings, accustomed to imperfection and moral compromise, cannot fully comprehend God’s holiness on their own. Only through the Spirit of truth, humility, and the self-revelation of God in Scripture can believers begin to grasp the depth and majesty of His moral perfection. God’s holiness is absolute, unapproachable, and the standard for the moral health of the universe. The chapter also stresses the believer’s response to God’s holiness, including faith, obedience, humility, and reliance on Christ for covering human imperfection. Holiness is imparted to the redeemed as a preparation for eternal fellowship, and worship arises from recognizing God’s boundless wisdom, power, and purity. Believers are called to meditate on righteousness, love truth, hate iniquity, and take refuge in God’s mercy, all while maintaining awe, reverence, and deep devotion toward the Almighty.
This chapter explores the sovereignty of God as the absolute ruler of all creation, emphasizing His omniscience, omnipotence, and absolute freedom. It explains that God’s sovereignty allows Him to govern the universe unimpeded, while also permitting moral freedom for humans. The discussion addresses challenges such as the presence of evil and pain in the world, explaining that God permits these within the bounds of His wisdom and sovereign will. The chapter further reconciles God’s sovereignty with human free will, illustrating that humans can freely choose their actions without countervailing God’s ultimate plan. It emphasizes that the moral conflict of good versus evil is ongoing, and the outcome of aligning with God is certain victory, while rebellion leads to defeat. Central to this message is the necessity of choosing Jesus Christ, highlighting the gospel’s call to repentance, obedience, and faith as the foundation of human freedom under divine sovereignty.
This chapter emphasizes the need for personal revival within the Church by returning to an intimate knowledge of God. Individual Christians are responsible for restoring the Church’s glory, and this begins with forsaking sin, committing fully to Christ, living in the Spirit, and meditating on God’s majesty. True knowledge of God is spiritually discerned, freely given, yet requires personal dedication and moral alignment. As Christians deepen their understanding of God, the resulting transformation naturally impacts the wider Church. Service to fellow humans and glorifying God in public and private life are consequences of this intimate knowledge. The chapter stresses that spiritual revival is both personal and communal, and the faithful representation of Christ on earth ensures that God’s majesty continues to be honored and the Church is progressively restored to its intended glory.
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