A Believing Remnant

A.W. Tozer

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being a prepared and holy remnant of believers awaiting Christ's return.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the concept of a believing remnant, suggesting that God is working to prepare His true followers, distinct from the larger crowd of nominal believers. He questions whether the delay in Christ's return is due to God's desire to ready His Bride, rather than a mass ascension of all believers. Tozer critiques the complacency of many Christians who believe that grace allows them to live without accountability. He asserts that God does not have a middle ground for purification, highlighting the importance of being prepared and living righteously in anticipation of Christ's return.

Text

What is God trying to do with His believing people?-the Bible calls us a remnant according to grace, believers taken out of the great, teeming swarm of so-called religious people in today's world. I am inclined to join others in wondering if the Lord is postponing His coming because He is trying to get His Bride ready? For years it has been the popular idea in evangelical Christianity that the whole body of believers in Christ would rise like a flock of frightened birds when the Lord comes. But A.B. Simpson and William MacArthur and others in the past generation said, "Oh no!

The Lord will take with Him those who are prepared and ready for His coming!" I do not presume to give an answer satisfying to everyone in our churches.

But I know that many Christians are too smug about this, saying in effect: "I am converted to Christ through grace, so I can live as I please!" Of some things we cannot be dogmatic; but we know this for sure-God has no halfway house between heaven and hell where He takes us to fumigate us!

Sermon Outline

I points: - Definition of the believing remnant - Characteristics of true believers - Contrast with nominal Christians
II points: - The purpose of God for His remnant - Preparation for Christ's return - The urgency of readiness
III points: - Misconceptions about the rapture - Historical perspectives on readiness - The role of grace in preparation
IV points: - The danger of complacency - Call to active faith - Living a life of holiness
V points: - God's judgment and mercy - The finality of choices - Encouragement to remain steadfast

Key Quotes

“The Bible calls us a remnant according to grace.” — A.W. Tozer

“God has no halfway house between heaven and hell where He takes us to fumigate us!” — A.W. Tozer

“The Lord will take with Him those who are prepared and ready for His coming!” — A.W. Tozer

Application Points

Evaluate your spiritual readiness and commitment to Christ daily.
Avoid complacency by actively engaging in your faith and community.
Seek to live a life that reflects holiness and readiness for Christ's return.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be part of the believing remnant?

Being part of the believing remnant means being a true follower of Christ, distinct from those who merely identify as religious.

Why is readiness important for believers?

Readiness is crucial because it signifies spiritual preparedness for Christ's return and living in alignment with God's will.

What misconceptions exist about the rapture?

Many believe that all Christians will be taken without regard for their spiritual state, which is contrary to biblical teaching.

How can complacency affect a believer's faith?

Complacency can lead to a false sense of security, causing believers to neglect their spiritual growth and readiness.

A.W. Tozer

Aiden Wilson Tozer (1897-1963) was an American pastor and editor with the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination. He served 33 years as pastor of Southside Alliance Church in Chicago and authored influential works including The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy.

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