The Wonder of Redemption
The sermon emphasizes the wonder of redemption, highlighting God's unchanging nature and His perpetual union with humanity.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound truth of redemption, asserting that the Incarnation of Christ did not involve any compromise on God's part. He highlights the distinction made by early church fathers, affirming that God did not diminish Himself by becoming flesh, but rather took humanity into His divine nature. Tozer contrasts the holy God with mythical gods who compromise, underscoring that God's integrity remains intact. The union of man with God through Christ is a permanent and wondrous reality, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His creation.
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My brethren in the Christian faith, stand with me in defense of this basic doctrine: The living God did not degrade Himself in the Incarnation. When the Word was made flesh, there was no compromise on God's part! It is plain in the ancient Athanasian Creed that the early church fathers were cautious at this point of doctrine. They would not allow us to believe that God, in the Incarnation, became flesh by a coming down of the Deity into flesh, but rather by the taking of mankind into God. That is the wonder of redemption! In the past, the mythical gods of the nations were not strangers to compromise. But the holy God who is God, our heavenly Father, could never compromise Himself!
He remained ever God and everything else remained not God.
That gulf still existed even after Jesus Christ had become man and dwelt among us. This much, then, we can know about the acts of God-He will never back out of His bargain. This amazing union of man with God is effected unto perpetuity!
Sermon Outline
- The Incarnation of God
- The Early Church's Understanding
- The Wonder of Redemption
- God's union with man is perpetual
- God's character remains unchanged
Key Quotes
“That is the wonder of redemption!” — A.W. Tozer
“This amazing union of man with God is effected unto perpetuity!” — A.W. Tozer
“This much, then, we can know about the acts of God-He will never back out of His bargain.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We can trust in God's unchanging character and His commitment to His promises.
- The Incarnation of God is a demonstration of His love and willingness to unite with humanity.
- Our understanding of God's nature should be rooted in the biblical account of the Incarnation.