Divine Illumination
Divine Illumination6
The State of Illumination
By Andrew Murray0EPH 1:15Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of divine illumination for believers, asserting that while they are born again and sealed with the Holy Spirit, they still require ongoing education and guidance from God to fully understand His Word and grace. He points out that just as a child needs external help to develop their faculties, Christians must depend on divine teaching to grow in their faith and become heavenly-minded. Murray highlights Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23, which underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit's role in revealing spiritual truths that believers cannot grasp on their own.
The Great Illuminator
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 16:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between the natural mind and the divinely illuminated mind, illustrating that true understanding of Christ comes not from human reasoning but from divine revelation. He cites Peter's confession of Christ and Paul's assertion that acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord is only possible through the Holy Spirit. Tozer warns against 'dead orthodoxy,' where one may possess theological knowledge without spiritual vitality, and highlights that true revival occurs when individuals experience a quickening of their spiritual life, igniting a deeper understanding of familiar doctrines. He asserts that revival is rooted in truth and that illumination is essential for genuine faith.
The Spirit Illuminates
By A.W. Tozer0JHN 3:31CO 2:5EPH 1:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of divine illumination for true conversion, arguing against the rationalistic approach to faith that relies solely on textual understanding. He highlights that mere intellectual assent to the Bible is insufficient for salvation; instead, a transformative work of the Holy Spirit is essential for genuine renewal and inward deliverance. Tozer points out that the Apostle Paul's teachings remind us that our faith should rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God, underscoring the miraculous nature of spiritual rebirth.
Spiritual Truth Is Spiritually Discerned
By A.W. Tozer0JHN 16:131CO 2:14EPH 1:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes that spiritual truths can only be understood by those who are pure in heart, as they require divine illumination rather than mere intellectual comprehension. He references 1 Corinthians 2:14, highlighting that the natural man cannot grasp the things of the Spirit, which are often seen as foolishness to him. Tozer points out that this concept is crucial for understanding the teachings of Jesus as presented in the Gospel of John and throughout the New Testament. He also notes that the necessity for spiritual discernment is echoed in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, reinforcing the idea that true understanding comes from a heart aligned with God. Ultimately, Tozer calls for believers to seek spiritual enlightenment to fully appreciate the depth of divine truths.
The Need for Illumination
By A.W. Tozer0JHN 16:131CO 2:14EPH 1:17A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of divine illumination for understanding spiritual truths, arguing that mere intellectual grasp of Scripture is insufficient without the Holy Spirit's guidance. He critiques the tendency among conservative Christians to rely solely on doctrinal correctness while neglecting the transformative power of the Spirit. Tozer calls for a re-examination of faith that recognizes the importance of spiritual enlightenment in grasping the mysteries of God. He warns against the dangers of textualism, which can lead to a lifeless orthodoxy devoid of the Spirit's influence. Ultimately, Tozer urges believers to seek the Holy Spirit's illumination to truly comprehend and live out the truths of Scripture.
The Eyes Opened to the Law of God Pt.--2
By Charles Finney0PSA 119:18MAT 7:7JAS 1:5Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of divine illumination to truly understand the Bible, urging believers to recognize their spiritual blindness and to earnestly seek God's light. He outlines conditions for receiving this illumination, including a strong desire for understanding, perseverance in prayer, and a willingness to abandon distractions that hinder spiritual growth. Finney illustrates the importance of approaching Scripture with a child-like disposition and warns against the dangers of misinterpretation and delusion. He encourages believers to pray for their eyes to be opened to behold the wondrous truths of God's law, highlighting the transformative power of the Spirit in understanding Scripture.