BOOK CRITIQUE

AND HE DWELT AMONG US:

TEACHINGS FROM THE GOSPEL OF JOHN BY A.W. TOZER

Tamela R. Johnson
NBST 655 John
April 6, 2013

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 1
SUMMARY........................................................................................................................... 1
ANALYSIS............................................................................................................................ 8
CONCLUSION...................................................................................................................... 10
BIBLIOGRAPHY.................................................................................................................. 11

INTRODUCTION
For some, the Gospel of John is noted as a favorite among the Gospels for it portrays Jesus
Christ in a different light. While the Synoptic Gospels details the life and ministry of Jesus, the
Gospel of John takes on a more theological approach, emphasizing the deity of Christ. And He
Dwelt Among Us: Teachings From the Gospel of John by A.W. Tozer gives insight into this
emphasis, providing an in-depth look at the Incarnation of the Word. What makes this book
unique is that it contains a collection of sermons by Tozer during a season when he taught on the
Gospel of John. This paper will provide a summary of each theme and offer a critical analysis of
Tozers approach, delivery, and insight into the unveiling of Johns Gospel and Incarnation of
the Word.
SUMMARY
God Has Put Everlasting Into Our Souls
The focal verse of this theme is John 1:1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God. In this chapter, Tozer places emphasis on that fact that
we are created in the image of God, the Creator who has no beginning, nor an ending. God has
placed in every human being a yearning and desire for everlasting that is only found and
achieved in God. Furthermore, when God created, He created with an intentional purpose.
Everything that is created is operating in the manner of its creation except for human beings.
This exception is due to sin. Sin separated humans for God, and since then, we have been
attempting to satisfy that empty space with things of the world which does not satisfy us.
A Time Before Time Began

The focal verse of this theme is John 1:3-5: All things were made by him; and without
him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Tozer notes that God always existed. He was not created, by is the Creator. Before anything was
created, God was here. He is self-sufficient and self-existent, not relying or depending on
anything or anyone as it pertains to His existence. In the beginning when God created
everything, it was with purpose. Everything was created with order and a dependency upon
something else. In other words, everything is interrelated in one way or another. Tozer gives
insight regarding the Word and how since the beginning, God had a plan in place for our
redemption.
The Beauteous World as Made by Him
The focal verse of this theme is John 1:10: He was in the world, and the world was made
by him, and the world knew him not. Tozer gives insight into the meaning of the Word and
the world. He notes that the world is a cause created by the Word, and without the Word, there
would be no world. John 1:10 use of the world in the text has two meanings. The first refers to
nature, and the second use refers to human beings. Nature received Him, but human creation
rejected him. Tozer offers truth in stating that we as human beings have turned away from God
to the point where we can no longer hear his voice or feel his presence. He reminds us of Jesus
invitation to Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest
(Matt. 11:28).
The Tragic Side of Christ Becoming Flesh
The focal verse of this theme is John 1:11: He came unto his own, and his own received
him not. In this text, Tozer offers reasons why his own failed to receive him. The first reason is
due to personal priorities. Receiving Jesus would mean one would have to give up something; a

sacrifice would have to be made. Turning your back or forsaking all is something most people
are not willing to do, especially in this age when people are so intertwined in the things of the
world. The second reason for not receiving Christ is due to having to change habits. There are
people who enjoy living in sin or acting on behaviors that may not be pleasing to God. The third
reason is regarding an inward cleansing. As Tozer puts it, Some people will not clean up. They
love their dirt1 The forth reason is due to not wanting to change directions. To become a
disciple of Jesus, one must take of his cross and follow him. Not everyone is willing to go and
depart from where they are presently. The last reason is a lack of trust. To give up all would
mean to put your whole life and trust in God, something that is difficult for some people to do.
To plainly put it, the rejection of Jesus is due to us wanting to live and do things our own way.
The Mystery of the Word Made Flesh
The focal verse of this theme is John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt
among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace
and truth. When the Word became flesh, Jesus never lost or compromised his deity. Although
he made himself lower than the angels and took on the seed of Abraham, his deity was still in
intact. In essence, He was God walking among men and through him the grace of God flows.
Tozer states that every person is a recipient of Gods grace whether they are saved or not, and all
that God does is an act of His grace.
The Old Testament Messiah Versus the New Testament Christ
The focal verse of this theme is John 1:29-37: The next day John seeth Jesus coming
unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he
of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
1

Aiden Tozer and James L, Snyder (2009), And He Dwelt Among Us: Teachings from the Gospel of John.
Ventura, CA: Regal, 72.

Tozer gives insight into the ministry of John the Baptiste and his awareness of Jesus Christ as the
Lamb of God. He was aware of his role of the one who was to prepare the way for the coming of
the Messiah. Tozer notes that the prophecies stated in the Old Testament were fulfilled with the
New Testament Christ. There are doubters who claim that Jesus is not the Messiah, however,
Tozer references Old Testament Scripture that coincide with Christ, and targets his life
accurately. He is the Lamb of God, the One who has come to take away the sins and bring forth a
restored world.
What Really Matters to God?
The focal verse of this theme is John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish by have everlasting life.
Tozer asks the question What is the message of John 3:16? The message is that every single
person matters to God. He has a personal interest in us and is deeply concerned about us. When
we have thoughts of loneliness or feelings that no one cares, we are to remind ourselves of John
3:16, remembering that we matter to God and He demonstrated His love for us through action
and sacrifice. No matter what you have done or how far you have drifted, there is an invitation
from God to come to Him.
The Personal Application of Christs Coming Into the World
The focal verse of this theme is John 3:17: For God sent not his Son into the world to
condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. In the text, this scripture is
referred to as a proclamation extraordinary. Tozer states that Christians have become apathetic
when it comes to this scripture. Instead of rejoicing over that fact that God sent His Son to save
and not to condemn, the lack of interest and enthusiasm is a reflection of our hardened hearts and
proof of our sin. God sent his son to reclaim what is rightfully His; to restore fellowship and

communion with God and man. His intentions were not to condemn or cast aside, but to save us
from the path of destruction. God has a vested interest in us because we are created in His image
and after His likeness.
Perfect Harmony and Unity in the Trinity
The focal verse of this theme is John 5:19: Then answered Jesus and said unto them,
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father
do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. Tozer states that there is
a perfect harmony when it comes to the Persons of the Godhead. Jesus is equal to the Father, and
yet is subordinate to Him. This may sound like a contradiction, especially when one tries to
understand with human reasoning. Jesus Christ has two natures, the nature of God and the nature
of man. The nature of God is equal with the Father, and the nature of man is subordinate to the
Father. Tozer discusses the unbroken fellowship in the Godhead. Although Christ took on human
form, the fellowship between him and the Father was never affected. He remained in the bosom
of the Father. He was never stripped of his deity.
The Eternal Christ Is Both Judge and Savior
The focal verse of this theme is John 5:22-29: For as the Father hath life in himself; so
hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute
judgment, because he is the Son of man. Tozer gives insight into the inadequate concept of
judgment that is popular. These concepts include 1) the operation of the law of compensation; 2)
we are accountable only to society; 3) we are accountable to human law; and 4) mans
accountability is to himself alone. We are accountable to God, the One who created us and gave
us life. Because of the Incarnation of the Word, he has the authority to judge humanity. Tozer

asks the question Which is He going to be for you: Savior or Judge? He will be one or the
other. The choice is up to us.
The Wonder and Mystery of the Eternal Christ Identifying with Man
The focal verse of this theme is John 6:1-13: And a great multitude followed him,
because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. Jesus was always
surrounded by people during his time of ministry. He was surrounded by those who had a hunger
or desire for change, burdened or diseased, hopeless, in despair or in desperate need. However,
Gnostics believe that it was impossible for God to take the form of a human, for matter is utterly
evil. A holy God would never stoop this low to address something unholy. Tozer gives insight
into the concept of deist, agnostic, atheist, and theist. Those that are believers, Tozer refer to as
theist. There are many critics who speak against the atoning work of Jesus, questioning the
willingness of someone to die for the sins of another and the concept of the transfer of
responsibility. Tozer states that there was never a transfer of responsibility, but that every man
dies for his sin. This death either takes place alone or in Christ.
Living Victoriously in Two Kingdoms
The focal verse of this theme is John 5:24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth
my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into
condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Tozer discusses two kingdoms consisting of
the physical realm (kingdom of the flesh) and the spiritual realm (kingdom of God). We all live
in the kingdom of the flesh. In order to get into the kingdom of God, one must be born again.
Both kingdoms coexist. We have to remember that the kingdom of the flesh is temporary, and
therefore, endeavor to set our affections on the things above and not of this world. We are to
come to Jesus not for what we can get from him physically, but spiritually. He is the Bread of

Life. We are to eat of the Bread, because this is what sustains us. The Bread is the Word, and the
Word is Jesus Christ.
The Importance of a Proper Concept of God
The focal verse of this theme is John 14:7-11: Believest thou not that I am in the Father,
and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that
dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or
else believe me for the very works sake. Tozer states that that fate of ones future is dependent
on their concept of God. When God took the form of human flesh, this gave us an opportunity to
know what God was like. The Son and the Father are one. To know Christ is to know God, for it
is only through a relationship with Christ that one begins to know God. Tozer then provides
qualities of Christianity consisting of 1) Holiness; 2) Gods love; and 3) loyalty and humility. If
we endeavor to operate in these qualities and grow in our relationship with Christ, we will have a
healthy concept and view of the Father. Its at this point that we will finally begin to experience
the fullness of Christ in our lives, and the yearning and desire for eternity in our hearts will be
satisfied by God.
ANALYSIS
Tozer eloquently uses biblical scriptures, personal experiences, poetry, hymns, and
quotes from preachers, evangelists, leaders and theologians to convey his messages. The
strategic use of these methods aided in delivering powerful messages with themes drawn from
the Gospel of John that captures essence of God. Tozer does not use an exegetical approach but
rather provides teachings that emphasizes and provides illumination into the Incarnation of the
Word. While reading this book, there was an awakening in my spirit and as the Apostle Paul puts

it the eyes of my understanding were enlightened. Every focal verse was broken down in an
elementary sense making it susceptible to a broad audience.
The passion and reverence for God and His Word is demonstrated in Tozers work. We
find an example of this when discussing John 3:16 as he states I approach this text as one who
is filled with great fear, great fascination and an overwhelming sense of inadequacy, almost a
despair at the thought of the presence of God before me.2 He chose not to explain the actions of
God, but simple states that we all mean something to God.
Countless times Tozer made mention of the degrading condition of the church and the
saints of God. His perspective is timeless in that it identifies with where the church is today,
having an unhealthy or misunderstood view and concept of God and the redemptive work of
Christ. What many Christians know about God is rudiment in nature. Tozer provides an in-depth
awareness of the Everlasting Father who has no beginning and no end and a Messiah who is
absolute deity; these of which remain a mystery.
There are subject matters such as God dwelling on earth in human form, the sacrificial
atoning work of Christ, and the unity of the Godhead which have been debated by critics for
decades. Tozer addressed some of these arguments and strategically provided counterarguments
with the use of scriptures that discredited the arguments of the latter. This strategy proves to be
one of Tozers strengths in his attempt to support his argument. However, Tozers insight
regarding to whom we are to pray to left some unanswered questions. He states that there is no
formula on who to pray to since God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all one: I do not care
what anybody says, if I want to pray to the Spirit, I am going to pray to the Spirit.3 In Matthew
2

Aiden Tozer and James L, Snyder (2009), And He Dwelt Among Us: Teachings from the Gospel of John. Ventura,
CA: Regal, 108.
3
Aiden Tozer and James L, Snyder (2009), And He Dwelt Among Us: Teachings from the Gospel of John. Ventura,
CA: Regal,150.

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6:9, when giving the disciples instructions on how one should pray, Jesus instructs them to pray
to the Father. And numerous times, Jesus advises the disciples to pray to the Father in His name.
I do not discredit Tozers argument, but simple desire more insight and biblical study in the
matter.
CONCLUSION
And He Dwelt Among Us: Teachings from the Gospel of John is a gemstone filled with
insightful and illuminating concepts that aide in the understanding of the Father, the Son and the
Holy Spirit. Tozer does an amazing job in the delivery of his messages in such a way that causes
one to examine their walk and relationship with God. He thoroughly breaks down scriptures
found in the Gospel of John pertaining to the Everlasting Father, the Incarnation of the Word,
and the unity and harmony of the Godhead. His teachings are timeless and applies to us today
just as it did when these sermons where preached.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Tozer, Aiden W. & Snyder, James L. And He Dwelt Among Us: Teachings from the Gospel of
John. Ventura, CA: Regal, 2009.

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