THE IMPORTANCE OF RIGHT RELATIONSAHIP WITH GOD

                 By A. W. Tozer
 

                The Spirit itself beareth witness with our Spirit,
                 that we are children of God.  Romans 8:16

                   Many men and women are seeking counsellors to aid
              them with their confessed feelings of emptiness and
              inadequacy.  Each seems to have a plea about becoming
              a "whole person."

                  The importance of coming back into right relationship
              with God cannot be overestimated as we seriously think
              and study and pray.

                  By the mysterious operation of the Spirit of God in
              the new birth, that which is called by Peter "the divine
              nature" enters the deep-in core of the believer's heart
              and establishes residence there.  "If any man have not
              the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his," for "the Spirit
              itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the
              children of God"   Rom. 8:9, 16.

                  Such a one is a true Christian, and only such.  Baptism,
              confirmation, the receiving of the sacraments, church
              membership---these mean nothing, unless the supreme
              act of God in regeneration also takes place!

                  Religious externals may have a meaning for the God-
              inhabited soul; for any others they are not only useless,
              but may actually become snares, deceiving them into a
              false and perilous sense of security.

                  "Keep thy heart with all diligence" is more than a wise
              saying; it is a solemn charge laid upon us by the One who
              cares most about us!

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              Yours in Christ,

              Paul N. F.