In "The Experience Of Life," Tommy Robbins explores the doctrine of union with Christ, emphasizing the transformative nature of this relationship for believers. He argues that genuine faith in Christ results in a living experience of grace and spiritual vitality, rather than mere intellectual assent. Robbins supports his claims with Scripture references such as 2 Timothy 1:12, Ephesians 2:1, and John 17:3, which highlight the necessity of a relationship with Christ for true spiritual life. The practical significance of Robbins' argument lies in the call for believers to engage deeply with their faith, asserting that knowing Christ involves both the heart and the mind, leading to true peace, joy, and fellowship with God.
Key Quotes
“It is a heart-work. It is the work of almighty grace that imparts spiritual life to dead ungodly sinners or there is no life.”
“True salvation is not in a feeling or an experience but it is equally true there is no life where there is no feeling and experience.”
“Salvation is knowing Christ in living vital union.”
“A new heart also will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you.”
What does the Bible say about salvation?
The Bible teaches that true salvation is knowing Christ in a vital union, not merely having knowledge or principles.
Furthermore, this relationship is described as a new creation, where God takes away the stony heart and gives a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). This transformation is the work of God's grace, wherein the sinner, dead in their sins, is made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1). Such a reality leads believers to experience true joy, peace, and worship, which are the fruits of the Holy Spirit within us (Romans 14:17). Hence, salvation manifests not merely in doctrine but in the experiential knowledge of Christ’s presence in our lives.
John 17:3, Ephesians 2:1, 1 John 1:3, Ezekiel 36:26, Romans 14:17
How do we know God's grace is sufficient for us?
God’s grace is confirmed through the transforming work in our lives and the experiential knowledge of Christ's presence.
Moreover, God's grace imparts spiritual life, bringing fellowship with Himself as we abide in Christ. This experience of grace allows believers to worship God in Spirit, fostering a deep relationship characterized by joy and peace (Romans 14:17). As we encounter these realities, we testify to the truth that indeed God's grace is sufficient, enriching our lives and assuring us of His presence and love. This experience validates the living faith that we have and assures us that He who begins a good work in us will complete it (Philippians 1:6).
Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 14:17, Philippians 1:6
Why is experiencing God's presence important for Christians?
Experiencing God's presence is vital for spiritual life and enables genuine worship and fellowship.
When believers experience God's presence, they are filled with righteousness, peace, and joy, which are the characteristics of the kingdom of God (Romans 14:17). This experience fosters true fellowship, as per 1 John 1:3, where our communion is not just with other believers but with the Father and the Son. When we walk in this experiential relationship, we embody a vibrant faith that reflects the glory of God and testifies to His grace, leading others to seek Him as well. Therefore, experiencing God is foundational to the Christian life, supporting both personal growth and communal worship in the body of Christ.
John 17:3, Romans 14:17, 1 John 1:3
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. believed: or, trusted - 2 Timothy 1:12
To have something and have no experience of, or experience with, that which we have, would be comparable to being alive, but in a comatose state. It would be like marriage to the love of our life, yet never seeing or being with, or having met the one whom we love. Would this not be a miserable (or maybe an impossible) existence? Is this the portion for God’s children while we are here in this world? Is this what God has ordained for his people? Are we to have only the mere knowledge of him and not have the presence of his life, love, mercy and grace, and be partakers of his divine nature (2 Pt 1:4)? What about the faith in Christ that gives peace, joy and rest in our hearts, and enables us to worship him in Spirit, For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom 14:17).
What about the blessed fellowship we have with the Father and with the Son? Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ (1 Jn 1:3). I am convinced (by the Word and Spirit of God) that being one with Christ is more than a head-work. It is a heart-work. It is the work of almighty grace that imparts spiritual life to dead, ungodly sinners, or there is no life (Eph 2:1 & Ez 37:14). In the giving of that life, Christ, by his Spirit, begins his eternal abode in them—I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me (Jn 17:23). This is the mystery revealed concerning Christ and his church (Eph 5:30-32). True, salvation is not in a feeling or an experience, but it is equally true, there is no life where there is no feeling and experience,.
There seems to be some tormenting fear of the truth of the nearness, realness, and presence of the living Lord in some who present themselves as theologians and intellectual giants. Nowhere in the Bible is it even suggested that salvation is knowingfacts or having newprinciples. Salvation is knowing Christ in living, vital, union! And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent (Jn 17:3). And again, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people (2 Cor 6:16).
Now, to get the horse in front of the cart—Those that are in Christ believe the truth, and do have new principles. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh (Ez 36:26). The sinful creature remains dead until Christ comes and gives life, and when he does give life, the unworthy, ungodly, dead, corrupt creature lives, and knows it by experience and the revealed Word of God.
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