To be spiritually dead is to be diabolically alive
R. C. SproulRead
Without God man has no reference point to define himself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that without a higher power, individuals struggle to understand their true identity.
R. C. Sproul emphasizes the idea that humans need a reference point beyond themselves, such as God, to have a clear understanding of their identity and purpose. In a secular context, it implies that without a spiritual or moral anchor, individuals may find themselves lost or lacking direction in life, leading to existential questions about who they are and why they exist.
Themes
IdentityGodPurposeReference PointExistence
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a conference discussing the importance of faith in personal development might use this quote.
More from R. C. Sproul
All quotes βIβve often wondered where Jesus would apply His hastily made whip if He were to visit our culture. My guess is that it would not be money-changing tables in the temple that would feel His wrath, but the display racks in Christian bookstores.
R. C. SproulRead
The real crisis of worship today is not that the preaching is paltry or that it's too drafty in church. It is that people have no sense of the presence of God, and if they have no sense of His presence, how can they be moved to express the deepest feelings of their souls to honor, revere, worship, and glorify God?
R. C. SproulRead
We talk about predestination because the Bible talks about predestination. If we desire to build our theology on the Bible, we run head on into this concept. We soon discover that John Calvin did not invent it.
R. C. SproulRead
I do not want to drive across a bridge designed by an engineer who believed the numbers in structural stress models are relative truths.
R. C. SproulRead
Prayer does change things, all kinds of things. But the most important thing it changes is us. As we engage in this communion with God more deeply and come to know the One with whom we are speaking more intimately, that growing knowledge of God reveals to us all the more brilliantly who we are and our need to change in conformity to Him. Prayer changes us profoundly.
R. C. SproulRead
Similar quotes
I have to admit that the empty prestige and the stupid glory - yes, the horrible rush, the deadly sense of importance that war brings to life - are hard illusions to shake off. Look at me, a war correspondent.
Michael HastingsRead
The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, 'Look, here it is,' or, 'There it is.' For behold, the kingdom of God is among you.
Luke The EvangelistRead
What exile from his country is able to escape from himself?
HoraceRead
Forgiveness is the only way to reverse the irreversible flow of history.
Hannah ArendtRead
The best stories don't come from "good vs. bad" but "good vs. good.
Leo TolstoyRead
War is the statesman's game, the priest's delight, the lawyer's jest, the hired assassin's trade.
Percy Bysshe ShelleyRead