R. O. Covey, Former Assistant Editor of the WWM, September 9, 1967
THOSE WHO KNEW A. J. TOMLINSON PERSONALLY would hardly ask the question listed in our title. Anyone having sat under his ministry would probably never think to ask it. But he has been with his Lord nearly 24 years [over 75 years at this point in time], and there are thousands of members who have come into the Church since his passing. These may wonder why he is quoted so frequently and with such finality. If a survey were made of one hundred people who knew A. J. Tomlinson, no doubt, all of the hundred would give some identical reasons for quoting him, but there would also be another hundred or more reasons, all of them legitimate. We can consider only a few here, but let us ponder these few:
1) WHY DO WE, AND OTHERS, QUOTE LUTHER, THE WESLEYS—EVEN THE APOSTLE PAUL? Because we believe them to have been men with whom God dealt directly, and to whom He imparted specific revelations. What would we know today about the Church of God if A. J. Tomlinson had not had the experience with God that we know about? If he had not received the vision and revelation which God gave him? If he had not preached it and left it with us in written form?
“Couldn’t God have used someone else?,” someone may ask. Yes, God can do anything He wants to do, but it is already a matter of record that He chose to use A. J. Tomlinson. Moreover, if He had used some other man, the vision and revelation would, of necessity, have been the same. Of course, not everyone believes that God gave him the revelation. In fact, they do not believe the revelation itself. It is even possible (not to say evident) that a few who have joined the Church differ with the vision he received, and which we preach. Of such, we might ask another question: What, then, is the vision, and from where did they receive theirs? Yea—if their vision conflicts with that which we teach, why are they members of the Church?
2) WE QUOTE A. J. TOMLINSON BECAUSE he spoke and wrote with an authoritative positiveness unequalled by anything short of the very Word of God. In fact, his words are so compatible with truth, so confirmed by the inspired writings of the Bible authors, that one can scarcely question them without a feeling of futility. (I am referring to those who have read after him, laying his writings alongside the Sacred Writ.) Only men with whom God has dealt can write with such unfaltering affirmation; that is, on such subjects as he expounded.
3) HE LIVED SO CONSISTENTLY BY WHAT HE TAUGHT that there is virtually no room for censure in his life and conduct in the light of Scripture. Certainly, we know of no one qualified to “cast the first stone” at him (though many were cast), for he lived the life of holiness and faithfulness as joyfully and as fervently as he preached it. And what man or woman of genuine holy pedigree has not been viciously persecuted? But a holy, totally committed life will speak for a man long after he is dead. The lie will fade and die, but the truth will live and flourish— “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth” (2 Cor. 13:8).
4) WE KNOW OF NO OTHER MAN OF OUR DAY who manifested greater determination to know the Bible pattern for every area of life—for individual, or for the Church. He never gave up until he had wrestled every matter out with God to complete victory and soul-assurance. Because of this resolute compulsion for the infallible truth, the doctrine he preached (and which we preach) is in many points unique (different from all others; having no like or equal), especially that pertaining to the divine revelation of the Church, the Body of Christ. Because of his reputation for “going to the depths” of a matter, we can quote him with assurance.
5) WHEN WE NEED AN ANSWER ON FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES, we feel confident in saying, “A. J. Tomlinson preached (or wrote)…” His exposition on the vital doctrines have proven dependable. God has blessed the Church when she has earnestly contended for the faith as he preached it. Has not the Holy Ghost witnessed hundreds of times to our teachings concerning the Church of God as the divine institution of God, a visible, literal body functioning in this world—every whit as visible and literal as it was in the days of the apostles? A. J. Tomlinson received this from God; he set the fields afire with the message while he lived; and he threw the torch to us at his victorious passing! We believe that message, and we quote this man who first preached it this side of the Dark Ages; we quote him with confidence.
6) HE WAS SO CONFIDENT THAT HE WAS RIGHT that he died by what he lived. And he died unafraid. It is hard to beat that!
SOME OF HIS TEACHING IS “UNDER FIRE” TODAY. Those who are contesting it have not matched his determination to settle for nothing short of the undeniable truth. As the atheist reads the Bible, so these read A. J. Tomlinson, only to criticize. They seek a more convenient way to heaven—a way of only moderate consecration—a way requiring less personal sacrifice. A way with worldly renown; personal prestige—and such like.
We can talk “Church of God” with various shades of meaning. So does every Christian denomination. But do we talk it like A. J. Tomlinson talked it? Polls have been taken, (with astonishing results!) on such issues as “the virgin birth,” or “the power in the blood of Christ.” We gasp in horror at the number who, when pressed for an answer, admit that they do not believe in these vital truths. But we believe—of course we do—in the Church of God as A. J. Tomlinson taught it!
HIS SUCCESSOR, THE PRESENT GENERAL OVERSEER, [speaking of M. A. Tomlinson] loves to quote him. Thousands of others love to do the same. He should be quoted, not less but MORE!