Ed Jones
Within all of us there exists a strong desire to be known and to know others. The most important Person to know is our Creator. In fact, Jesus taught that eternal life is a relationship: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3).
The key to knowing God is found in what God has revealed about Himself in the Bible. He wants to be known and is not far from each of us. The problem is our sinfulness. We all fall short of the standard of holiness required to commune with God. In order to truly know God, we must first acknowledge our sin and repent of it.
In turning from sin, we must turn to Jesus Christ. In Jesus alone is salvation. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) We receive Jesus by faith: “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12, NKJV). Jesus’ death and resurrection provided for the forgiveness of our sin, and He alone is the way to a personal knowledge of God.
Jesus revealed to us who God is; therefore, to know God, we must know Jesus. To know Jesus, we must read God’s word, the Bible. In it we have God’s revelation of His character, His promises, and His will. It is through the Bible that we know that God is “a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15). It is through the Bible that we know that God is “mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality” (Deuteronomy 10:17). It is through the Bible that we know that God is “the King eternal, immortal, invisible,” worthy of “honor and glory for ever and ever” (1 Timothy 1:17).
The result of repentance and faith is obedience. Many believe we must first obey. Not so! Obedience is not possible without repentance and faith.
These are the keys to truly knowing God. Of course, those who know God will also be committed to prayer, fellowship with other believers, worship, and walking in the Spirit. Jesus taught His disciples about the Holy Spirit, contrasting the world’s ignorance of Him with the disciples’ knowledge: “The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). It is through the Spirit that we have “adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:15-16). Through Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, our lives can be filled with God, and we can experience the joy of truly knowing Him.
Ed Jones pastors Fellowship At The Ranch Church at Robson Ranch. This nondenominational church meets at the Robson clubhouse on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. For information, visit Fellowship’s website www.fellowshipattheranchchurch.com.