It is most amazing that today, so many only know about God rather than actually “knowing God.” The fact is, God can be known. God wants people to know Him in a personal way. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones puts it this way, “I am not asking whether you know things about Him but do you know God, are you enjoying God, is God the centre of your life, the soul of your being, the source of your greatest joy? He is meant to be” (Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981). These are very relevant questions we need to ask ourselves and thereby test wether we really know God.
In His priestly intercessory prayer to God His Father, Jesus prayed, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). In this biblical text, certain words are noteworthy. It says “this is eternal life.” This means that no one can claim to know God without first accepting His Son, Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior.
The Bible declares, “God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus Christ is the one and only way to God as He says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well” (John 14:6-7). Note the definite article “the” before way, truth, and life is used for emphasis.
One of the proofs that a person knows God is by being “born again,” and as such that person will be obedient to God’s word. The Bible explains it this way, “And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. Whoever says, “I know Him” but does not keep His commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4). Strong words, indeed. It must be clearly understood that no one can be saved by just keeping God’s commandments. The Bible says, “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Another proof that a person genuinely knows God is how he or she endures and reacts to hardships, trials, temptations, and various difficulties that life serves up. These problematic situations will certainly confront each of us one way or another, sooner or later. Little wonder, Jesus told His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John16:33). So then, God makes it very clear that as long as this earthly life lasts, we will experience tribulation, which includes distress, trouble, misery, suffering, and various maladies.
As christians, knowing God does change our outlook and attitude toward life and others, because we endeavor to view things from a godly perspective. God’s word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). And, how we need this lamp and light in a very dark and evil world. One of the most important questions we need to ask ourselves is “do I know Jesus Christ as my Savior, and is He Lord and Master of my life?” This is the very first step in knowing God.