How Can You Know God?

Carrol R. Sutton

If in the day of judgment, the lord says, "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity," or "Verily I say unto you, I know you not," to you or to me, it will be a very sad occasion for us. (See Matthew 7:21 and 25:12). In view of the impending judgment, each of us should make sure that we know God. In order for God to know us, we must know Him. How can we know God? Our feelings do not indicate that we know God. Evil men may have good feelings. Human testimony of others is no indication that we know God.

In order to know God, you must believe confidently that God is, and that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The Hebrew writer says: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Heb 11:6). John says: "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." (John 20:30-31). To know God, you must be taught of God. You must learn God's will for man. You must approve of what God says and be willing to obey God's commandments. Jesus said: "Not every one that sayeth unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt 7:21). John also said: "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments." (1 John 2:3).

If you are an alien sinner, God commands you to "repent". (See Acts 17:30-31). The Jews on Pentecost, who had crucified Jesus were commanded to "Repent, and be baptized for the remission of sins..." (Acts 2:38). Saul, who was a praying penitent believer, was commanded to "...arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins,..." (Acts 22:16).

To know God, we must love God. But to love God is to keep His commandments. Therefore, to know God is to keep God's commandments. (1 John 4:7-8; 5:3)

SUMMED UP: In order to know God (and for God to know you), you must learn God's will, believe it with all your heart and obey it sincerely!