Written by Thomas Tarrants, a contemporary minister and author.
When we speak of knowing God, it is important to understand that we are not talking about abstract or speculative thought concerning God or mystical experiences, but about coming alive to God through Jesus Christ and surrendering ourselves to Him in grateful love…We must also understand that knowing God is not an optional part of the Christian life; it is the Christian life. The English word know is a translation of the Greek word ginosko, which, in this context, means an experiential knowing, not simply an intellectual understanding of facts about God or Jesus or the Bible. In other words, it refers to an “I-Thou” relationship. This relationship begins when we come alive to God — that is, when, by grace, we are awakened from the state of spiritual death into which everyone is born, and receive the eternal life Jesus offers to those who trust in Him for salvation. The first part, recognizing and turning from our sins, is repentance; the second part, trusting in Jesus and His atoning death on the cross to forgive our sins, is faith. Coming alive to God requires both. Jesus described this as being born from above or born of the Holy Spirit. It means birth into God’s family and entrance into His kingdom. Without rebirth by the Holy Spirit, a person cannot see, perceive, understand, or know God or His kingdom.
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. [John 17:3]
