Salvation Means Knowing God

Scripture: John 17:3 (KJV)

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Personal Reflection

Salvation is far greater than escaping hell. Jesus defined eternal life as knowing God. Through the Holy Spirit, the sinner who was once alienated from God is brought into living fellowship with the Father through the Son.

Before salvation, God is our Judge and we stand beneath His righteous condemnation. But through Christ, wrath is satisfied, guilt is removed, and the Holy Spirit gives us the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry, “Abba, Father.” We are no longer strangers standing at a distance; we are children welcomed into the household of God. The Spirit not only reconciles believers to God but also joins them to one another in the body of Christ.

This changes the entire character of the Christian life. Prayer is no longer merely a religious exercise; it is communion with our Father. Scripture is no longer merely an ancient book; it is the Word through which we learn more of the God who has loved us. Worship is no longer empty ritual; it is the grateful response of redeemed children.

The Spirit also creates fellowship among believers. Christians may come from different backgrounds, cultures, and social positions, yet the same Spirit joins them to one Lord and one body.

Do not settle for a Christianity consisting merely of doctrines you affirm or services you attend. Sound doctrine is essential, but its great purpose is to bring us into deeper communion with the living God.

Contemplation

Do I merely know truths about God, or am I growing in personal communion with the Father through Christ?

Puritan Quote

John Owen wrote:

“Our communion with God consisteth in his communication of himself unto us, with our returnal unto him.”

Prayer

Father, thank You for bringing me near through Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit, deepen my fellowship with the Father and Son and teach me to delight in communion with You. Amen.

Application

Set aside uninterrupted time today to pray, not merely asking for things, but enjoying and praising God for who He is.