Short answer
Knowing God personally begins with understanding that He created us and loves us, but our sin separates us from Him. Through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, God provided a way for us to be reconciled. By repenting of sin and placing faith in Jesus, you can receive forgiveness and begin a relationship with God.
What Scripture says
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
"but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
"For 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 may boast."
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”"
Going deeper
Many people long to know God, but aren't sure where to begin or if it's even possible. The Bible makes it clear that God desires for us to know Him personally, not just know *about* Him. This relationship isn't based on our good deeds or religious rituals, but on His incredible grace and love.
The first step to knowing God is recognizing our spiritual separation. The Bible teaches us that 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23). Sin is anything we do, say, or think that goes against God's perfect will and character. This sin creates a barrier between us and a holy God, and the consequence of sin is spiritual death (Romans 6:23a). We cannot bridge this gap on our own.
But here is the glorious good news: God, in His immense love, provided a way! 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life' (John 3:16). Jesus Christ, God's Son, came to earth, lived a perfect, sinless life, and voluntarily died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. He then rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. This act of love is God's 'free gift' (Romans 6:23b).
To know God, you must respond to this gift. This involves two key things: repentance and faith. Repentance means turning away from your sin and self-will, acknowledging your need for God. Faith means trusting completely in Jesus Christ alone—His death, burial, and resurrection—as the only way to be forgiven and reconciled to God. 'For 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 may boast' (Ephesians 2:8-9). When you place your faith in Jesus, you receive forgiveness, eternal life, and begin a personal, living relationship with your Creator.
Knowing God is a lifelong journey of growing in relationship with Him through prayer, reading His Word, fellowship with other believers, and obedience to His commands. It starts with that crucial step of faith in Jesus Christ, who declared, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me' (John 14:6). Are you ready to begin that journey today?
Key takeaways
- God desires for us to know Him personally.
- Our sin separates us from God and leads to spiritual death.
- God's love led Him to send Jesus Christ to die for our sins and rise again.
- Salvation and knowing God are a free gift, not earned by works.
- We receive this gift through repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ.
- Jesus is the only way to a personal relationship with God.
A prayer
Dear God, I confess that I have sinned against You and that I am separated from You. Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins and rise again. I turn from my sin now and place my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me, enter my life, and help me to know You more each day. Amen.