Let's Go Back to the Bible

The True Knowledge of Our Lord

You have heard someone say that “Knowledge is power.” I can see where that would be the case. One could also make the argument that knowledge is peace. In true knowledge or the full discernment of a subject certain things can come into focus. There is no more doubt about that subject. If that subject is a vital part of life, then you are prepared for the life ahead of you. That is how it is with a true knowledge of Jesus Christ.

There has always been false information surrounding the subject of the Christ. There are false concepts of who He was before He was even born, and a false narrative that he was just the illegitimate child of Mary or a nobody from Nazareth during His life. There’s even widespread blasphemy about Him after His death and resurrection. It is no wonder that New Testament writers place an emphasis on the knowledge of Jesus. It is so important that John opens his first letter this way. “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us” (1 John 1:1-2). Without a true understanding of Jesus, everything unravels.

Paul tells us of “the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument” (Col. 2:2b-4). Peter wrote, “Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Pet. 1:3). In these passages, we clearly see what we risk if we are not truly informed. We risk a spiritual “wealth,” “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” and “everything pertaining to life and godliness.” There couldn’t be anything more important for an individual trying to live a righteous life.

Then the question must be asked, “How do I make sure I am fruitful in this knowledge?” Peter answers that for us. “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:5-8). If you want all the blessings that come from true knowledge, we have been instructed how.