WHAT CAN YOU KNOW? Devotion 28 of 32 -- Tomorrow:
"And WE KNOW that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that WE MAY KNOW Him who is true . . . " (1 John 5:20b)
The focus of the teaching of the Son of God is given. He does not come to merely teach us facts, but to bring us into an experiential association with the Living God: "that we may KNOW HIM that is true." Sin drove a wedge between man and God, and the teaching of Jesus brings them together. Reconciliation takes place essentially with God the Father, from whom sin had estranged us. Summarizing the present ministry of Jesus, Peter wrote, "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, THAT HE MIGHT BRING US TO GOD, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit" (1 Pet 3:18). From yet another perspective, "God was in Christ, RECONCILING THE WORLD UNTO HIMSELF" (2 Cor 5:19). Again and again this is emphasized to the church: "we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son" (Rom 5:10), "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled" (Col 1:21), "that He might reconcile both [Jew and Gentile] unto God in one body" (Eph 2:16).
This reconciliation was formally effected through His vicarious death. It is implemented practically, or experientially, through Christ's teaching. That is the point being brought home in our text. Jesus is presently acquainted us with the Father, unveiling His Person and purpose to us, and involving us in the same.
First, Jesus declared while yet in this world that He alone could effectively enable us to know God. "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him" (Matt 11:27, NKJV; Lk 10:22). Thus it is written, "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, HE HAS DECLARED HIM" (John 1:18). Those objecting to this must affirm that God can be known independently of the tutelage of Jesus – which postulate cannot be supported. That is a position that can only be embraced by unbelief, for Christ has spoken clearly on the matter, and the Spirit has moved His Apostles to elaborate upon it.
Who is it that Jesus "wills to reveal" the Father? – for He affirms only those "to whom the Son wills to reveal Him" will be afforded such gracious tutoring. The very next verse flings the door of opportunity open with staggering zeal. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and LEARN FROM ME, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Mat 11:28-29, NKJV). The Lord Jesus desires to reveal His Father to all who desire it. Further, all whom He gracious teaches will "find rest" for their souls. Life will become more tolerable, and hope will fasten on a glorious future.
INTEGRAL TO THE NEW COVENANT
Knowing God is integral to the New Covenant. It is one of the key points of identity: "for ALL SHALL KNOW ME, from the least to the greatest" (Heb 8:11). Yet, this knowledge is not automatic, nor can it be realized apart from Jesus giving us an understanding. Not one single aspect of our new life excludes the Son of God – including the acquisition of the knowledge of God.
The believer knows the facts of the Gospel. He has a working knowledge of the Word of God, an area in which he grows and increases. He also has knowledge about his natural and spiritual self, and of the world which, in its entirety, lies under the power of the wicked one.
But over and above all of this, he knows God. The one who is "born of God" is, to some degree, acquainted with the ways of God as well as the Word of God. This knowledge of God is so effective it enables the believer to come into His presence with boldness. It is no marvel so much is said about "the knowledge of God" and "the knowledge of the Lord" 1 Cor 15:34; 2 Cor 10:5; Col 1:10; Eph 1:17; 2 Pet 1:2,3,8; 2:20; 3:18).
WE ARE IN HIM THAT IS TRUE
Here, the position of the those who are "born of God" is compared with those who are not. Of the latter it is said, "the whole world is under the control of the evil one" (NIV). But those who are born again are "IN HIM that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ" (NKJV). I understand this phrase to mean we are in God through Jesus Christ. Colossians 3:3 says it this way: "For you died, and your life is HIDDEN WITH CHRIST IN GOD." This truth is similarly stated in the first verse of First Thessalonians. "To the church of the Thessalonians IN GOD THE FATHER and the Lord Jesus Christ." Second Thessalonians 1:1 makes the same affirmation.
A FAMILIAR EMPHASIS
This is a familiar aspect of redemptive truth. Previously in this Epistle, the Spirit has mentioned the children of God being "IN" Him. "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, GOD DWELLETH IN HIM, AND HE IN GOD. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love DWELLETH IN GOD, AND GOD IN HIM" (4:15-16). He has also spoken of "abiding in Him" (2:6,27,28; 3:6,24; 4:13). Colossians 2:6 admonishes us to "walk IN HIM." We are also declared to be "complete IN HIM" (Col 2:10). The point of our present text is that this reality has been facilitated and made clear to our hearts, by the teaching of Jesus Christ.
Although I have mentioned this previously, it bears repetition. This is the unity for which Jesus prayed on the eve of His betrayal. "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be ONE IN US, that the world may believe that You sent Me . . . I IN THEM, AND YOU IN ME; that they may be made perfect in one" (John 17:20-21,23).
It is not possible to be "in God" apart from Christ, or independently of the understanding He alone gives. Thanks be unto God that His Son "is come and given us an understanding, that we might know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true!"
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for such an effective teacher. I confess that my own identity with You is the result of the work of Your Son.