What does it Mean to Know Truly Know God? John 17:3

 

John 17:3 states:  

"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (NIV)

This verse is part of Jesus' prayer to the Father, often called the "High Priestly Prayer." In this context, Jesus is defining eternal life not just as an unending existence but as a profound, relational experience with God.

 Understanding the Verse

Eternal Life as Relationship  

   Eternal life is not merely living forever but is described as "knowing" God and Jesus Christ. The term "know" here implies an intimate, personal, and experiential relationship rather than mere intellectual knowledge. 

 The Only True God  

   Jesus emphasizes that eternal life is rooted in knowing the one true God, distinguishing Him from false gods or idols. This acknowledgment is crucial in understanding the exclusivity and authenticity of the Christian faith.

 Jesus Christ, Whom God Sent  

   The verse ties eternal life to knowing Jesus as the one sent by God. This underscores Jesus' unique role in salvation and reveals that knowing Him is inseparable from knowing the Father (John 14:6-7).

 What Does It Mean to "Know" God?

In the biblical sense, "knowing" God includes several dimensions.

 Personal Relationship  

   To know God is to have a deep, ongoing relationship with Him. This involves prayer, worship, and communion with God through the Holy Spirit.

 Obedience and Love  

   Knowing God is shown in how one lives—obeying His commandments and reflecting His love (1 John 2:3-6). It's a transformative process that changes a person from the inside out.

 Revelation Through Jesus  

   Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God (Hebrews 1:1-3). To know God, one must know Jesus because He reveals the character, will, and purposes of the Father.

 Experiential Knowledge  

   It involves experiencing God's presence, grace, and power in daily life. This is not limited to intellectual understanding but includes a heart-level awareness and trust in God's nature and promises.

 Ongoing Growth  

   Knowing God is not a one-time event but a continual journey. As believers grow in faith, they deepen their understanding and relationship with Him (Philippians 3:10).

 Implications for Believers

 Focus on Relationship - Eternal life is about being in close communion with God and Jesus, not merely adhering to rituals or doctrines.  

 Authenticity in Faith - Knowing God means living out one's faith in a way that reflects His love and truth.  

 Centrality of Jesus - A personal relationship with Jesus is essential to knowing God and experiencing eternal life.