If knowing God and Jesus is eternal life, then what does that mean? Knowing God is eternal life, which means perceiving, recognizing, understanding, and becoming acquainted with the One and Only True God.
We have intellectual knowledge, but it is much more than that. Jesus reveals God to us. We could never have understood an invisible God. Words on paper or in a book were not enough, so God became man. He lived among us for over 30 years as just an ordinary man while being God.
He knew us so we could know Him. When we see Jesus, we see the Father. We understand how the Father thinks when we see how Jesus thought. God revealed Himself in the person of His Son, God in the flesh, Jesus.
This knowledge of God is true intimacy. That is what the word “know” means in the original language. As we have discussed, it is the very word used for the marital relationship or intimacy between husband and wife.
Imagine what that means: fellowship, nearness, close familiarity. It means someone with whom you can share your most intimate thoughts without reserve. It means to love entirely.
It is comfortable because of the deep, close connection between individuals. You feel safe sharing personal feelings, even uncomfortable ones, and you do not fear losing intimacy even when you disagree.
Knowing is bonding. It is being open and vulnerable, willing to reveal your true self to another, and being known and understood. Acceptance comes with no change. Trust, even in transparency, creates a place of safety. Accepting and connecting with all imperfections gives you a genuine, fulfilling relationship.
I said earlier that though I knew Jesus loved me, I didn’t know it in my heart. The reason is that I mistakenly thought I had to do things to make God love me. Although I understood salvation wasn’t based on works, I remained confused about how to receive God’s presence, power, peace, and love.
I knew I didn’t measure up and thought I had to be worthy. Then I learned that Jesus really came into the world to save sinners, and I was the chief of them all. I learned he loved me when I could do nothing right, was wicked and ungodly, and was still sinning.
Now, I am getting to know God and love Him, not out of me but out of realizing that He loved me first. He loves me totally. He loves me just as I am. So, as you can see, knowing God is living eternal life.