i can know god

It is possible, and necessary, to know God! God has revealed Himself to us in His Holy Word. Consider 1 John 2:13 which states, “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.” Young or old, in the church, we can truly know God.

The term “fathers” indicates one who is more mature in the faith. These individuals knew Him that is from the beginning, that is Christ (cf. 1 John 1:1-3). Those younger in the faith (“young men”) had overcome (achieved victory over) the wicked one who is the devil (cf. 1 John 5:18; Matt. 13:38-39). Faith indeed is the victory over the world of which Satan is the prince (1 John 5:4; cf. John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11; Eph. 2:2). Jesus thwarted Satan’s temptations with “it is written” effectively wielding the sword of the Spirit (cf. Matt. 4:1-11; Eph. 6:17).

From 1 John 2:12, the “little children” had their sins forgiven which is now linked in verse 13 with knowing the Father. No person can know the Father without knowing Jesus (cf. John 14:6-14). As one is taught about the Father they will be drawn to Jesus (John 6:44-45). The great drawing power is the cross of Christ (John 12:32). Through Christ’s sacrifice we have forgiveness and so we preach the cross (1 Cor. 1:18-24). Truly, we can know God such that we can declare that great love and salvation for humanity!

Trent Thrasher