“ . . . This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou has sent.” John 17:3. John again testified, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God . . . for God is love.” 1 John 4:7,8. Every born-again Christian, of necessity, has come to realise that if he is to reflect the character of God, love must be naturally reflected in every facet of his life. This love is not a pretense—something put on—it must come from the inside and its source can only be Christ. The Christian cannot develop this love: it is a gift from God that comes by knowing Him.

“The Knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are saved must have. It is the knowledge that works transformation of character. This knowledge, received, will re-create the soul in the image of God. It will impart to the whole being a spiritual power that is divine . . . “ [1]

Such knowledge grows in relationship where faith is the active ingredient that binds the parties closer together with each new experience. Did you notice that it is the knowledge of God, as revealed in Christ, that we must have and that will reproduce the divine character in man? Could it be that this is the reason that we are admonished to spend a thoughtful hour each day reading and meditating upon the life of Christ, especially the closing scenes?

Such an experience would reveal to us the fact that Jesus, as a human being, learned about God first from His mother, then, as he grew older, from nature. As He learned to read, He learned about God from the Scriptures. His Father enlightened His study and revealed to Him His mission on earth. This knowledge did not, in the least, detract from His faithfulness in helping to carry His part of the family burdens. He became efficient as a tradesman and laboured to help support the family until He began His public ministry.

We will discover that the more He learned of God, the more submissive He became until, finally, in the garden of Gethsemane His submission was complete when He cried, “Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done.” Luke 22:42.

“We should study the life of our Redeemer, for He is the only perfect example for men. We should contemplate the infinite sacrifice of Calvary, and behold the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the righteousness of the law. You will come from a concentrated study of the theme of redemption strengthened and ennobled. Your comprehension of the character of God will be deepened; and with the whole plan of salvation clearly defined in your mind, you will be better able to fulfil your divine commission. From a sense of thorough conviction, you can then testify to men of the immutable character of the law manifested by the death of Christ on the cross, the malignant nature of sin, and the righteousness of God in justifying the believer in Jesus on condition of his future obedience to the statues of God’s government in heaven and earth.” [2]

A careful reading of the aforementioned quotation will reveal four things that we should especially study in relation to the life of Christ: (1) His infinite sacrifice, (2) the sinfulness of sin, (3) the righteousness of the law, (4) the theme of redemption. If we make this knowledge the target of our study, we are promised four specific returns: (1) We will be strengthened and ennobled, (2) a deepened comprehension of God’s character will be ours, (3) the plan of salvation will be clearly defined, (4) we will be better able to fulfil our divine commission. Then we will be able, because of a personal conviction, to testify to the three great principle of God’s plan of salvation: (1) the immutable character of God’s law, (2) the malignant nature of sin, (3) God’s plan of righteousness by faith. These principles reveal to us the justice and mercy of God’s character which He desires to reproduce in every believer.

God has provided every incentive that He can to encourage us to enter into this study plan. Romans 5:1,2 assures the justified believer of peace with God and also the privilege of standing in God’s (imputed) character during the process of sanctification. Romans 8:1,2 assures the Christian who is in the process of sanctification (walking with Jesus) freedom from condemnation and the greatest blessing possible—the Spirit to teach him how to walk with Jesus. For the very law of the Spirit is “life in Christ Jesus”.

It was Jesus, Himself, who said, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what “life in Christ Jesus” is all about.

The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ Jesus is the clearest, most understandable and most available to man of all knowledge. It is written on every flower, every tree, the starry heavens the sunlight, the ocean depths and upon every creature that comes from the hand of God. It is written in His own book—the Holy Bible. Also, God has sent the third member of the Godhead to be our instructor whether we are reading from His book of nature or the written Word. His one goal is to help us to see what “life in Christ” truly is.

Right now, as you are reading these lines, you may be having feelings that your mind can be interpreting in such a way as to cause you to procrastinate in seeking for this knowledge. These feelings constitute the greatest hindrance to our reaching the goal.

We feel that we do not have time. We feel that we cannot understand. We feel that we are alone—if only there were someone to study with. We may feel that if our life is greatly changed, we will be ridiculed or rejected. These are all feelings sent by Satan, for he knows well the power of feelings. May I remind you that feelings and faith are contrary to each other, as far apart as the east is from the west. So, in spite of feelings, seek the knowledge which is from above and be set free to experience “life in Christ Jesus” which is love unlimited—the true power of God.

When we walk with Jesus, we must remember that He does not condemn us even if we make a mistake. He is our heavenly Parent who stands ready to help us, by turning our mistakes into stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks.

Satan is the great accuser. God’s Word says, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17.

Just knowing Him has turned savages into loving, lovable Christians. No other knowledge on earth or in heaven can do this. Oh! how we need to know Him whom to know is life eternal.

Notes

[1] My Life Today, p. 293.

[2] Christ Our Righteousness, p. 35.