A friend of mine greets people with the simple phrase, "What do you know for sure?" Many people flippantly answer, "Not much."
However, that question is important and deserves a significant and life-changing answer. Jesus explained in John 17:3 that eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent. We see the same principle in John 8 where Jesus says if you continue in My Word, you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. Notice that the Word sets you free when you know it; may I suggest only when you experience it and make it yours.
Do you recall how the blind man that Jesus healed in John 9 was challenged by the Pharisees who said he was sinner? He answered "Whether he is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see." The person with an experience is not at the mercy of the one with an argument. I know Him as savior because He saved me from my sinful nature, as healer because He healed me from sickness and heart failure, as baptizer of the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit now leads and guides me. Taste and see that the Lord is good, so you can know Him.
Clearly God sent Jesus so we could know Him. Jesus declares that He knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. Psalm 46:10 instructs us to be still and know that I am God. When the disciples doubted Jesus and were hesitant to believe His Words, He replied, "though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe the Father is in Me, and I in Him." Jesus even told Thomas, shortly before going to the cross, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also, and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."
Likewise, before leaving the earth, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come and be with us, bearing witness to Jesus, so we would know Him. Jesus promised He would ask the Father and He would send " the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." John 14:20 confirms what the coming and presence of the Holy Spirit does, "On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me."
Therefore, I beg you. to take time in His Word asking the Lord to reveal Himself to you, so that you are not as Jesus said to Thomas, "unbelieving," but believing and knowing who He is. As we acknowledge our sinfulness and receive His loving forgiveness, He changes our heart and make us a new creation. We are able to walk as a child of God. Each time we choose to obey His Word, deep in our spirit we know it is the Lord working in us to will and to work for His pleasure. Notice this truth in 1 John 2:3-5, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.
What do you know for sure? Jesus is Lord forever, He is in me and I am in Him!
