“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
The Bible makes it clear that knowing God is a journey that unfolds in three phases. Most people stop at surface-level belief and miss out on the best part of the life God intends for them. Don’t miss out!
Scripture reveals three key levels of truly knowing God:
1. Acknowledging His existence,
2. Receiving His gift of salvation, and
3. Walking in an intimate relationship.
Level One: Acknowledging God’s Existence
Everything begins here. Before you can know God personally, you must first believe that He exists. Interestingly enough, the Bible is clear that everyone—even self-proclaimed atheists—has this basic knowledge:
“…what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20
God has made His existence evident through creation. The beauty, design, and complexity of the natural world proclaim that there is a Creator. We are born with an inner awareness of God.
But this level of knowledge is not enough to save us or form an eternal relationship with God!
Even demons believe in God’s existence and tremble (James 2:19). Sadly, many people remain at this level and never seek to know Him personally. God is far more than an idea. He invites us to experience a relationship.
Level Two: Salvation and Reconciliation
This is the most critical turning point in a person’s life. It’s not enough to believe that God exists, we must respond to His invitation to be saved through Jesus Christ. This is the level where our sins are forgiven and we are brought into right standing with God.
“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ…” 2 Corinthians 5:18
Through the cross, Jesus paid the price for our sins. When we repent and believe in Him, we are born again—not by our works, but by His grace.
“…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
This is where new life begins. You move from death to life, from separation to union. But salvation is not the finish line—it’s the eternal starting line.
Level Three: Living in Relationship
This is the richest level of knowing God—abiding in Him daily and walking in personal relationship with the Creator. We have the opportunity to glorify Him and make an eternal difference in the lives of others!
“Abide in Me, and I in you… He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do NOTHING.” John 15:4–5
This is what we do at gofaithstrong.com. We teach and encourage folks to grow in their relationship with God. We want everyone to experience the richest life possible! Remember…
Knowing ABOUT God is NOT the same as KNOWING Him.
Relationships requires intentional time, trust, and heart surrender. We must meet with Him in prayer. We learn to hear Him through His Word. We must train ourselves to talk with Him throughout the day. Then He becomes not just our Savior, but our Shepherd, Friend, and Guide.
This is what the Apostle Paul longed for:
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings…” Philippians 3:10
A relationship with God transforms us. We manifest His presence and reflect His nature. This is spiritual intimacy. A deep and satisfying relationship is the greatest treasure we were created to experience.
For a further discussion on this topic, click here to listen to our podcast.
Today’s Challenge:
Where are you on your journey?
- Do you believe God exists, but have not yet received salvation? If you need to know how to do this, go to our gift of salvation page, and it will explain how you can make this pivotal decision.
- Have you been saved but feel distant or distracted? Make space to seek Him. Repent of any sin that is coming between you and God. Return to your first love.
- Are you walking with Him closely? Press even deeper. There is always more of God to know and more of your life to surrender.
Don’t stop at mere belief. Don’t even stop at salvation. Pursue the One who pursued you. God is our greatest treasure.
Tomorrow, we will explore some of the extraordinary benefits of real intimacy with God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for making Yourself known. You have revealed Yourself in creation, in salvation, and in Your Word. But I don’t want to settle for head-knowledge. I want to know You intimately. Jesus, Holy Spirit, draw me closer. Teach me to abide, to listen, to walk with You daily. Let me know You not just as a concept, but as my constant companion and Lord. Take me deeper. I want to know You better than I do today, and I want each day to take me deeper into You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
