CAN I KNOW GOD PERSONALLY?

From Knowing About God to Walking With Him

Key Scriptures that will be discussed:

John 17:3 (NKJV)

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

“That 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.”

Introduction

Throughout this series, we have explored some of life’s most important questions.

In Part 1, we asked:

Does God exist and can we know Him?

We discovered that God has revealed Himself through creation, Scripture, and ultimately through Jesus Christ.

In Part 2, we learned what God is really like.

We saw that God is merciful, gracious, patient, truthful, forgiving, and just.

In Part 3, we explored why the world is broken.

We learned that sin entered the world through humanity’s rebellion and that every person has been affected by its consequences.

In Part 4, we discovered God’s rescue plan.

Through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, God made a way for sinners to be forgiven and restored.

Now we arrive at the most personal question in this entire series:

Can I know God personally?

Not simply know about Him.

Not merely believe He exists.

Not just agree with certain facts about Christianity.

Can I truly have a relationship with God?

The answer of Scripture is a resounding:

Yes.

In fact, that is why you were created.

My Story: The Difference Between Religion and Relationship

For much of my life, I really didn’t know facts about God. I knew no Bible stories really except for Noah’s Ark. I didn’t know church language and had no interest in any type of religious traditions. I would discover though that knowing facts about God is not the same as knowing God.

There was a time when I viewed any denomination of Christianity primarily as a system of beliefs and moral principles followed by mostly people I felt were immoral and hypocritical. I thought that the few that I knew were moral their faith was about trying harder, doing better, and becoming more religious.

What I eventually discovered was that Christianity is not about religion at all. It is about reconciliation. It is about a relationship that God Himself makes possible through Jesus Christ. The greatest transformation in my life did not happen when I learned more information.

It happened when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ and began walking with Him personally. The God I only knew in theory became the God I knew through experience, prayer, Scripture, and daily dependence.

That relationship continues to change me today.

John 17:3

Looking at the context ofJohn 17, it records what is often called Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer.

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed for His disciples and for all who would eventually believe in Him. In this prayer, Jesus defines eternal life. Many people think eternal life is simply living forever. Jesus reveals something much deeper and that is eternal life begins now through a relationship with God.

Lets interpret the verse below:

“And This Is Eternal Life”

Jesus immediately defines what eternal life truly means. It is more than a destination, more than escaping hell and gaining heaven.

Eternal life is entering into a relationship with God Himself.

“That They May Know You”

The word “know” carries the idea of personal relationship and intimate fellowship.

Jesus is not describing intellectual knowledge alone.

A person can know facts about God and still not know Him personally. Biblical knowledge involves relationship, just as you know a close friend or family member through ongoing interaction, God invites us to know Him.

“The Only True God”

Jesus makes it clear that God is not merely one option among many. He is the one true God revealed through Scripture and knowing Him requires responding to Him as He has revealed Himself.

“And Jesus Christ Whom You Have Sent”

The path to knowing God is through Jesus Christ. Jesus is not merely a teacher pointing the way. He is the way.

As Jesus said:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 NKJV)

What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?

One of the most misunderstood phrases in Christianity is “born again.”

Jesus introduced this concept during a conversation with Nicodemus.

John 3:3

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Being born again means experiencing spiritual transformation.

It means:

• Receiving forgiveness of sins.
• Receiving a new heart.
• Becoming spiritually alive.
• Beginning a new relationship with God.

Christianity is not about turning over a new leaf, It is about receiving new life.

How Can I Begin a Relationship With God?

The Bible presents a clear response to the Gospel.

Step 1: Recognize Your Need

Romans 3:23 says:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Every person needs God’s forgiveness.

Step 2: Believe in Jesus Christ

Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again.

Trust Him as Savior and Lord.

Step 3: Repent

Repentance means turning from sin and turning toward God.

It is a change of heart that leads to a change of direction.

Step 4: Receive God’s Gift of Grace

Salvation is not earned, It is received through faith.

Step 5: Follow Jesus

Faith is not merely a one-time decision, It is the beginning of a lifelong relationship.

The Romans Road Review

As we conclude this series, let’s review the Gospel message.

Romans 3:23

All have sinned.

Romans 6:23

The wages of sin is death.

Romans 5:8

Christ died for sinners.

Romans 10:9

Whoever believes in Christ can be saved.

The Gospel is simple enough for a child to understand and powerful enough to transform any life. I am grateful that it transformed mine.

What Happens After Salvation?

Many people wonder:

What now?

A relationship with God grows the same way other relationships grow.

Through time spent together.

Read God’s Word

The Bible is God’s primary way of speaking to us today.

Pray Regularly

Prayer is simply talking with God.

Join a Bible-Believing Church

God never intended believers to walk alone.

Grow as a Disciple

Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey.

Share Your Faith

Tell others what God has done in your life.

How can I apply this to my life today?

1. Move Beyond Information

Knowing facts about God is not enough.

God desires relationship.

2. Respond to the Gospel

Every person must decide what they will do with Jesus Christ.

3. Begin Walking With God Daily

The Christian life is a journey, not merely a decision.

4. Continue Growing

Never stop pursuing a deeper knowledge of God.

Series Conclusion

Over the course of this study, we have explored five life-changing questions:

Part 1

Does God Exist and Can We Know Him?

Part 2

What Is God Really Like?

Part 3

If God Is Good, Why Is the World Broken?

Part 4

What Has God Done to Restore Us?

Part 5

Can I Know God Personally?

The answer to each question ultimately points to Jesus Christ.

The God who created you.

The God who loves you.

The God who pursued you.

The God who made a way to save you.

The God who invites you into a relationship with Him.

My prayer is that this series has helped you move closer to knowing Him. Not merely as a concept, but as your Savior, Lord, and Friend.