Is it really possible to KNOW God?

(by Mike Bishop)

    There are many religions and opinions out there, but have you ever wondered if there is a way to be sure?  Can a human being actually KNOW God? 

The Bible clearly states that it is possible to know God (first that He exists): “what may be known of God is manifest in them [you], for God has shown it to them [you]. 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 [you] are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20).

Have you ever looked at a painting and wondered who the painter was?  Or a bridge and wondered who the builder was?  Although you have not seen or known the painter or the bridge builder yet you still know that there must have been one.  In this same way, creation testifies of a Creator.  Your very existence and ability to think and reason as you read this article testifies of God.

The Bible says “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).  So, if you agree that the painter and bridge builder must exist then you have exercised faith which is described in the Bible as “the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). 

Having established by faith the existence of an unknown painter, bridge builder, and in the same way, God, the next question is “Who is God?”. 

The Bible says “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him” (John 1:18).
According to this verse, God has revealed Himself to us through his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

Have you come to know God through His Son Jesus? The Bible tells us why some have not acknowledged God: “And there is no one who calls on Your Name, Who stirs himself up to take hold of you; For you have hidden your face from us, and have consumed us because of our iniquities“ (Isaiah 64:7).  How then can we approach God in order that we may have assurance of KNOWING Him – the one true God?  Jesus said “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”   And the Bible also tells us “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). 

God didn't create His most special and unique creation (you and I) so we would wander this earth without KNOWING our purpose and without KNOWING Him. In fact, we find the very opposite of this: And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their [your] dwelling place, that they [you] should seek God, in the hope that they [you] might feel their [your] way toward Him and find Him. Yet He is actually not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:26, 27).

So the answer to the question “can a person really KNOW God?” is yes.  Turn to God by acknowledging your condition before Him as a human being who has fallen short of His standards.  God can and will forgive you because your penalty has been fully paid by His Son.  “God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:25-26).