Nothing is more striking in the writings and testimony of the early Christians than their serenity and confidence concerning their faith in Christ. Jesus says:
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3)
This is not merely to know God in a general way through nature or conscience as Creator or Judge. This is to know Him revealed personally in Jesus Christ. Neither is it to know about Jesus Christ merely as a historical character or a great teacher. It is to know Christ Himself, directly and personally, and God in Him. The apostle John writes:
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
The early Christians not only believed, but they also knew. They had an experiential faith which produced a definite knowledge of that which they believed.
A little further on in the same chapter John writes again:
“We know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ.” (v. 20)
Note the humble, yet serene, confidence of these words. Their basis is knowledge of a person, and that Person is Jesus Christ Himself. Paul gave the same kind of personal testimony when he said:
“I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” (2 Tim. 1:12)
Notice that Paul did not say, “I know what I have believed.” He said, “I know whom I have believed.” His faith was not founded upon a creed or a church, but upon a Person whom he knew by direct acquaintance – Jesus Christ. As a result of this personal acquaintance with Christ, he had a serene confidence concerning the well-being of his soul, which nothing in time or eternity could overthrow.
For a number of years I conducted regular street meetings in London, England. At the close of the meetings I would sometimes approach people who had listened to the message and ask them this simple question: “Are you a Christian?” Many times I would receive answers such as, “I think so,” or “I hope so,” or “I try to be,” or “I don’t know.” All who give answers like these betray plainly one fact: Their faith is not built upon the one sure foundation of a direct, personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Suppose I were to put that same question to you: Are you a Christian? What kind of answer would you be able to give?
In finishing this first week, please allow me to give one final word of advice taken from Job:
“Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; Thereby good will come to you.” (Job 22:21)
True and only God, thank You that I may know You personally. Thank You Father for showing us Yourself through Jesus Christ. I base my faith on my relationship with You. Amen.
