In one sense, it is impossible for finite man to know everything about the infinite God. It is just not possible for us to comprehend the glory of God. But thankfully, he has revealed to us much of his nature and character. He has also given us of his knowledge concerning mankind, sin and redemption. Our God has not left us ignorant on any topic necessary to our salvation.
Peter writes:
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. (2 Peter 1:3-4)
Notice that all we need has been granted to us. That gift is through divine effort, not human. Through that knowledge comes great promises which allow us to partake in the divine nature! I’m not sure I fully understand what it means to share or partake in the divine nature but it is glorious and exciting.
It is through the inspired Scriptures that we gain those promises. We enjoy “all sufficiency” in the things of God and need not worry that something has been kept back. We have everything we need (2 Corinthians 9:8).
The question every Christian ought to ask every day is whether he is growing in Christ. Paul said that he viewed all worldly riches and glory as trash when compared to the “knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). For Paul, this is more than simple acquisition of facts about Christ. It is a knowledge that moves him ever closer to his Lord and conforms him more and more into the image of God.
Every child must grow. We are like infants who desire the nourishing mother’s milk so important to maturity and development. It is through this spiritual milk that we “grow up” into Christ (1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15).
So again, how are we doing? Not everyone grows as they should. The writer of Hebrews argues that some have failed to grow and still need milk, not meat.
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. (Hebrews 5:12-13)
There are several ways to assess one’s growth in Christ. Perhaps the best is to ask whether the word of God has brought a change to your life. Have you taught one of Jesus recently? Could you share the truth with someone? What of your present study habits? Are you regularly reading the Scriptures and meditating on their truth?
Let us all grow up into Christ in every way. Our lives will be so much richer and our walk with Christ so much closer if we would only seek to know him better.
Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.
