Knowing God

How well do you know God? You may know about Him from what others have said. You may have done your own study and research on God, and have an academic knowledge of Him. You may even have intimate knowledge of Him based on your own personal relationship with Him.

There is yet another dimension to knowledge. It comes from the little Greek prefix “epi” as in “epi-gnosis,” which is to super-impose knowledge and thereby come to a complete and precise understanding. This knowledge is not general or informational. We have the opportunity to increase in correct spiritual knowledge (epi-gnosis) about God which is supernaturally imposed .

The Apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:17 for believers, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (epi-gnosis) of him.” We can study Him and know Him by His Word, the Holy Bible. But add to that the dimension of the indwelling presence of the God's Holy Spirit in our lives as believers. With the Spirit’s help, by giving gifts of wisdom and revelation, we can “know him better” (NIV).

When I learned about this kind of knowledge (epi-gnosis) - the super-imposition of understanding - it reminded me of my souvenir collection. Whenever I go on a trip I try to find the cheapest souvenir. I discovered for fifty-one cents I can get a smashed penny. Into the machine I put my two quarters and a copper penny which already has the image of President Lincoln. After I crank the handle it comes out of the machine thinner, stretched and with the new image of a landmark. Although there is the faint and distorted old image of Mr. Lincoln on the back, the new impression on the front is now prominent. Is that what happens when we come to the knowledge of Christ? When we seek God by the Spirit and the Word, we want to know and understand who Jesus is to us. We want to discover what the Holy Spirit wants to do in our lives. This kind of seeking changes us as God stamps His divine image on our lives! The dominant image then becomes “… Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). With this new understanding of our relationship with God, our true identity is solidified. His life becomes our life. His identity becomes our identity. His nature becomes our nature. His love becomes our love. By putting our faith in Him, we are being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29).

This super-imposition is about searching out the things of God through His Spirit within us until we become a part of Him; a partner with Him, and become a full participant in Him. Knowing the truth about God has the power to change our lives. Not through mere informational or intellectual ascent, but by the Spirit's gift of revelation knowledge. In seeking the Lord, we are being impressed upon by the Holy Spirit to come to the full and complete “knowledge (epi-gnosis) of the Son” (Eph. 4:13).