By Shane Kastler
There is a sense in which everyone knows God. There is also a very real sense in which no one knows Him at all. The sense in which He is known is in terms of his existence. The first chapter of Romans teaches us that all people know God “through what has been made, so they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20) That is to say that the creation itself gives overwhelming evidence to God's existence; and though some may deny His reality, deep down they know better. Romans goes on to tell us that the unbeliever “suppresses the truth in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18) Though they know God is there they will not submit to Him, which leads me to the other kind of knowledge.
Though everyone knows God is there, no one “bows the knee” to Him, at least initially, because of their sin nature. The sin curse is universal and because of it we are described in scripture as being “dead in our sins” (Ephesians 2:1) We cannot please God. We cannot know Him in a saving way. We do not even wish to; by our very nature as sinners. Indeed all people are sold into bondage to sin and all people would remain in bondage and perish in Hell. Unless God were to do something. And thanks be to God, He did do something.
God sent His very own son, Jesus, into the world to live a perfect life and to die a sacrificial death. Those who repent and believe in Jesus are forgiven of their sins and granted eternal life. Sinners who know God exists, yet run from Him and deny Him; can be reconciled to Him and know Him in a saving way by grace. Have you experienced this in your life?
You can deny God all you want. But you still know he's there. And though it might anger you to hear me say that, it doesn't change reality. The person who denies the obvious and claims there's no tornado, when a massive tornado is bearing down on them will eventually perish by the very wind they said didn't exist. The same is true of God. The Bible says “it is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31) On that day it will be too late for reconciliation, but on this day you have been warned. Believe in Jesus and submit to him today. You know God in terms of His existence. Know Him as well, in a saving way by trusting in Christ.
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