What does it mean to know Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Knowing Jesus as a Personal Relationship

Today's question is, what does it mean to know Jesus? In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective. Then afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.

When people speak of knowing Jesus, they refer to having a relationship with Him. Being a Christian is more than knowing about Jesus. Being a Christian is knowing Him personally. Jesus spoke of the need to know the Savior when He prayed, "...this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.".

John 17, verse 3. It is one thing to know about a sports hero, and quite another thing to be a friend of that athlete. You can read every news article on your hero, memorize every stat, and collect every piece of memorabilia, yet never really know the athlete himself.

Knowing Jesus Through Relationship and Fellowship

To truly know a sports hero, you would have to do more than watch him play. You'd have to have a relationship with him, based on time spent together and regular conversation. When a person truly knows Jesus, it is on the basis of a relationship.

They spend time together and talk regularly. And when we know Jesus, we also know God. We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true. 1 John 5, verse 20.

How Salvation Comes Through Faith in Christ

How can you know Jesus? Romans 10, verse 9 says,. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. You must believe that Jesus is Lord and that He has risen from the dead.

The reason He died was to pay for your sin. 1 Peter 2, verse 24. When you trust in Christ, you receive Jesus and become part of His family. John 1, verse 12. In addition, John 3, verse 16 says that you have been given eternal life.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. This life includes eternity with Christ in heaven and is available to you and anyone who believes in Christ.

Salvation by Grace Through Faith, Not Works

Is there anything else you have to do to know Jesus? Ephesians 2, verses 8 and 9 explains,. For by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Knowing Jesus is not based on what we do. Knowing Jesus is based on faith in Him. Romans 5, verse 8 teaches, God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. There is no special prayer you must pray to know Jesus and believe in Him.

A Prayer of Repentance and Invitation to Respond

However, the following prayer can be used right now to express your decision to place your faith in Jesus Christ. Dear God, I realize I am a sinner and could never reach heaven by my own good deeds. Right now, I place my faith in Jesus Christ as God's Son who rose from the dead to give me eternal life.

Please forgive me of my sins and help me to live for You. Thank You for accepting me and giving me eternal life. If you made a decision for Christ because of what you have heard here, please click on the I Have Accepted Christ Today link in this video and in the description below.

When you do, you'll have the opportunity to talk to someone about the decision you just made and be provided some valuable next steps and information. Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video!

Visit GotQuestions .org for more great content. And check out the details section below this video, where you'll find several valuable links, including some to related questions. If you'd like to learn about Bible Munch, or if you're interested in a Bite-sized devotional, subscribe to Bible Munch on YouTube, it's linked right here.

Now remember, Got questions? The Bible has answers, and we'll help you find them!