..forgot to say, this knowing God is the test of genuine "belief" in Christ.

Mt:7:23: And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you : depart from me, ye that work iniquity (sin).

Mt:13:41: The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity(sin).

You have to know who you claim to believe in, otherwise you werent really believeing in that person at all, you were believing in a false version of Christ.

you can read more about that inn the last chapter of Christ's Object Lessons about the Wise and Foolish Virgins. The wise knew Jesus, the Foolish did not.

Maatthew 25
10: And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11: Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12: But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Just one more thing, in the Bible when it speaking of someone "knowing" someone else, it means "having intimate relations with".

You have to become MARRIED to Christ and in order to do this you have to first die. Become crucified with Him. This is truly believing in Christ. "I know in whom I have believed" and "to know Him is life eternal"


Read this for more information:

http://www.religiouscounterfeits.org/romans_chapter7.htm

Claudia, with regard to "knowing" Christ implying a deeper, intimate relationship and certainly not anything superficial, I cherish Jesus' invitation found in Matthew 11:28-30:

quote:

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Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

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The key phrase found in Jesus' invitation is learn of me. He invites us to:

• learn who He is
• learn how He thinks (the mind of Christ)
• learn how He cares
• learn His teachings
• learn of His daily surrender of self
• learn what gives Him joy...and sorrow
• learn of His mission
• learn how His life is an example for us
• learn of His priestly ministry for us even today
• learn that He is coming again very soon

We cannot just learn of the historical Jesus and make a claim to know Him. When we learn of Him through a daily digging into His word, and commune with Him throughout each day and night, then we can begin to understand what the Apostle John was telling us:

quote:

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And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:3-6.

---

Yes, to know Him is to love Him. I believe learning of Jesus will require an eternity of lessons at Jesus' feet...I can't wait!

Ted

Amen Ted! What beautiful thoughts. Can you imagine learning forever and being able to remember everything? How wonderful learning would become to everyone. The more we remember the more wonderful learning is. To remember it all is something that is beyond my imagination, and to learn at Jesus Feet will be the best of all experiences!!

I recognize that this thread seems to be seeking kind of a "minimum daily requirement" for being called a "Christian". But my question is, are we seeking to be recognized as a Christian in mans' eyes or God's?

The "rich young ruler" met all the apparent requirements to be accepted (in man's eyes) as a "believer" or Christian. In fact, he was known by all around him as a devout believer. Yet, in God's sight he was severely lacking. Meeting a check list of requirements is not what Christianity is all about. The Pharisees were the best at keeping a list of requirements for being accepted as a faithful believer.

We know that it is not enough to believe, as the devils believe and tremble. When we believe in Jesus as Lord, we must be willing to "submit" or surrender all (especiall "self") to Him—daily.

   "He who would build up a strong, symmetrical character, he who would be a well-balanced Christian, must give all and do all for Christ; for the Redeemer will not accept divided service. Daily he must learn the meaning of self-surrender. He must study the word of God, learning its meaning and obeying its precepts. Thus he may reach the standard of Christian excellence. Day by day God works with him, perfecting the character that is to stand in the time of final test. And day by day the believer is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings." {AA 483.1}

In due time, when those of an honest heart hear the Gospel message of salvation by faith in the merits of Jesus, and they come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, confess their sin and utter unworthiness, and surrender their heart to Christ, that same Holy Spirit will lead them into all truth. They will study the Scriptures and compare "line upon line, precept upon precept", and like the Bereans, "will search the Scriptures daily, whether these things are so." Discovering God's Truth will be an all encompasing obsession, as I hope it is for all of us.

Ted

By the way, Ted, I am not saying you believe the last statement, only the numbered ones.