Many people, including some church-attenders know about Christ and believe things about him but they don’t actually know him.
However, the New Testament makes it clear that salvation and eternal life depends on knowing Christ. For example, Jesus said: “This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3). Paul speaks of “of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ” (Php 3:8-10) and urges Christians to “know him better” (Eph 1:17).
Peter wants Christians to grow in knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
Christianity is a heart knowledge of Christ, not simply a head knowledge.
However, what does it mean in practice to “know” Christ? It is helpful to think of what it means to know any other person then to apply it as far as relevant to knowing Christ. The following points should help.
To know Christ is:
To know he lived, died for you, rose again and is alive for ever.
To know he’s there, very close by
To know he accepts you (if you have repented of sin and put your trust in him).
To know you belong to him and have a close connection with him
To know he’s all-loving
To know he’s listening
To know he’s watching.
To know he’s caring
To know he’s wonderful, to take delight in him and to adore him, telling him how wonderful he is.
To love him and to express that love to him. To know Christ is to know him in our hearts – to love him.
How to know Christ better
Start to talk to him
Find a quiet place
Ask him to reveal himself to you
Ask him to forgive you
Ask him to form that close relationship with you
Read about him in The New Testament.
© Tony Higton: see conditions for reproduction