1. Introduction

One of the most important truths about eternal life is that it involves knowing God through Jesus Christ.

Many people know something about God. They may have heard Bible stories, attended church, memorised Scripture, or learned Christian teachings. These things can be valuable, but knowing information about God is not exactly the same as knowing Him.

Jesus described eternal life in terms of knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He sent.

In this lesson, we will discover what the Bible teaches about knowing God, why Jesus is central to this relationship, and how we can grow in our understanding of Him through His Word.

2. Jesus Described Eternal Life as Knowing God

Scripture: John 17:3 (KJV)

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Jesus spoke these words while praying to the Father.

He connected eternal life with knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent. This shows us that eternal life is not simply a matter of existing forever. It involves a relationship with God through His Son.

The word know here carries the idea of knowing God personally, rather than merely collecting information about Him. It does not mean that believers immediately understand everything about God. We receive eternal life through Christ and continue growing in our knowledge of Him.

Practical example: You may know many facts about a person from books or conversations, but a personal relationship involves knowing that person beyond those facts. In a similar way, studying the Bible helps us learn about God, and through Jesus Christ we come to know Him.

Remember: Eternal life involves knowing God through Jesus Christ, not merely knowing facts about Him.

3. Jesus Reveals the Father

Scripture: John 14:6–7 (KJV)

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

Jesus explained to His disciples that He is the way to the Father. He also taught that knowing Him reveals the Father’s character and purposes.

If we want to understand God’s character, we should pay close attention to Jesus’ words and actions as recorded in Scripture.

Jesus demonstrated God’s truth, compassion, holiness, and purpose in His ministry. Through His death and resurrection, He also accomplished the work necessary for our reconciliation with God.

Practical example: When you want to understand how God responds to people, study how Jesus treated the sick, the brokenhearted, those who came to Him in faith, and those who opposed His teaching. Read each passage in its context to understand what it reveals.

Remember: Jesus Christ is central to knowing the Father and understanding God’s revelation of Himself.

4. Knowing God Begins With His Provision Through Christ

Scripture: 1 John 5:11–12 (KJV)

11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

John points us to God’s provision through His Son.

Knowing God is not something we achieve by becoming sufficiently religious or morally perfect. The foundation is what God has done through Jesus Christ.

We receive eternal life through Christ, and from that foundation we continue learning about God and growing in faith.

Practical example: A person who has recently believed in Jesus may not know many Bible verses yet. They can still begin growing in their understanding of God as they study Scripture and learn about Christ.

Remember: Our relationship with God is founded on His provision through Jesus Christ, not on our religious achievements.

5. God’s Word Helps Us Know Him

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV)

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Paul explains that Scripture is useful for teaching, correction, and instruction in righteousness.

The Bible reveals God’s purposes and provides instruction for our faith and conduct. As we study it carefully, we learn what God has revealed about Himself, humanity, sin, salvation, and life in Christ.

We must read passages in context rather than selecting isolated phrases to support ideas we already hold. Understanding the historical setting, the surrounding verses, and the purpose of a passage helps us handle God’s Word responsibly.

Practical example: When studying a verse about God’s promises, read the verses before and after it. Ask who is speaking, to whom the words were addressed, and how the passage fits with the wider teaching of Scripture.

Remember: God’s Word helps us know what He has revealed and teaches us how to live according to His truth.

6. Knowing God Involves Trusting Him

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV)

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

These verses encourage trust in the Lord rather than treating our own understanding as the final authority.

Knowing God involves learning to trust His character and His wisdom. We will not always understand every circumstance, and we may have questions as we grow in faith.

Trust does not mean refusing to think carefully or ignoring wise counsel. It means seeking to understand our circumstances in the light of God’s truth rather than assuming that our limited perspective tells the whole story.

Practical example: When facing a difficult decision, pray, examine the relevant Scriptures in context, seek wise counsel, and consider the consequences of your choices instead of acting only from fear or pressure.

Remember: Growing in our knowledge of God includes learning to trust His wisdom and follow His truth.

7. Knowing God Changes Our Understanding of His Love

Scripture: 1 John 4:9–10 (KJV)

9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

John points to God’s love as demonstrated through the sending of His Son.

God’s love is not merely a feeling or an idea. The passage directs us to a concrete demonstration of His love through Jesus Christ and His work concerning our sins.

Understanding this truth helps us see that God’s provision began with His love, not with our attempt to make ourselves worthy of Him.

Practical example: When you recognise a personal failure, do not assume that God first began to love you after you improved. Return to the truth of what He demonstrated through Christ, acknowledge where you need to change, and continue growing in faith.

Remember: God’s love was demonstrated through His Son, who was sent so that we might live through Him.

8. Knowing God Leads Us to Grow in Grace

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

Peter encourages believers to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

This shows that knowing God is not about reaching a point where we have learned everything. Our understanding can deepen as we study Scripture, reflect on Christ’s work, and learn to apply God’s truth.

Spiritual growth is not a way to purchase eternal life. It is part of the life of a believer who has received God’s gift through Christ.

Practical example: You may understand a Bible passage differently after studying its context more carefully. Be willing to learn, correct misunderstandings, and allow Scripture to shape your thinking.

Remember: We receive eternal life through Christ and continue growing in our knowledge of Him.

9. Knowing God Influences Our Daily Conduct

Scripture: Colossians 1:9–10 (KJV)

9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Paul connects knowledge of God’s will with the way believers live.

Knowing God should not remain only an intellectual exercise. As we grow in understanding, we learn to express our faith through love, honesty, patience, forgiveness, and good works.

These actions do not buy God’s acceptance. They are part of the practical outworking of a life being shaped by His truth.

Practical example: If you learn from Scripture that you should speak truthfully, apply that teaching in your workplace, family, and business dealings, even when dishonesty seems easier.

Remember: Growing in the knowledge of God should influence our choices and conduct.

10. Continue Seeking to Know Christ More Deeply

Scripture: Philippians 3:8–10 (KJV)

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Paul describes the surpassing value of knowing Christ. He also explains that his righteousness is not based on his own achievements under the law, but on what is received through faith.

Paul desired to know Christ more deeply, even though he had already devoted his life to serving Him. This reminds us that our understanding of Christ can continue to grow throughout our lives.

Knowing Christ also means recognising that following Him may involve hardship and sacrifice. The Christian life is not a promise that every circumstance will be comfortable.

Practical example: Set aside time to read Scripture thoughtfully. Rather than rushing through many chapters, ask what the passage reveals about Christ and how its message should influence your faith and conduct.

Remember: The knowledge of Christ is precious, and we can continue growing in our understanding of Him throughout our Christian walk.

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Lesson Summary

In this lesson, we learned that eternal life involves knowing God through Jesus Christ.

The Bible teaches us that:

• Jesus describes eternal life as knowing the Father and His Son.

• Jesus reveals the Father and is the way to Him.

• Our relationship with God rests on His provision through Christ.

• Scripture helps us understand what God has revealed.

• Knowing God involves trusting His wisdom.

• God’s love is demonstrated through the sending of His Son.

• Believers are called to grow in grace and knowledge.

• Knowing God should influence our daily conduct.

• We can continue growing in our knowledge of Jesus Christ throughout our lives.

Final Takeaway

Eternal life is not merely about living forever; it is about knowing God through Jesus Christ. We receive this life through God’s grace, learn about Him through His Word, and continue growing in our knowledge of Christ as we walk in faith.

Reflection Question

What is one practical change you can make in your daily life to help you grow in your knowledge of God through Jesus Christ?