| Christian Life and Doctrine | March 1966 |
The Knowledge of God
“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.” —Proverbs 2:1-11
THESE are wonderful words of life, words of inspiration! Here we are invited by the Lord to seek knowledge. We are told that knowledge helps us to avoid error, that it assists us to see God’s guidance in our lives. By hiding his commandments in our hearts we acquire the “knowledge of God.” We grow in a right perception of truth. This text also tells us that prayer is necessary, and that a deep desire is necessary if we are to attain the “knowledge of God.”
We read, “If thou … liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures, then shalt thou understand the fear [reverence] of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” This, of course, means study—not just reading the Bible. This means searching the Scriptures, for only thus shall we find the “knowledge of God.”
Verse 7 speaks of “sound wisdom.” This is not the wisdom of the world. The wisdom of this world has no power of redemption, and it is not the sound wisdom of our text. By contrast, however, there is a sound wisdom for the righteous. Verse 10 says when it enters into the heart of the righteous, and we pray for this wisdom, for this knowledge, we lift up our voice, knowing that it comes only from God.
In Proverbs 9:10 we find a familiar text: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This is true. The principle of true reverence is the foundation of sound wisdom. But there is another text—Proverbs 1:7. This text is not quoted as often as Proverbs 9:10, but it also teaches an important truth. It states that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” So the foundation, or principal part, of our knowledge as children of God, like wisdom, is also based upon true reverence and worship.
Not Human Brilliance
An attitude of deep love for God is our starting point, as we enter into the path of light and truth. But one of the first principles of understanding, in the sense that we, as Bible Students, use the word, is to realize that our knowledge of God, of his plans and purposes, for ourselves and for the whole race, is dependent upon something more than a brilliant mind. This world contains many brilliant minds—minds that easily comprehend today’s science, but which cannot grasp even the rudiments of the divine plan of the ages. Why is that? Brilliant minds—they can put a missile into orbit, a missile that will circumnavigate the earth in the high expanse of space and even reach the moon—but those same brilliant minds are not able to comprehend the philosophy of the ransom. Why is this so? Are we more brilliant than they? No. The reason they do not comprehend is simple to us. It is human knowledge versus spiritual knowledge. Spiritual enlightenment came to Jesus at, and subsequent to, Jordan. Spiritual enlightenment comes to us after we receive the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:16 reads, “And Jesus, when he was baptized went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove; and lighting upon him.” The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Notice Luke’s account. Luke 3:21: “Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him.” The Holy Spirit comes only as an answer to prayer.
These are simple texts, but by them we substantiate great truths. Matthew 3:16 tells us that Jesus was immersed, not sprinkled. “He … went straightway out of the water.” He had been in the water. Luke 3:31 tells us that he came out of the water praying, and that the Holy Spirit came to him in response to that prayer. Little noticed words in a text are sometimes important. In John 1:32-34 John the Baptist reports, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he that baptizeth with the Holy Spirit. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”
The sign given to John the Baptist evidently was: Look for the visible descent in the form of a dove. It will represent the Spirit of God. It will come as he emerges from the baptismal waters. This will be a sign of the Son of God. He will be endued with the Spirit of God. Signs today give witness to the Lord’s second presence. Here was one of the signs of his first presence—the descending of the Spirit as a dove.
The Spirit’s Witness
As with the Lord, so with us, the witness of the Spirit is important. We read in Hebrews, “The Holy Spirit also is a witness to us.” And again in Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Our knowledge, our enlightenment, depends upon the Spirit of God. Through it we grow in grace, in comprehension, and in the understanding of spiritual truths. Let us quote a familiar text from the New English translation of I Corinthians 2:11-14; “For the Spirit explores everything, even the depths of God’s own nature. Among men, who knows what a man is but the man’s own spirit? In the same way, only the Spirit of God reveals what God is. This is the Spirit that we have received from God, so that we may know all that God of his own grace gives us, and because we are interpreting spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit. We speak of these gifts of God in words found for us not by our human wisdom but by the Spirit. A man who is unspiritual refuses what belongs to the Spirit of God. It is folly to him—he cannot grasp it, because it needs to be judged in the light of the Spirit.
The same thought is expressed in Ephesians 1:17,18: “The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, … give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.” And again in Colossians 3:10: “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”
These texts tell us why some brilliant minds are not in the truth, and why many who are of humble disposition are able to comprehend the plan of God. Jeremiah 9:23,24 expresses it beautifully: “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches. But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” How few have this knowledge of God, of his plan of “loving-kindness” and “judgment” and “righteousness.” All will know this some day, but we know it now. Why? Because of the Holy Spirit’s enlightening our minds and hearts. This is the true knowledge of God.
Knowledge a Key
The “key of knowledge” is a common expression. It is also a biblical expression. (Luke 11:52) But it is not a key that opens up knowledge; rather, knowledge is the key—the only key that can open “understanding.” John 17:3: “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” The knowledge which we have of the Bible, of the Scriptures, of the divine plan of the ages, is the key of knowledge concerning the Father, his Son, and eternal life.
When we search the Scriptures, we search for knowledge, not merely the verification of our own wisdom. One of the most beautiful avenues of life is the path of learning, especially when it leads to the knowledge of God. Let us not be like those of whom the poet says:
“One reads with father’s specs upon his head,
And sees the thing just as his father did.
Another reads through Campbell or through Scott,
And thinks it means exactly what they thought.
Some read to prove a pre-adopted creed,
Thus understand but little what they read.
And every passage in the book they bend,
To make it fit that all-important end.
Some people read—as I have often thought
To teach the book instead of being taught.”
One cannot be handed knowledge as a plum on a plate. Knowledge cannot be given away as a ruby, even though it be more precious than rubies. Knowledge can be shared, but only with those willing to accept it, and who have the Holy Spirit of God as their teacher and guide. Now that does not mean that each one in the truth must or can have just as full and complete an understanding of all the fine points of doctrine as someone else. We all know that is not the case. Some minds are developed in one way, others in another. One person contributes with his hands, another with his mind. We all have abilities, and we all have limitations, and the grasp that each has of the truth will vary according to our several abilities and diligence in their application. But the Lord will see to it that by the sanctifying power of his Spirit each faithful consecrated child of God will grasp enough of spiritual truth to accomplish its sanctifying work.
It is for each one to be faithful to the full extent of his responsibility for the knowledge that has been given him, and, whether much or little, never to hide that light under a bushel. Let us all walk in the path of light! Let us strive for clearer spiritual vision, and thus grow in the grace and the knowledge of God!
Knowledge Increases
When it comes to scientific knowledge, we know that understanding increases, and will continue to increase. Yet possibly the same people who recognize this believe that the “light of truth” stopped years ago, and that any forward movement from that point is a movement toward darkness and not toward clearer understanding. There is, of course, a way that leads to darkness which must be avoided. It is clearly stated in Proverbs 4:18 that “the path of the just [the path in which we walk] is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Our path is one of increasing light, one of personal progress and of blessing through the light of the “knowledge of God.”
The great thing about spiritual life is that it grows, develops, matures. Thus all of us can contribute from the storehouse of our knowledge, for it represents the power of our influence—a member of the same body—to the enrichment of others. For, after all, this is what conventions and study meetings are for, what testimony meetings, talks, and Christian fellowship are all about—to build up one another.
Have I an eager mind? Have I a passion for comprehension? This is necessary if one would grow in the “knowledge of God.” An ardent desire for knowledge is rather prevalent in children. Sometimes it dulls as we grow older. But are we spiritually old? Have we lost our thirst for knowledge? Have we retired from learning more of the Word? Have we lost our spiritual momentum? Do we think we “know it all” anyway? If so, we are spiritually “old.” But a new creature should never grow old. As the Psalmist says, we should cleanse our way “by taking heed thereto according to thy Word.” (Ps. 119:9) So we seek clarification of scriptures, and blessings cone through clarification. Truths unfold as beautiful flowers unfold from bud to full grown bloom. Truth becomes exciting as it unfolds. It transfuses one with spiritual vitality. It keeps us young in spirit. And thus we live a rich and rewarding spiritual life.
But let us remember that basic fundamental truth does not change. Truth today does not become error tomorrow. During this harvest time we have been blessed with an appreciation of fundamental truths. These truths have revealed to us the divine plan of the ages. Never let these fundamentals slip. They have made us “truth people.” They have separated us from the people of the land—from the worldly church. Let us value these fundamental doctrines and the servants and the helps that have assisted in laying the foundation of our faith. These fundamentals will become clearer as the details of truth come into better focus through our study of the Word of God.
Some say truth is like gold—it never changes. That is true. But it is also true that we must get rid of the dross that the gold may shine brighter, and that it may be more precious; and even so it is with our knowledge of God. Some say that knowledge is superfluous. They quote Paul’s words, “Knowledge puffeth up, but love edifieth.” How often this is quoted out of context! The verse reads, “Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” (I Cor. 8:1) Some of the Corinthians knew that an idol meant nothing, and that meat sacrificed to idols was neither purified nor defiled, and so they ate it. To them all things were lawful. They had knowledge, but without love, without consideration for others. And some of the brethren who did not have this knowledge of liberty were made weak. Verse 9 reads, “Take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.” Paul concludes his argument in verse 13, “Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” There was Paul with Christian liberty actuated by the spirit of Christian love and consideration for others, and true humility. Philippians 1:9 says, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment [margin, or, sense].”
II Peter 1:1-12 contains many valuable lessons. According to this passage we can’t have love without knowledge. Peter was a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ. He is responsible for some of the sweetest expressions we use today as truth people. One of these is “like precious faith.” The truth should be equally precious to us all. Another expression is, “exceeding great and precious promises.”
The degree of faith may vary, but with respect to its objective—our justification, our sanctification—it is common to all the Lord’s children. For Christ is to all of us made of God “wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”—I Cor. 1:30
In verse 2 Peter introduces us to the “knowledge of God.” He tells us it is the medium through which grace and peace are multiplied unto us. So, again we are impressed with the power that knowledge exercises in our lives.
In verse 3 he continues the subject. The “knowledge of him [God]” is the first step toward eternal life, the first step toward godliness, true piety. Jesus’ words in John 17:3 read: “this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Our very calling out of darkness into light is dependent upon knowledge, for here we read, “Through the knowledge of him” we are “called to [margin, or, by] glory and virtue,” to be like Christ.—vs. 3
Precious Things
Have you ever noticed what Peter considered precious?—“like precious faith” (vs. 1); “the trial of your faith, being more precious than of gold” (I Pet. 1:7); “not redeemed with … silver and gold, … but with the precious blood of Christ” (I Pet. 1:18,19); “precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature” (vs. 4). And notice how he presents his argument in verses 5, 6, and 7. Precious promises, yes! But besides this, or, for this very thing, we must give diligence—full-hearted diligence, for, only through all diligence, and the promises, will we attain the divine nature.
And through this full measure of devotion we add, we supply, we develop, we grow in grace as we grow in knowledge. It is an increase by growth, each new grace springing out of and dependent on the other. As we exercise faith, we develop virtue, fortitude. “And to virtue, knowledge.” One does not progress far unless he grows in the knowledge of God. The knowledge of error does not sanctify. The knowledge of man’s wisdom does not sanctify. The knowledge of God and spiritual truth does. “Sanctify them through thy truth, thy Word is truth.” On this foundation of faith and knowledge of the truth is built temperance, that is, self-control, patience, cheerful endurance, constancy, godliness, piety, reverence, brotherly-kindness, being generous toward our brethren, and love.
Thus love is not based on emotion, but is built on the foundation of faith and knowledge. This love cannot be attained without the knowledge of God. Knowledge is not greater than love, but love abounds in knowledge and judgment. Knowledge is the basis of abounding love. (Philippians 1:9) Verkuyl translates verse 8 of II Pet. 1, as follows: “For if you possess these qualities increasingly, they will render your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ neither inactive nor unproductive. While he in whom these graces are not present is blind and short-sighted.”
What is the use of knowledge if it is inactive—unproductive? One of the reasons we have been given the knowledge of God—an understanding of his plans, his purposes for us and for all the families of the earth—is that we may hold forth the Word of life, and as his ambassadors show forth the praises of him who has called us out of darkness into light. Let us not hide our light under a bushel. Let us not permit our knowledge of God to be inactive and unproductive.
“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (vs. 10) Verse 12 seems appropriate here: “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.” And remember, we never walk alone when we walk in the light with him.