Being acquainted with someone and knowing him or her are two totally different things. While we may have many acquaintances in life, only few people do we have the opportunity to really know. The apostle Paul’s desire was to really know Christ; Paul did not want a mere acquaintance, but much deeper and more intimate of a relationship is what he sought with the Lord. In fact, to the church at Philippi, Paul penned, “…I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…” (Philippians 3:8b); “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:10). Really knowing Christ brings about a multitude of blessings. I wonder how many Christians miss out on these wonderful blessings because they are merely acquainted with Jesus instead of really knowing Him.
Firstly, to really know Him is to know assurance. Paul penned, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection…” Of course, the authenticity of Christianity is seated in the resurrection of our Lord. Christ’s resurrection from the dead gives us assurance in several areas. Because Christ resurrected, we have the Assurance that He is real (cf. Romans 1:4; Acts 17:31; Colossians 2:15). Because Christ resurrected, we have the assurance of our own resurrection (cf. Philippians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 15:20ff). Further, because Christ resurrected, we have the assurance of rest (cf. Revelation 1:18; Hebrews 7:25). Thus, to really know Christ is to know assurance!
Secondly, to really know Him is to know association. Paul continued, “…and the fellowship of his sufferings…” The association that we enjoy with Christ is never more necessary than when we are suffering. Association during times of suffering reminds us of many things. We are reminded of His sympathy (Hebrews 4:15). We are reminded of His support (Hebrews 2:18; Philippians 4:13), and we are reminded of His salvation (Matthew 5:10-12). To really know Christ is to know association!
Thirdly, to really know Him is to know alteration. Paul concluded, “…being made conformable unto his death.” Logically, we must ask, “how did Christ die?” Christ died obediently! What other logical choice does one have when death is considered? There are only two ways to die – obediently or disobediently. Obviously, Christ died obediently, and for those who really know Christ, there is no other way to die! Knowing Christ alters many things concerning one’s pending death. One’s mind is altered (Philippians 1:21; Revelation 14:13). From the mindset of the world, death is the end, a tragedy, a terrible heartbreak. However, for those who really know Christ, our mindset is different. One’s motives are altered as well (Philippians 1:22-24). The person with worldly motives often declares things like, “I want to retire before I die” or “I hope to go on a cruise before I die.” While these things, in and of themselves, are not wrong, the one who really knows Christ declares things like, “I hope I see my grandchildren baptized into Christ before I die” or “I hope to live long enough to see the church fully restored.” Motives for living and dying are completely altered when we really know Christ! To really know Christ is to know alteration!
Most people are at least acquainted with Christ Jesus. Yet, sadly very few, even some who call themselves Christians, really know Him. What about you? Do you really know Christ? Don’t miss out on all the blessings that are available to you. Make it your life’s aim “to really know Him!”
