KNOWLEDGE OF THE
LORD
INTRODUCTION
Knowledge of the Lord refers to a deep, active understanding of and relationship with the Lord. It goes beyond merely knowing facts; it transforms how a person lives, acts, and views the world. Unlike simply knowing about someone, knowing the Lord in the Bible implies a deep, personal connection.
Knowledge of the Lord is necessary to offset the evilness of man that is blossoming forth in these last days, as Isaiah a Prophet of God, forewarned: Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter; are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight (Isaiah 5:20-21).
Knowledge of the Lord
Failure to Receive
Scripture reveals: Enter you in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and many there be which go in thereat (Matthew 7:13). It was noted that Jesus is both the gate and the way and God enables men to find that gate by possessing the knowledge of the Lord, which will lead one to eternal life in Christ, not advocate a walk that would draw one away.
Apostle Paul spoke of those who had a zeal of God but not according to knowledge, in saying: My heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. For I bear them record (witness) that they have a zeal of God but not according to knowledge; for they being ignorant of God’s righteousness are going about to establish their own righteousness, having not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God (Romans 10:1-3).
It was noted that those whom Paul was speaking of (the religious of his day), rather than seeking redemption (deliverance) of God’s mercy (through Christ) pinned their hopes on their own religious achievement. A progressive social gospel, being presented today, steers one from true righteousness spoken of in God’s Word, paving a way towards appeasement of the flesh with no remorse or conviction.
A Progressive Wave
Knowledge of the Lord will promote a godly concept, as evidenced by Apostle Paul, who wrote: I beseech you brethren (the church), by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God (dedication), which is your reasonable (rational) service, and be not conformed to this world; but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2).
It was noted that one is to resist being poured into the mold of present day thinking, value systems, and conduct so readily promoted through a progressive wave that is overtaking many churches, communities, and individuals. We are not witnessing the promotion of sanctification (being set apart unto God), righteousness (doing what is right in the sight of God), and holiness (a godly walk) which once was so prevalent in the teaching, preaching of God’s Word, by ordained and anointed men of God, and are now suffering the after effects of failure to do so.
Failure to Comply
Apostle Paul addressed the problem of the knowledge of the Lord not being promulgated or accepted, by the people of his day, in writing: When they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful but became vain (futile) in their imaginations (thoughts), and their foolish heart was darkened (not responsive); professing themselves to be wise they become fools (Romans 1:21-22).
It was noted that three results of their rejection are given: (1) God gave them up to all forms of lifestyles and its consequent actions; (2) God gave them over to all forms of sexual depravity and its consequent actions; and (3) God gave them over to a mind that would not retain Him in the knowledge and its consequent actions. Paul revealed the characteristics of homosexuality (Romans 1:26-27), as well as other ungodly traits (Romans 1:29-31); which are condemned by God, yet flourishing today (Romans 1:29-31).
Man Relishes Evil
We are in the last days, spoken of in God’s Word, with man relishing evils condemned by God’s Word; with no remorse or conviction but rather relished and encouraged by those who fail to recognize the knowledge of the Lord, His Holy Word, and mock those who walk in the truth of that Word.
The Prophet Jeremiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, asked: Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination; no, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush; therefore (as a result) they shall fall among them that fall, at the time I visit (punish) them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord (Jeremiah 6:14-15).
Jeremiah continued in saying: Stand you in the ways (knowledge of the Lord) and see, and ask for the old paths (paths of righteousness), where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls; but they said, we will not walk therein; also I set watchmen over you, saying, hearken to the sound of the trumpet; but they said we will not hearken (Jeremiah 6:16-17). They would not hearken to the mercy of God being extended through repentance; which we are witnessing today as well.
Trusting in Wickedness
The Prophet Isaiah wrote: You have trusted in your wickedness; you have said none sees me. Your wisdom and your knowledge, has perverted you (led you astray); and you have said in your heart, I am, and none else beside me (Isaiah 47:10). This is failure to possess the knowledge of the Lord, and feeling comfortable in one’s own comfort zone, with a complete disregard towards learning the truth.
Isaiah, in speaking the words of the Lord, continued saying: Therefore shall evil come upon you; you shall not know from where it rises; and mischief (trouble) shall fall upon you; you shall not be able to put it off (cover it); and desolation shall come upon you (Isaiah 47:11). Isaiah was referring to Babylon which is noted in the Book of Revelations concerning its fall: Babylon the great is fallen, and it has become the hold of every foul (evil) spirit (Revelation 18:2).
Therefore, shall her (Babylon) plagues come in one day (suddenly), death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judges her (Revelation 18:8). Apostle Peter noted why God’s judgment is being held in abeyance: The Lord is not slack concerning his promise (destruction of the wicked), as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not wiling that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Tolerance and Permissiveness
Apostle Paul noted: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved; then declared: How shall they call on him whom they have not believed; and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard; and how shall they preach, except they be sent (Romans 10:13-14)?
We are witnessing a generation that has failed its responsibility to continue teaching, and preaching, the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God; having lost sight of the need for such, when in reality there is a greater need as the world becomes alienated to the fruitfulness of receiving that Word. It was noted that we are living in a very permissive day when the religious world is so tolerant to most any and all kinds of standards and lifestyles. It was noted that this permissiveness and tolerance is the result of a self-willed and carnal minded society.
As a result of such tolerance and permissiveness, there are many churches, and even denominations, which have altered their teachings, their standards, and even their interpretations of the Scriptures to please, to comply with and accommodate this permissive and tolerant society. Very few people this day hold to their heart’s convictions; they change to blend in with their environment. Words of the past are becoming fruitful, in the hour in which we live, as we witness what has been previously revealed.
Wisdom and Understanding
Scripture reveals: Incline your ear (hearing) to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding; then shall you understand the fear (awe) of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:2-3 & 5). It was noted that we are drowning in information; yet at the same time starving for knowledge (Rutherford D. Rogers).
With the availability of the Internet there is an avalanche of information, with knowledge of the truth being difficult to detect, unless there is an indwelling knowledge of the Lord ingrained in the heart and life of the believer. Jesus said: If you continue (abide) in my word, then are you my disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31-32).
Salvation of the Soul
Apostle John wrote: Whosoever abides in him (Christ) sins not; whosoever sins has not seen him, neither knows him (1 John 3:6). It was noted that one who habitually lives in sin has never been transformed by Christ’s life-changing power and purity. John wrote: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8).
It was noted that those which owe up to their sin can find forgiveness (salvation of the soul) through Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior; while those that are blind to sin continue to be mired in it. John wrote: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
When the Word of God is not fully proclaimed it closes the door for the knowledge of the Lord to identify the need for repentance, with one feeling comfortable in their sin; unknowingly or uncaring that they are headed for destruction. Scripture reveals: The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). Today is the day of salvation; tomorrow may be too late.
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