Do you believe in God? Have you known the King, or just known about Him?

Have you found God? This is much more than an intellectual concession, agreeing that you have a Maker, going to church, or even finding Jesus to have possessed some wisdom.  This is far more than an appreciation for a divine justice you believe and hope will be served out on evil someday (no doubt we think, decidedly in our favor). However, I can have an appreciation for a king, a respect for his dominion, and yet never know him.

In many places Jesus said that it is in knowing Him (not just knowing about Him or agreeing with Him on some points), where people find salvation (Matthew 7:23, for example).  So have I sought the king, and upon seeking have I found the king?   Have I known about the king, and appreciated His lordship over the land, or have I known the king personally?  That is an entirely different question, and relationship.

Do you believe you are saved? By what merit? Because you believed in God?  Perhaps you have read the Bible, and believed some of the things in it.  Yet, very studious people who devote themselves to studying the Scriptures can be not saved (John 5:39); even devoting a life's work to it.  The Bible also says that even the demons believe that God exists, and they tremble (James 2:19).

Do you believe God loves you? Those who have truly received the love of God, and who will receive the love of God in the life to come are those who have found Him--not just conceded to a belief in an Almighty maker of the cosmos Who they think will someday right all the wrongs that have been done against them or other people.  Have you found Him, or do you just know some things about him? There is a huge difference.

Unless we have known the king, all of our appreciation for his Majesty and dominion will be for naught, and the justice we hope he will serve will be decidedly not in our favor.  If you have not found God, you have not loved him. If you have not loved him, then what hope should we have that this Almighty maker of the cosmos would decide anything in our favor on the day of judgment?

I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me. (Proverbs 8:17)