Do You Know God or Do You KNOW God?

By: Michelle Johnson, Ph.D., M.Div. | July 2, 2023

If someone asked you if you knew God, what would your answer be? I would suggest everyone who claims to be a Christian would heartily answer “Yes – I know God!” I would have given the same answer without thinking too much about it. However, there is an important word in that question that, depending on how you define it has great implications for your life at large.

**To Know God, and to Know God**

What does it mean to “know” God? The word “know” can be understood in two different ways. First, one can understand a series of facts about God. This is head knowledge. Some facts about God include He created everything there is, He freed the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt, and His Son is Jesus. These are all facts one can know from the Bible.

The second way to “know” God is experiential. This moves the facts-based knowledge to what could be called heart knowledge. The difference between fact and experiential “knowing” is illustrated by my claim to “know” both the first US President George Washington and my husband. I can obtain a head full of facts about George Washington, enough to become an expert and teach others all about him.

On the other hand, while initially, my knowledge of my husband was factual as we have joined our lives in marriage and have done life together for nearly two decades that knowledge has become experiential. There is a huge difference between the two. Because I now “know” my husband, I have confidence and trust in him. I am able to make assumptions about his support and love and how I can rely on him. These are things, despite a full head of facts, I do not have about George Washington.

George Washington and my husband are humans, not God. However, Scripture tells us we can “know” God experientially too.

**Abraham Knew God**

There was a man named Abraham who lived a very long time ago. His story and the story of how God called him, and Abraham came to “know” God is recorded for us in the very first book of the Bible–Genesis. Genesis 22:1-19 is where you will find the whole story.

Here is a summary of the passage. God told Abraham to take Isaac and sacrifice him on a mountain God would tell Abraham about. Early the next morning Abraham got up, made the necessary preparations for a sacrifice, gathered two young men and Isaac, and headed out. Abraham followed God’s direction and on the third day, they arrived. He told the two young men to stay with the donkey while he and Isaac went further ahead to worship God and noted they would then return. Abraham and Isaac carried the wood, fire, and knife (sacrifice supplied) and went on ahead. While on the way, Isaac observed they had everything except the actual sacrifice. He asked his father, where is the lamb?

Abraham’s reply was “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Gen. 22:8).[1] Once they arrived at the place God had led Abraham, he bound Isaac, laid him on the altar, and prepared to obey the command to sacrifice him. Just then the angel of the Lord called out to Abraham. “Abraham, Abraham” and as before, Abraham replied “here I am.” (Gen 22:11) The angel of the Lord told Abraham not to sacrifice his son and Abraham noticed a ram caught in the bushes nearby. He released his son and sacrificed the ram instead. Abraham and Isaac rejoined the two young men waiting and they all returned home.

There are so many important aspects of this passage to consider, however, here I want to suggest the confidence behind Abraham’s obedience was rooted in Abraham’s knowing God. If you read the chapters prior to Genesis 22 you will see the relationship that had developed between God and Abraham. Abraham had experienced and therefore come to know God–His character and nature. One Abraham knew God was a promise keeper. Just a couple of chapters before (chapters 18 and 21) God had promised Abraham he would have a son with his wife Sarah. God kept His promise. This is simply one example of Abraham’s experiential knowledge of God.

Abraham knew God because he talked with Him, listened to Him, learned about him (head knowledge), and then saw the facts about Him play out in the consistency of His actions. I would argue the confidence Abraham had in God came from what he knew about God. Abraham responded to God, obeyed without hesitation or negotiation, went in the direction God showed him, and continued in that direction until God stopped him. All because Abraham knew God could be trusted.

**How to Know God**

So how does this apply to our lives? First and foremost, none of this is dependent upon us. This is all rooted in the one true God of the Bible. His character and nature are perfect, loving, good, and just. This is just a few of the many ways the Bible describes God’s character. As we get to know Him, He willingly and generously reveals to us who He is.

How can you know God? I would the following ways as some suggestions. Read the Bible and ask God to reveal His character to you through it. Spend time talking to Him. We talk to God through prayer. Just as you would tell a friend or spouse who you know, talk to God. Learn to listen well. This is a skill that is severely lacking in our world today. Psalm 46:10 tells us to “Be still and know I am God.” Ask God to teach you how to listen to Him.

Listening is a skill it will take practice. Be quiet, remove any and all distractions and listen. Finally, don’t forget what He has done for you. Ask Him to help you see all the ways His character and nature are displayed around you throughout the day. Consider writing them down. I personally am prone to forget the many ways He demonstrates His nature and character all the time.

Conclusion

There is a difference between knowing facts about God and truly knowing His nature and character. Part of our maturation as believers and the growth of our confidence in trusting Him with all aspects of our lives is getting to know Him. My prayer is that you will recognize the difference and ask Him to let you get to know Him more and more every day.

About the Author

Michelle Johnson earned a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University. She also earned her M.A. in Theological Studies and her M.Div. in Professional Ministries at Liberty University. Michelle graduated from the University of Minnesota with her undergraduate degrees. She and her husband Steve live in Mankato, Minnesota, where she also serves in women’s ministries. In addition to her love of theology and apologetics, Michelle also has a passion for historical studies, particularly the theology of the Patristics. When she is not spending time reading or writing, Michelle can often be found dreaming of her next travel adventure or enjoying a great cup of coffee. Michelle Johnson serves as the Executive Vice-President and Managing Editor of Bellator Christi Ministries.