John 17:3, commentary and pictures

Eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent. This knowing is living, personal and experiential trust and love, not mere intellectual recognition or outward religion. It is God's gift received now through believing in Christ as personal Saviour, beginning in present spiritual life and continuing through eternity. It is gained by receiving Christ's revelation of the Father, searching the Scriptures with the Holy Spirit's light, and obeying the truth in daily surrender and prayer. That knowledge transforms character into God's image, brings oneness with Christ and with one another, and is the highest science and true education to be sought first and shared with the world.

Setting in Farewell Prayer

This is Christ's last prayer with His disciples before betrayal, trial, Gethsemane, rejection and crucifixion, spoken as He faced suffering to bear the world's sins and give another opportunity for eternal life. It is His last recorded prayer before His crucifixion, containing important truths profitable to consider and to be studied, and its first part is a lesson for every believer to know by experience in service. It is a sermon for everyone, presenting matters that lie at the foundation of all true Christian experience, and its knowing is experimental knowledge learned daily with comfort and joy by an understanding heart, earnest prayer, ceasing criticism, and coming to Christ in weakness to separate everything unlike His character.

It was spoken in the upper chamber alone with the eleven after Judas withdrew, because the multitude could not understand such sacred truths. It belongs to His words of comfort, counsel and prayer in John 15-17, spoken as farewell comfort, counsel and prayer before He spoke of His approaching separation, first directing thoughts to the great object of His mission and His joy that all His humiliation and suffering would glorify the Father's name. The disciples did not fully understand these truths until after the resurrection, but afterward they imprinted them on mind and heart and repeated them again and again to stay sinking hearts in disappointment and trial, and from their testimony the truths have spread over all lands to live through all ages bringing comfort, peace and hope to thousands who believe. It is His farewell counsel given in the short time He had left to comfort and instruct His little band, rich in sympathy and truth and exceeding precious as His last moments with them, and it is to be studied as a guide to becoming one in heart with fellow workers.

He ended His instruction in John 13-16 with strong, hopeful words to prepare them for suffering and separation, then with eyes lifted to heaven poured out the burden of His soul in prayer for them. In it like a consecrated high priest He poured forth the burden of His soul to the Father in a petition for His church such as angels had never before heard, a prayer deep and full, broad as the earth and reaching high heaven. As consecrated high priest He intercedes for His people and as faithful shepherd gathers His flock under the shadow of the Almighty in a strong and sure refuge, even as He goes forth to meet His last battle with Satan and to the struggle in Gethsemane. With His human arm He encircled the children of Adam in a firm embrace and with His strong divine arm He grasped the throne of the Infinite, thus uniting earth to heaven and finite man to the infinite God, showing the high value He places on human beings purchased at the sacrifice of His life.

In the surrounding verses the hour has come for the Father to glorify the Son that the Son may glorify the Father. The Father has given the Son power over all flesh to give eternal life to as many as the Father has given Him, and eternal life is given by Christ to those given Him. At this point Christ declares He has glorified the Father on earth and finished the work given Him to do, gathering out those who will continue His work among men. He declares He has manifested the Father's name and revealed it to the people taken from the world and given to Him who have kept the Father's word, and He asks to be glorified with the glory He shared with the Father before the world existed, while in doing so the Son glorifies the Father.

The prayer was made for His disciples individually and for all who would believe on Him through their word in every age, spoken by One who was with the Father before the world was. It presents Him as joined with His believing people and His people as bound up with Him in the work of saving a lost world, expressing His mind toward His Father and toward them as a lesson for all who follow Him. It reveals what Christians may become as they strive to live in answer to it, calls for lives free from self-centeredness and wholly sanctified to God, and gives instruction for applying oneself to His service in obedient, humble, selfless service. Preserving the unity it calls for leads to the sinner's salvation and God's glory, and its first part is to be read often and lived out in practice.

The prayer gives a lesson about His continuing intercession as High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary after offering Himself as sacrifice, on behalf of those who come to Him humbly and trust His power to save. It illustrates the intercession that Christ is making and will continue to make to the end of the world for those who believe in Him, containing the science that will stand the test of ages and the lesson by which conduct is to be guided. It is Christ's prayer presented to the Father on behalf of ministers and churches when like Joshua clothed with filthy garments they humbly fast and pray for pardon through the atoning sacrifice with repentance, as Jesus intercedes showing His bruised hands bearing the wounds of cruel spikes and pleading that He has graven His church upon the palms of His hands. It provides a pattern for prayer teaching how to come into right relation to God, presents Christ as humanity's Elder Brother sharing human infirmities and facing temptation without sin, and shows prayer as necessity of His humanity and source of strength for duty and trial while the Good Shepherd identifies His interests with fallen humanity.

The verse identifies the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent, presenting the Father and Christ as distinct persons through Christ's mission from the Father. Studied with John 13-17 its words explain themselves as clearly speaking of the personality of God and the personality of His Son, where the personality of the one does not do away with the necessity for the personality of the other. Christ and the Father are distinct persons yet one in unity, and their oneness does not erase either person's identity, just as the unity of Christ's followers with Him preserves individuality while requiring each to give up his own way for God's way. That unity with Christ is to show the world that God sent His Son to save sinners, and the call for earth's inhabitants to know and acknowledge Him as the only true and living God is to be answered by witnessing to His love, mercy and goodness everywhere.

The chapter is to be studied deeply, read often, believed, practiced, taken in personally and made the rule of life. It presents matters at the foundation of all true Christian experience and contains the science that will stand the test of ages, and those who claim to be God's children are to practice its call to know God and Jesus, be sanctified through truth and be made one in love so the world may believe God sent Him, otherwise their candlestick will be removed. God wants believers in these last days to answer this prayer, and fathers and mothers are to take it in and educate their children as Abraham commanded his household after him to keep the way of the Lord.

Eternal Life Defined

Eternal life consists in knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom God sent, the only begotten of the Father. This knowing is the truth on which eternal life depends and to which it is inseparably connected and pledged, received by coming to Christ and being received as a child of the heavenly King with power to overcome. It is the foundation of true education and service, the only real safeguard against temptation, and what alone makes people like God in character, giving all things that pertain to life and godliness. The Father has given the Son power over all flesh to give eternal life to as many as the Father has given Him, and Christ having finished the work given Him, manifesting the Father's name and gathering those who will continue His work, with divine authority gives His elect church into the Father's arms. Instructors are to lead students to Him and help children and youth know God and Christ through the lessons of Christ by precept and example, with education in knowing and loving God to come first in schools established according to God's design.

Eternal life is life that measures with the life of God, running parallel with His life without sin, sorrow or death. It is held out to everyone and to everything to the receiver through Jesus, who loves humanity and does not want anyone to perish, with eternal riches and the imperishable treasures of heaven. Its value cannot be fully comprehended, and recognizing the riches of the reward awaiting those who overcome helps reveal the inestimable value of the soul. People whose minds have long been darkened can be taught to know God and receive this life, for Christ can lift even the most sinful from degradation and make them children of God and heirs to an immortal inheritance, wearing Christ's righteousness and inheriting immortality. It is received by fighting the devil instead of letting him overcome, by rising in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, by saying He died for me, by giving one's life for Him if He requires it, and by turning the eyes to the cross of Calvary, with the angels of God commissioned to help every soul who looks. It is given by Jesus Christ, who purchased sinners with His own blood, to those who believe in Him, learn of Him, and follow in His footsteps, and until Jesus is put at the head of them, human talents are but a cypher and count for nothing.

Eternal life is not inherent in humanity nor something people can earn; it is God's gift, received through believing in Christ as personal Saviour. Christ possesses life that is original, unborrowed, and underived, and through Him it is offered to the world, and He was appointed to give His life for humanity so that people might receive eternal life through His word. He gave His glory and life to impart it, coming from heaven's courts and royal throne to live, work, and teach among people in great sacrifice for the fallen race, which must not be belittled. The everlasting Father gave His only begotten Son and thereby opened a channel of inexhaustible treasures to the world, so all who come to Christ may have everlasting life. This knowledge is offered to all, and receiving it is the education by which people enter into life eternal, belonging to those who live for Christ, take position on His side, refuse to let the world engross their thoughts, and willingly share the trials, disappointments and self-denials He lived, while those who live for self will at last lose all. Eternal life is gained only through Christ, and the sinner who recognizes this, sees Christ as the propitiation for sin, and understands obedience to God's word as the condition of entrance into the kingdom comes to the Saviour in humility and contrition, confesses sin, and seeks forgiveness, with the hope of eternal life — peace, joy, and purity — leading to complete surrender.

Knowing God and Christ gives confidence and trust and calls people to lay hold of eternal realities by joining themselves to Christ and being hidden with Him in God, so through this union they do not depend on human agencies for strength, because God becomes all in all to them. Knowing Christ is essential to the way that leads to eternal life, and education should direct students to know and believe in the Father as revealed through Christ. Transformation of character, purity of life, efficiency in service, and adherence to correct principles all depend on rightly knowing God, and this knowledge is the essential preparation both for this life and for the life to come, needed by all who work for the uplifting of others. Knowing is a life-and-death question, essential for everyone who is saved, containing an eternal world for believers. This truth was taught not only to Christ's disciples but to readers of Scripture throughout all time, a glorious and essential truth that should fill the heart and shape the whole person.

A right knowledge of both Father and Son is eternal life to all who believe, and this is what people need to know, putting their minds right on it to know it. Knowledge of God and Christ is the key that opens heaven. The knowledge is a present privilege and opportunity that begins now, bringing spiritual life in this present human existence and eternal life in God's kingdom. It is of the highest worth in this world and extends through eternity, having lasting value beyond the close of probation that does not need to be left behind, benefiting people both individually and in the world. It educates people for usefulness in this life and for eternal life, and is gained through Christ's words, which are to be received and practiced, with obedience showing that a person has received Christ and with studying and living by them shaping heart and character.

Nature of Knowing

Eternal life in the verse is an experiential, intelligent, personal and living acquaintance with the only true God and with Jesus Christ whom He sent, not mere intellectual recognition, formal worship, familiarity with teaching, or surface religion. It has lasting value beyond the close of probation, benefiting the receiver both individually and in the world, educating for usefulness in this life and for the life to come. This experimental knowledge transforms into the image of God, brings every impulse and passion of the lower nature under control of the higher powers of the mind, makes its possessor a son of God and heir of heaven, brings communion with the mind of the Infinite, and opens the rich treasures of the universe. It is genuine and practical rather than theory alone, the Holy Spirit enlightening the mind as to God's will, so that those who know bear witness in service, share what they receive, surrender the will, and keep growing through prayer, patience and tested experience in a life purified through Christ and marked by righteousness in daily conduct. It is more than knowing Christ as the world's Saviour in general; it is lived experience of what Christ is to each person and of each person's relation to Him through the Spirit's work in the heart, developing character and preparing for the life that measures with the life of God.

Such knowing cannot exist without loving Him, for though Christ is Redeemer no soul is saved apart from laying hold of Him by living faith. It belongs to those who choose Christ and believe in Him as personal Saviour and experience Him personally, and to know Christ personally as Saviour is essential to knowing the Father, since merely recognizing Jesus as the world's Redeemer or holding partial views of Him is not saving knowledge. It is an experience gained by trusting God day by day rather than relying on human strength, with earnest prayer, personal seeking of God's word and obedience, joining to Christ and being hidden with Him in God so that God becomes all in all and strength is not drawn from human agencies. Neglect of the Word leaves in error and darkness, and divided-hearted service turns back to serving the world rather than God.

It is genuine knowledge expressed in lives devoted to God's will, loving service, doing good and saving souls. Its evidence appears in a life and character that reveal God and make Him known, manifesting Christ in spirit, speech and action, with unity of life making Christ known to the world. Centered in Christ in whom hope of eternal life rests, it leads to a changed life in which faith, love and holiness grow, and those who receive Him enter partnership with Him and take part in His work of saving others.

To know in this sense is to abide in Christ with Christ abiding within, as those who eat His flesh and drink His blood, appreciating His words as spirit and life and obeying them. The Son has power over all flesh to give this life to as many as the Father has given Him, glorifying the Father by finishing the work given Him, manifesting the Father's name, giving the Father's words to those given Him who receive and keep them and know He came out from the Father. Knowing includes receiving Christ's words and believing He came from God and was sent by Him, and knowing Christ savingly means receiving spiritual life and practicing His words, which are God's words by which people are judged. Hearing profitably requires faith and earnest attention followed by obedience, like building on rock, for mere religious claims or works do not prove Christ knows a person, while obedience shows Christ has been received and shapes heart and character. This life is Christ's life in the believer, kept with Christ in God even through death, joining believers to Christ now and keeping them one with Him for eternity, a precious treasure of wisdom and sanctification worth seeking as hidden treasure.

Knowing Christ involves loving and obeying Him, hearing and practicing His word, refusing His voice being refusal of His warning message for the last days. Reading about God and knowing truths about Him are not enough; He must be the dependence, truth must shape practical life and character, and obedience to His word, not merely accepting doctrines as true, belongs to knowing. Without hearing and obeying, believers cannot bear the test.

This knowing is experimental knowledge learned daily, bringing comfort and joy, requiring an understanding heart to know what God would have done, more time in earnest prayer, ceasing all criticism of others, and coming to Christ in weakness to have Him impart understanding of what He is and what He will do in separating everything unlike His character. All are on probation as diligent students in school to walk in the light as Christ is in the light, and to know God in His works is true science, following on to know the Lord until His goings forth are known as prepared as the morning. To know the Lord aright as life eternal comes by following on through searching hidden treasures of truth with humble contrition, putting the searcher in possession of every essential present truth. It is gained by humbling the heart and choosing daily to learn from the heavenly Teacher, a spiritual knowledge beyond scientific learning joined to partaking of Christ's life, learning of Him daily and following the Saviour, partaking of Christ the crucified Lord.

It is a growing lived relationship gained by seeing God's character in Christ, leading to living faith rather than dry theory and giving vigor and earnestness to hope for everlasting life. It is not finished at conversion but sought more and more through a lifetime of sanctification, the contrite heart going from strength to strength with each lesson from Christ preparing for still more instruction and carrying forward and upward nearer heaven. This calls to higher nobler achievement toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus, with constant warfare and the good fight of faith and no time of settled security, ever climbing and never content, sanctified by the Spirit through truth, desiring ever more to reflect the divine image and using every gift to draw others into the same hunger and thirst after righteousness in self-denial and self-sacrifice, hiding self in Christ and sacrificing all for Him. It is pursued through growing understanding and lived experience of faith and godliness, with mutual help by making the Saviour friend and counsellor in words, growing through diligent effort into fuller understanding of the plan of salvation and cooperation with Christ, with no danger in gaining too much, since study of God's Word increases faith and confidence and brings personal encounter with Christ, central to the Saviour's gift of His life saving sinners and opening the way to life in His kingdom for those who love Him.

It is experimental communion requiring purity of heart, for life eternal is communion with the only true God and with Jesus Christ sent by Him. To know means sanctification of soul and body through truth, cleansing from unrighteousness and clothing with Christ's purity and righteousness, discerning sin in its true character with right views of righteousness and judgment to come. Experiential knowledge of good cannot be joined with practical knowledge of evil cherished through sin and bad habits, for sin separates from communion and leaves uncleanness and fear, so knowing means turning to Him rather than trusting self and pleading mercy through Christ's merits. Those holding truth as mere theory while unsanctified, with hearts impure, earthly, sensual and controlled by the world's spirit, cannot commune with God nor know God and Christ sent by Him. True experimental knowledge unites the soul to Christ because truth has taken possession of the inner life, loving pure cleansing transforming truth and contending for the faith, requiring entire unreserved surrender beginning in the heart, looking away from others to Christ alone, and asking for a clean new heart, since eternal life is a soul to save or lose and must not be regarded indifferently. It is learned by believing in Jesus as personal Saviour able to save to the uttermost, resting soul, body and spirit in Him as Substitute and Surety, walking by faith not feeling or sight, in daily hourly communion abiding by the throne in prayer, looking to Jesus and living, giving hope, assurance and peace, sanctifying through truth received into the heart and keeping life hid with Christ in God safe when storms, tests and Satan's distressing delusions come, because Jesus is stronger than the strong man armed. It is true experimental knowledge of God as revealed in His Word and of Jesus as Lord and Saviour, whose lack appears in making His works to be God, while its possession exposes imperfection and ignorance and gives reverent fear that keeps from handling sacred truths blindly.

It comes by beholding Jesus as He is, full of compassion and tender love, especially contemplating His suffering on Calvary with eye kept on the cross. By contemplating, believing, hating the sin that brought such suffering, the beholder is transformed by that exhibition of great love for fallen apostate man. As faith grows stronger through contemplating Jesus and His cross, hatred for sin is learned, His compassion and love for fallen humanity are seen, and character is transformed. Knowing Christ means contemplating God in Him, and as people keep looking to Jesus they receive the light of His countenance, reflect His image, and grow toward full stature of life in Christ.

To know them is to draw nigh, become acquainted with the Redeemer, study and contemplate God's character more than is commonly done, with Jesus awakening interest to seek this acquaintance. This overcomes Satan's misinterpretation falsifying God's purposes and putting Him in false light, revealing through Christ the Father merciful, compassionate, full of goodness and truth, with love without parallel through every hour and all ages, Christ's character representing God's and sweeping back Satan's hellish shadow so that to look on Christ is to behold God, God's love in giving His only-begotten Son, a gift defying computation prepared in fullness of time as a channel to pour heavenly grace into the world, being how that knowable character is made known. It is living and personal, having Jesus abiding in the heart by faith and being clothed with Christ's righteousness, dwelling on the Eternal Word made flesh quenching unbelief. Love of Jesus known in the heart binds in tender sympathy with humanity and complete unity with every believing soul, the Spirit of Jesus in one recognizing Jesus in others, prayers and hopes made one, with power from the ever-abiding Saviour greater because emergencies are greater. To know Him is to reveal by words and character what Christ is and will be to everyone coming believing, for He is made wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption, and to give glory to God is to reveal His character in one's own life and thus make Him known, God being glorified in whatever way Father and Son are made known. This knowledge bears fruit as grace and light shape heart and talents with continually increasing influence, and God contemplated in Christ shapes life by following Jesus.

How Knowledge Is Gained

Eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent, and that knowledge is found through diligent study of Scripture which testifies of Christ and makes wise unto salvation. The Bible working with the Holy Spirit gives light, understanding and guidance in righteousness, and searching it is the way to know them. Its teaching is for everyone and not for ministers alone, so sincere seekers including the poor and uneducated can understand it and find consolation and guidance without entrusting their souls to another person's interpretation. This experiential, personal knowledge has lasting value beyond the close of probation, educating for usefulness in this life and for eternal life, and making the Bible secondary to other books is neglecting salvation.

It comes by searching the Scriptures as hidden treasure, clinging to the Word and receiving the ingrafted Word, looking at the promises until they grow brighter and practicing its principles so understanding grows deeper. Truth must be studied and stored in the mind, the mind trained to remember Scripture and to understand its teachings as a harmonious whole, with divine truth in the mind according with a heart cleansed from selfishness and moral defilement. Attention must be kept on the Bible and on Jesus rather than displaced by other guides, human agents or their claims, for wonderful illuminations are not given aside from the Word or to take its place, and special providences or miraculous manifestations are not the proof of genuineness. The Bible alone tells what must be done to be saved and gives strength to the intellect, while many other books embraced in education are misleading deception and delusion, chaff to the wheat.

Scripture is the perfect standard of truth and highest authority in education, the great educating book and Book of books to be made the foundation of all true study. It is given to guide the human family to heaven and is the means by which children, youth, middle-aged and old may know God, revealing who God and Christ are, where hope of eternal life is centered, and what must be done to be saved. Right knowledge of Christ comes from the Bible, so it is to stand as the highest educating book in the world, treated with reverential awe as the guidebook from which truth is received and placed in the hands of children and youth that they may know Christ.

Knowing is gained by receiving Christ's instruction and practicing His words, for knowing Christ savingly means receiving spiritual life and doing what He says. His words are God's words by which people are judged, and hearing them profitably requires faith and earnest attention followed by obedience, like building on rock, while mere religious claims or works do not establish that Christ knows a person. Christ declared the Word to be spirit and life, and receiving and feeding daily upon it is receiving Christ, whose flesh and blood nourish the soul as food sustains bodily life, giving spiritual life, light and understanding, forming Christ within, causing growth in Him and making partakers of the divine nature. Those lessons must be studied and practiced or eternal life is lost, and as truth and promises are received, studied and practiced, knowledge and its light deepen as priceless treasure.

Jesus came from heaven to impart this knowledge and reveal the Father, representing Him and restoring the true knowledge of God to the world. He corrects the false picture of God as harsh and condemnatory, showing Him merciful, compassionate and full of goodness and truth, with the perfections of God seen in Christ in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily, God being light and love. This revelation sets aside misrepresentations that weaken strength for transformation and shows the beauty of holiness through His own character. It is the prescribed condition of salvation, given with knowledge, light, opportunities and privileges, and it must not remain a dead letter, be trifled with or put off to one's own time, but be acted on now with true devotedness, with the best and holiest affections given to Jesus in love and commandment-keeping.

Knowing comes through beholding Christ who perfectly reveals the Father, studied and loved in His character, trusted, walked with by faith, and received in His love, changing beholders into His image and preparing them to meet Him at His coming. It is bound to beholding the cross, which was set up so human beings may understand and know them. There is seen God's hatred of sin and His love for sinners stronger than death, showing God to be truth, light and love. The cross reveals the length, breadth, depth and height of infinite love and the greatness of the Father's sacrifice, that the Father gave Himself in His Son who was with the Father before the world was, clothed divinity with humanity to lift the lowly, suffered in human form, was bruised for iniquities, bore chastisement for peace, healed by His stripes and poured out His life for the one lost sheep, that the Father might have the joy of receiving back the lost.

The Holy Spirit opens this knowledge by glorifying God, so revealing His character that He becomes the object of supreme affections and His character is manifested in His people. The Comforter leads into all truth by taking the things of Christ as they fall from His lips and infusing them as living principles into hearts opened to receive them. Knowing Christ as the truth through study of the truth that makes wise unto salvation enables receiving the Spirit of truth, while those who do not know Him do not see Him as the truth and cannot receive truth, their wisdom remaining earthly. This knowledge is connected with receiving the Spirit and genuine experience, whose correcting and refining work like a furnace removes what is sinful and dross and leaves God's image and Christ's image in the believer. To the pure in heart the Spirit opens a new and loving knowledge of God as Redeemer, discerning the purity and beauty of His character, longing to reflect His image, seeing Him as a Father eager to welcome a repenting child, filling the heart with joy.

It is received in a good and honest heart by meekly accepting the words of life that the Father gave to Christ as unfolded in the Holy Word and in Christ's lessons, beginning with the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom. It is gained not by book knowledge but by meek childlike trust, true piety, earnest wrestling in secret prayer, laying hold of God's promises by faith under the heavenly anointing, with constant watchfulness, surrender to God and thorough work breaking self-reliance and bringing beyond self to God's saving power. It is sought by turning wholeheartedly to the Lord, being emptied of self, ceasing to trust one's own wisdom, humbling self and exalting Jesus, seeking with the whole heart in humility with a renewed and cleansed heart. Those who receive it go forth with a Christlike spirit, seeking conversation to make God known, their life an effective influence revealing the Light of the world, and instructors by precept and example become representatives of Christ as Christ was the Father's representative, bringing contacts to this knowledge while humbling the heart and confessing sins.

It begins with repentance for sin as the first fruit of the Holy Spirit, the only way infinite purity reproduces Christ's image, reached as He draws through revelation of His love. Responding means faith in Christ as Redeemer and Advocate, whom God forgives the penitent through and leads step by step into full knowledge. It is spiritual life itself, meaning full obedience with the whole being conformed to His will, knowledge of heavenly things and continual sanctification, with growing capacity to receive more, greater desire for knowledge from God, and intellectual attainment nourished like eating the leaves of the tree of life. Then duties and privileges are seen with keen relish, with experimental knowledge of pardoning love, peace and purity, conflict and victory, and love to God and man, proportionate to growth, capacity, faithfulness in using capabilities to God's glory and Christlikeness, with no halfway work and profession counting for nothing. This sacred food, the bread of life, satisfies soul hunger, removes hunger for earthly attractions, excitements and grandeur, determines the order of religious experience, cleanses lips from idle, cheap talk, levity, jesting and joking, and directs schooling and conversation.

It calls for seeking with the whole heart as an individual way to advance spiritually, seeking to know His will and walking in harmony with it. Following on to know the Lord means earnestly seeking His will, improving probationary time, keeping communication open between God and the soul, having more of Jesus and less of self, and praying for saving grace to instruct at every step with continual effort. It requires giving up doing as one pleases and having one's own way and will, recognizing a person is not his own, must give account to God for thoughts, words, time and actions, and must decide to be Christ's servant gathering with Him by representing Him in character rather than scattering from Him. Those who so seek and serve with all heart, mind and strength, knowing Him as wisdom, righteousness and sanctification, become a profitable example to the world.

It cannot be attained through human wisdom or goodness, for God reveals the deep things of Himself through the Spirit, as when Peter's recognition of Christ's glory showed he had been taught by God and gave no cause for self-glorification. It is learned from God through His Word rather than from the Fathers whose differing teachings cannot give a certain guide. It is spiritual knowledge beyond scientific learning, joined to partaking of Christ's life, gained by humbling the heart before God and choosing daily to learn from the heavenly Teacher. It is more than learning facts, gained from God's Word and lived through daily consecration and service, so a teacher's knowledge of nature and science alone is not true education without it. Jesus Christ is the fountain of all knowledge and the science of salvation, one with the Father, whose hallowed life taught living eternal principles apart from human science, and only through Him could the way of life and immortality be made known for the recovery of man, while lower knowledge by ordinary means has value but is not essential. Nature reveals His character, creative power and love, but created things are His handiwork, not God Himself personally present in flower, leaf or tree.

Effects and Fruits

Eternal life in knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent is true education that imparts power, and this experimental knowing transforms the person into the image of God. It brings mastery of self by placing every impulse and passion of the lower nature under control of the higher powers of the mind. It makes its possessor a son of God and an heir of heaven, brings communion with the mind of the Infinite, and opens the rich treasures of the universe. This life-giving knowing comes through God's Word imparting the life of the Infinite One, which when received into the soul transforms human nature and re-creates the soul in God's image. It is obtained by searching the Word of God and may be found by every soul who will give all to obtain it.

This knowing is the foundation of all true education and all true service, the only real safeguard against temptation, and what makes people like God in character. Transformation of character, purity of life, efficiency in service, and adherence to correct principles depend on this right knowledge, which prepares for this life and the life to come and gives all things that pertain to life and godliness. It is true understanding and the only right ground for glorying, above wisdom, might, and riches, because to know God is to know Him as exercising loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. It is a living grasp of truth working through love and sanctifying the soul, calling for cheerful recognition of God and faith that resists conformity to the world. It is the aim of obedient life and the believer's single ambition, pursuing soundness of mind and a life pleasing to God, and it is bound up with restoring God's moral image in people by God's power, requiring making God first and giving Him glory rather than self.

Dwelling on Christ and His character changes believers into His likeness, and this is shown by examining whether Christlikeness is revealed at home, in the church, and in the world so that Christ is glorified. Intelligence or brilliance alone does not amount to knowing God, for the gospel's knowledge when entering mind and heart decisively changes habits and conduct and brings recognition of individual accountability. By beholding Him as disciples learn from Jesus in His Word, people come to know Him aright and are changed into His likeness through His Spirit. This beholding reveals Christ's beauty, creates living connection with God, dependence on Him, and power to resist the world, and as people keep looking to Jesus they receive the light of His countenance, reflect His image, and grow toward full stature of life in Christ.

God's Word imparts the creative life of the Infinite One, and its commands received and accepted transform human nature and re-create the soul in God's image, with life received through the Word also sustained by it. The Bible teaches this essential knowledge, and received in faith and lived out through grace its truth shapes character and leads to completeness in Christ. Its divine truths lead to knowledge of God and make wise unto salvation, giving eternal life to followers of its instruction. Knowing and understanding God is the highest good and the source of spiritual power, and the heart's capacity to know and understand God is the measure of a person's value as a worker, more than education or other advantages. This knowledge enables a person through faith to receive and practice God's Word and thereby uplift others.

The more a person knows of God and of Jesus Christ, the more correct his knowledge of himself will be, found by sinking the shaft deep into the mines of truth in the Word where wondrous things are beheld. This close relationship beholding Christ and reflecting His image develops nobleness of character, refinement and purity, making sons and daughters of God like Him, with power and heavenly endowment to work the works of God. It brings joy, peace, contentment and rest in serving God as members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. It brings heavenly enlightenment and wisdom uplifting the soul, leading to devotion of every capacity to God and bringing every thought into captivity to Christ, and it includes coming to know oneself and others so as to do them good.

Genuine knowing is seen in lives of self-denial, with the will subject to God and love for God inspiring service aimed at doing good and saving souls. Centered in Christ in whom hope of eternal life rests, it leads to a changed life in which faith, love, and holiness grow. Those who receive Christ enter partnership with Him and take part in His work of saving others, since He gave His life that believers could have everlasting life. This knowledge produces stable principles revealed in word and action, with words from the treasure house weighted with eternal truth and grace abiding in the heart, its influence revealed in every company by words of deepest, enduring consequence. Those receiving it are humbled and softened like little children, with heavenly love enlarging heart and mind to eagerly share knowledge of God and serve others in faithful love.

Knowing Christ aright brings relief and healing to the sin-sick soul, for burden of sin, unrest, loneliness, unsatisfied desires and dissatisfaction lie beneath many maladies. As sufferers receive God's love and the sunlight of His love, dissatisfaction gives way to satisfying joy, bringing vigor to mind and health and vitality to body through Christ the Healer. Those afflicted need clearer knowledge of Him and patient, kind, earnest teaching opening them to this knowledge. By this grace believers become partakers of the divine nature, escaping corruption in the world through lust, changed from sin to holiness and made one with Christ in God. The Father loves these changed members of fallen humanity as He loves His Son, and this enduring union opens rich eternal happiness outliving all earthly sinful enjoyment, with those united complete in Him.

Truly knowing them changes conduct so that those who know will not keep doing wrong while claiming it is right, and it is incompatible with unjust dealing and taking unfair advantage of others. It is experimental knowledge revealed in life and character, in word, spirit, and doctrine, with marked distinction between Christians and worldlings in words, dress, spirit, and everything, requiring separation from the world rather than coming down to its level. Those having it improve the moral tone of the world under the Spirit's impartation, are bound up with God Himself, and give convincing influence by separation, while those unwilling to see this necessity do not know God or Jesus Christ. Lack of it goes with lack of vital godliness, love, tender compassion, and regard for others, and mere profession while forgetting God in conduct or knowing only facts does not show life shaped by it; those who know practice the gospel in every part of work.

Unity in Answer to Prayer

Christ's prayer calls believers to oneness with one another and with Christ as close as the union of Father and Son, to be sanctified through the truth so the world may believe God sent Him, and this chapter is to be studied deeply, received daily, made the rule of life, and lived out as the church's creed. Difference and disunion dishonor God, and those claiming to be God's children must practice this teaching or lose their candlestick. The unity of Christ's followers with Him does not erase individual identity, just as Christ and the Father are distinct persons yet one in unity.

Eternal life is found in being one with Christ and then in and through Christ one with another, the only hope of reaching heaven. In Him life and immortality are brought to light, and He has opened the way to the kingdom to believers, assigning no different path but calling all to travel the same way in unity, following His footsteps, studying His ways, obeying His will, and meeting difficulties together hand in hand without going ahead of Him. Maintaining this oneness reveals to the world that God sent His Son to save fallen humanity, and in trial this refuge joins believers to God against Satan, whose power God's love breaks so they cannot be overthrown. Through Christ people are brought into oneness and fellowship with the Father, a knowledge parents need to make God known to children and to understand and obey His will defined in Scripture.

This living union comes when what stands between a person and God or between a person and others is taken out of the way and sins are confessed and forsaken, making Christ's blood efficacious, with the soul then hating the sin that separates from God. It requires removing barriers of selfishness, color, caste, race and social class, each giving up his own way for God's way while preserving individuality, living in love rather than separating into isolated groups. Believers united in this way can lead many to conversion and are complete in Him, while being at variance is incompatible with being branches of the True Vine.

Christ answers the prayer by giving true disciples the glory of His character and appearing in their lives through the impartation of His Spirit. His abiding presence as Comforter makes joy full, His words become bread of life giving strength to develop obedient characters honoring God and revealing grace, producing perfect Christian fellowship and the fruit of obedience. The love of Jesus known in the heart binds believers in tender sympathy with humanity and complete unity with every believing soul, so the Spirit of Jesus in one recognizes Jesus in others, prayers and hopes made one, with power greater because emergencies are greater. Those who know must not dwell on common cheap things or disagreeable traits in others, which bears thorns wounding their own souls and bruising family and church, misrepresents their witness and brings chastening to teach thankfulness and fruitfulness.

Living the prayer means ceasing criticism, evil speaking, backbiting, judging, suspicion, envy, jealousy, evil thinking, spiritual pride and love of supremacy, linking with one another and with Christ, praying earnestly for union and to help the erring, and living so God can answer. It requires an understanding heart, more time in earnest prayer, coming to Christ in weakness to separate everything unlike His character, correcting thoughts, words and acts, reading and practicing the Word, taking self sternly in hand, pressing together, working as one, being at peace, and becoming as little children to enter the royal family. When hearts are filled with Christ's love hands are strengthened to help one another as He loved, and others take knowledge they have been with Jesus.

Preserving this unity brings God's love and power flowing into the soul, strength to stand against Satan's attacks in testing time, conversion of many, salvation of sinners, and eternal glory to God. Perfect oneness gives success to God's workers and convinces the world God sent His Son to save sinners, with meek lowly hearts close to Christ and to one another in sympathy, loyalty and fellowship sending forth decided influence demonstrating sanctifying truth. Satan understands the prayer and works to keep God's people from its advantage, holding them in discord, strife, variance and hatred over little misunderstandings so they present the opposite witness, while captivating minds with worldly prospects and selfish impulses that forfeit eternity for brief applause.

The chapter lays the foundation of unity for the church till all come in unity of faith, with the gifts as Heaven's appointed means to secure it, and the unity of speaking the same thing without divisions as in 1 Corinthians 3 answers that prayer. Disagreement is incompatible with being branches of the True Vine, and the appeal for unity is to be kept especially before the church. Practice must begin in the home, where the lesson of knowing God and Christ is to be taught and understood in every family from both Old and New Testaments as home religion. When Christ's words are obeyed at home His influence reaches the church, children learn God's truths and become instruments to lead others, and the lamp burning brightly gives light in darkness, for God measures church members by what they are at home.

Ministers in word and doctrine acquainted with present truth need reconversion to understand genuine missionary work, to believe every verse in John 13-17, watch unto prayer, stand faithfully, and live them before fellow ministers in perfect unity and love as workers together with God. Becoming one with fellow believers lets God's love and power flow in, and ministry and medical missionary work are both essential parts of one inseparable work, whose separation reflects lack of the Spirit and calls for love, humility, reconciliation and freedom from criticism. Preparing people to know God and Christ is the highest work, to include medical missionary work in unity with gospel ministry proclaiming the first, second and third angels' messages worldwide.

Highest Value and Mission

To know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent is eternal life, and this knowing is the true higher education, the highest good, the highest science and the sum of all true science, far beyond science and literature alone and above all human wisdom, beside which all else is to be counted loss. It is the spiritual understanding taught in Christ's prayer, an experiential knowing of God's ways and the Father's character as Christ taught it, developing character and preparing for the life that measures with the life of God.

It is the end and essence of all true education and its highest aim, the foundation of true religion and of all true service, the only real safeguard against temptation, and the only right ground for glorying. By it the polluted heart is made pure and holy, character becomes like God's, with purity of life, efficiency in service and adherence to correct principle, giving all things pertaining to life and godliness for this life and the life to come, because to know God is to know Him as exercising loving-kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth.

It is worth more than all earthly treasures, bringing an inheritance among the sanctified, crowns that do not fade, an immortal inheritance and eternal substance, and life without sin, sorrow, bereavement, infirmity, affliction or fear of death, running parallel with God's life. Those who have it expressed in character keep advancing heavenward and have a good report in family, church and world.

It is the only key that opens heaven and the portals of the heavenly city, and it is light and saving health to be made known on earth among all nations, kindreds, tongues and peoples, which the church is to give to the world while God waits to be gracious and cause His face to shine so His way may be known. Where this true knowledge is lacking the enemy succeeds through his agents in separating men from God and linking them with the world, and this is the knowledge Satan opposes at the heart of learning from Scripture.

Each person is responsible to study it, understand it and shape conduct by God's clear declarations, for intelligence or brilliance alone is not knowing God, persistent ignorance is no excuse and brings loss of soul, and when the gospel enters mind and heart it decisively changes habits and conduct with recognition of individual accountability. Those given opportunity are answerable for the moral darkness of those they taught and harmed, and none are excused from recognizing selfish motives and following Christ's pure self-denying example.

Parents must make it the chief aim in training children, teaching its lesson in every family from earliest years from both Old and New Testaments as home religion, setting Christ lifted up as individual personal Saviour in mercy and righteousness and giving to others what He gave, as Abraham commanded his household after him to keep the way of the Lord. Children and youth of every age are to study Scripture to know Christ as the Bread of Life with promise of eternal life, and are to be educated to know God and Christ rather than be shaped by worldly amusements and customs.

Teachers must uplift God and let this knowledge shape their whole lives and teaching, seeking this higher education above human wisdom, studying Bible examples and carrying them into daily life, presenting Jesus continually above every earthly authority, and patiently, earnestly and perseveringly seeking it themselves so they can pass it to youth and lead children to know God and Christ by word and example. Without it teachers are blind leaders giving false education that takes years to unlearn, and with it the whole being proclaims the living God to a world dead in sin and knows the present message.

In schools established by God's design, education in knowing and loving God must come first and be central, with Bible study prominent, Christ as everything and as the great Teacher in whom the Father is represented, kept separate from the world and from teaching that makes void God's law. This practical knowledge of God's word strengthens spiritual intelligence, increases this knowledge, and prepares for missionary service.

Human book learning, worldly education and religious forms and ceremonies alone cannot qualify anyone for God's kingdom, for knowing God and Christ is the essential principle and first principle of membership in His kingdom. Books and authors that do not point students to this knowledge do not lead to eternal life, and any education is deficient unless teachers themselves have learned in Christ's school and bear practical witness to God's word.

Knowing God the Creator and Jesus Christ the Redeemer is essential knowledge without which none can be called educated whatever is known of nature or science, and it renews the mind, transforms character, strengthens against deception, helps understand God's voice, prepares to work with Christ, and develops character approved by God. From God's word and lived through daily consecration and service it gives conduct a divine principle binding to God, consecrates powers to bring highest development of mind, soul and body without hindering true science, and directs abilities to honor Him and bless others.

It is life's first business to come before literary or other learning, to be sought deliberately and wholeheartedly in obedience to His Word, placed before reading, writing, figures and keeping accounts, beginning with fear of the Lord which is wisdom's beginning and advancing step by step line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little from very young age. It is more precious than any education yet does not discourage learning, for through Christ students may reach highest attainments with studies contributing to godly character, enriching others and glorifying God.

It must be made first and last in schools, before interest in political questions and before science, literature, painting, music and all worldly learning, with teachers bringing knowledge of God in, teaching little children obedience and submission, and planting what adorns character and fits the soul through sanctification of the Spirit to learn from Christ the greatest Teacher as heirs of the kingdom. Joined to the life it prepares for heaven where obedience is life in both worlds, and every other learning is worthless in God's sight unless joined with it, while advancement made here fixes advancement in the heavenly school where God and Christ teach eternally.

Right knowledge is learned by searching Scripture and beholding Christ, dwelling on His perfect character and on Christ crucified, keeping eyes fixed on Jesus as theme of conversation until the believer becomes more like Him with heart warmed, encouraged and strengthened. It is gained by taking eyes off finite man, trusting no arm of flesh, depending on God, giving all love and praise to Him who loved and gave Himself, lifting up Jesus and striving to be one with Christ as He was one with the Father, with mind stayed on God forming Christian character and good conscience.

Those who teach saving grace need intimate personal knowledge of Christ and daily experience in the things of God, for fitness for God's work is measured by this knowledge, not by fluency, grammar or business ability. God can do more through humble contrite workers willing to be molded, as shown in choosing fishermen, while He cannot use the self-sufficient, and ministers with little book learning who have heart knowledge and love for Christ and souls will be heard even by able men and create conviction, preaching Christ and Him crucified.

The world does not know God nor Jesus Christ whom He sent, being hostile and marked by sin where divine harmonies would be out of place and ununderstood, yet Christ calls every human being to understand and know them personally in understanding between each child of God and his Redeemer, with each answering for individuality and entrusted talents. The world's knowing them would decisively change its condition, and all inhabitants of earth are to come to know Him as the only true and living God.

Knowing rightly means fearing God and keeping His commandments as the whole duty of man under accountability for every work brought into judgment, and understanding and knowing Him as exercising loving-kindness, judgment and righteousness, glorying in that rather than wisdom, might or riches. His law is an expression of His character so knowledge of His law is essential to knowing Him, with the Sabbath of the fourth commandment as its distinguishing mark, and knowing Him means recognizing His holiness with reverence and godly fear.

Many long for it, some having only partial knowledge while others feel unrest for lack of what they seek, yet it is hidden treasure and precious treasure, wisdom and sanctification as well as eternal life, more precious than human wisdom, strength or riches, of immense value in glorious truths to glow in heart and pervade being, to be sought with consecrated affections and abilities as a field bought and worked. Searching for knowledge of Jesus Christ in a world where darkness of error prevailed gains every possible advantage and gives different faith and greater usefulness.

It requires cultivating and disciplining the mind to grasp divine things and unseen realities for character development, not resting satisfied with little knowledge, lest without training the mind corrupt, fix on a low worldly standard and become unfit for useful serious work in this life and eternity. Proper use of God-given abilities to acquire it enriches the mind for education continuing in the life to come, giving sharp discernment to true faith, making truth precious, valuing every faculty and choosing God forever.

It is the prescribed condition of salvation Jesus came from heaven to impart, pledged on knowing them, not to remain dead letter nor be trifled with nor put off, but to be acted on now with true devotedness, whole sacrifice, brokenness, weeping, confession and prayer, apportioning means and giving the Lord His portion to advance His cause. It means conscientiously weighing evidence, venturing all to accept Christ fully counting cost to finish the tower, keeping Christ in view, glorifying and following Him and doing His will to make salvation sure and live with Him forever.

Neglecting salvation is neglecting knowledge of Father and Son, and neglecting that present privilege to secure gratification by refusing earnest self-denying duty sows to reap the same, for every step in forbidden paths is toward destruction and every advantage by disobedience is purchased at infinite sacrifice. The way of obedience however hard is always the path of life, while rejecting salvation purchased at infinite cost to become partakers of divine nature and heirs with Christ leads to eternal ruin, and failing to know puts eternal life at risk.

Those who have it must share it by speaking, writing, opening Scriptures and missionary labor, giving to others what Christ gave, for the earth is to be filled with it rather than concentrated in one place, and canvassers should present God's love and plan of salvation through Christ rather than beginning with disputed doctrines. Making them known is solemn responsibility entrusted to gospel receivers, and what is learned of God daily is to be shared.

Earnestly seeking it imparts a true missionary spirit, filling the heart with love for souls ready to perish and sending believers on their own responsibility to places directed by the Spirit, beginning humbly where nothing has been done, working with hands self-supporting and depending on abilities and the Lord's help to create interest and give warning. Those entrusted with gospel light have solemn responsibility to use God-given powers to make God known to thirsting souls, lest the darkened stand as evidence against the unfaithful.

It must be kept ever prominent as the grand momentous truth and central truth Christ wanted kept in mind, above curiosity, conjecture and investigation of mysteries God has not revealed. Satan constantly excites curiosity to eclipse knowledge of God and eradicate His attributes, and Christ withheld amazing disclosures that would absorb attention and breed division in order to keep saving knowledge central, in contrast to speculative ideas and novelty whose neglect means neglecting the eternal reward.

Knowing God and Jesus Christ whom He sent brings unspeakable gladness, for Jesus is God's revelation, and to know Him aright is peace and joy and life everlasting, life, peace and immortal glory, for to know Jesus is to know the Infinite One in self-giving love revealed in sacrifice for fallen humanity. Making eternal life sure requires keeping Him constantly in view, glorifying, following and doing His will with dispositions softened into full manhood and womanhood in Christ instead of piercing Him afresh by dishonor.

Without it every effort to purify and uplift is vain, for only by studying God's Word does man become like-minded with God with God's mind becoming man's mind, the only means of purifying and elevating, while mere profession, outward polish and nominal truth never save since God tries the heart. Those not knowing remain under Satan's rule in bondage with minds ruled by his spirit, unfit to handle sacred things, and however learned are deplorably ignorant supposing they will be saved while perishing with their knowledge.

Even minds darkened by sin and depraved habits can be taught to know God and Christ, for a glimpse of God and light of Christ can reach darkness, bringing union with God and life measuring with God's life as Christ lifts the most sinful from degradation to childhood with God and heirship to immortal inheritance.

Affliction serves this knowledge, for God permits trials and deep waters to cleanse from earthliness, selfishness and harsh unchristlike traits, creating heart-longings to be cleansed, revealing helplessness and leading to look to Him as strength, so the patient under crucial test enter the furnace darkened with selfishness and come forth purer, holier, happier, reflecting the divine character.

All inhabitants of earth are to know and acknowledge Him as the only true and living God, uplifting, reverencing and worshiping Him, and those connected with Him witness to His love, mercy, goodness and glory in congregation and everywhere with sincere simple earnest intelligent words from hearts burning with love and lips sanctified to His glory. Their God-given intellect with reason and speech is privilege to study His dealings, and teachers who exalt writings undermining faith turn students away from Christ and needed knowledge.

The knowledge includes the mystery of redemption, Christ's mediatorial work, incarnation and atoning sacrifice, with His divinity and existence with the Father before coming to earth, to be understood more fully and explored throughout eternity as new views of His perfection unfold. It is knowledge of great salvation made known through Jesus who gave Himself and revealed truth so those not knowing God might be saved.

It is true wisdom and wealth giving life, beginning with fear of the Lord, received in good honest heart from God's Word in Christ's lessons by meekly accepting the Father's words given to Christ, gained through reverence, love for Christ, receiving Him as personal Saviour, walking humbly, obeying commandments and bearing the cross daily, fitting for both lives. It deepens learning from Christ in grace, cherishing His attributes, conformed to God's will, pursued through Bible hunger, cooperation with the Spirit and bringing thoughts under Christ.

It is the heart of the message that Christ the crucified forgives sins, to be awakened to His willingness to forgive, relevant to youth understanding justification by faith to develop fit character, for true religion is knowing God and Christ by receiving righteousness through faith, knowing resurrection power and sharing sufferings becoming like Him in death.

True followers who remain with Him rather than turn back show they know Him aright, and claiming it while idle, doing nothing to help others know truth, or while quarrelsome and ready to fight rather than gentle, is inconsistent with vital union, for those truly knowing share His life and work for souls, carrying the invitation, Come. Mere years of profession do not ensure Christlike conduct.

Gaining it is spiritual life itself, meaning full obedience, knowledge of heavenly things and continual sanctification with whole being conformed to His will, growing capacity, greater desire for God's knowledge, nourishment as eating leaves of the tree of life, keen relish for duty and privilege, experimental pardoning love with peace, purity, conflict, victory and love to God and man. It comes from doing what law requires proportionate to growth, capacity, faithfulness and Christlikeness with no halfway work, passing from death to life, valuing communion, committing soul-keeping, believing for sonship, and knowing assurance of a house eternal in heavens if earthly tabernacle dissolve, bearing fruit in self-denial, mercy and good works leading others to glorify Him.

It comes through seeing Christ's love and character drawing to God, bringing power and promises to share divine nature and live godly, with Christ humbling Himself to lift the perishing, to be made known through faith working by love purifying the soul. As higher education from the Word in faith, not mere theory but personal knowledge making wise unto salvation, it brings God's service into every occupation, faithful doing, seeking God's purpose to communicate lessons, diligent study and fitness for service.

It is intelligent truth needed by poor and working people, taught by Christ to all choosing to learn even unlearned, gained not by book knowledge but meek childlike trust, piety, secret wrestling prayer and laying hold of promises, bringing joy, hope and family blessing as Christ the bread of life fills hearts. Receivers go forth Christlike seeking conversation to make God known with effective influence revealing the Light.

It is to be exalted in churches, made available through Old and New Testaments' record of Christ's life and teachings, with Israel's wilderness separation illustrating learning who He is apart from human influence to obey and become distinctive witness to nations. When new fields open supported by tithes without scarcity, receivers in turn become missionaries to others.

Each person must know God for himself with faith in Jesus whom God sent resting on imputed righteousness, coming personally to Bible and Christ, keeping Word pure unobstructed, standing alone from brethren and nearest relatives, depending on no man's judgment and letting no human opinions come between soul and God's voice. This personal practical faith shapes life for faithful service and shows humility with fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness and goodness to God's glory, as Christ is source of power and life.

Knowing and loving God is the test of the chosen and precious, with the truly knowing greatest in His kingdom, shown in justice, mercy, humility and Christlike character. It means a heart under discipline giving evidence of love, fear and responsibility, humbly faithfully doing work as God would have it, not arbitrary self-exalted carrying own ideas but learning from the great Counselor, and as Daniel adorning truth becoming heirs of heaven.

It is the approach to wisdom, intelligence and power from God, requiring giving up own way and will, giving account for thoughts, words, time and actions, and deciding to gather with Christ by representing Him in character rather than scattering as devil's servant. It calls for daily meditation on goodness centering affections in praise, training mind and heart to pure elevated holy thoughts until divine contemplation becomes natural, showing humanity's value in the Father's gift of His Son.

It is life's central purpose to be sought daily and shared, pursued through growing understanding of God and Christ in lived faith and godliness, helping one another make the Saviour friend and counselor, growing through diligent effort into deeper plan of salvation and cooperation with Christ. To know rightly is light, peace and joy in deep living experience, the daily lesson of simple dependence.

It is the science of Christianity taught by Christ as experiential knowledge of God's ways and paternal character, developing character and preparing for eternal life, central to youth education to present Christ as sin-pardoning Saviour and make God known, gathering light to diffuse light, showing loving-kindness and sounding praises as called from darkness to marvelous light unto white robes and palms in heavenly courts.

It is knowledge of the Word, not mere science and literature, the true sanctified science of the Bible that will live in heavenly courts, keeping simplicity of true religion pertaining to soul salvation, which Jesus devoted His life to teach rather than opening vast scientific storehouses. The pure in heart recognize God in providence and true education, open to heaven's communications, while devoting minds to laying up worldly treasures leads away to loss of souls, for much called science is not this sanctified science.

Knowing God through His works is true science, but knowing Him as revealed in Christ and in His Word is eternal life, an experiential knowledge enabling believers to shine as lights. This knowing means learning God's will and better understanding God, His works and Christ's character even to highest branches of science, the purpose of Christian schools as prophetic schools not after worldly order, needed as the Lord soon comes for faithful daily household work with growing skill to stand when Satan makes desperate effort for supremacy.

Worldly knowledge perishes with possessors and cannot save, while knowledge of God through His Word transforms mind imperishably as life, peace and joy, deepening appreciation of Jesus, enlarging mind beyond human learning and fitting for eternal life and fellowship with saints in light for those receiving and doing the word. Feeding on and meditating upon the Word builds it, keeps mind from vain thoughts and worldly ambition, imparts Christ's purity and awakens desire for divine growth. Daily earnest effort through Scripture and prayer brings power, with the Spirit recalling truths in trial, while neglecters without experienced grace cannot expect help, and full consecration copies Christ's pattern in words, temper and character.

It is the only safe knowledge students can obtain, requiring deep Scripture understanding and practiced Christianity rather than superficial reading and mere profession, connected with deep piety, transforming character and guiding obedience as God's mind becomes man's mind, making purification possible. It is more than head knowledge, serving spiritual welfare of taught.

It is the power, soul and heart of true education distinguishing it from science-centered education, enduring for eternity, of enduring worth far beyond advanced methods, central with Bible and vital godliness prominent, equipping missionaries to share what they know and training soul-winners for heavenly courts. True education must base on this essential knowledge given fully only in Scripture, so Bible must be foundation of all study and teaching, for mastery of nature, mechanics or science alone without divine principle binding conduct to God does not make truly educated, though it need not hinder true science. True education is defined by God's regard not human educators, bringing essential knowledge into practical life to make truly wise, in contrast to learned pretensions cutting Scriptures and worldly wisdom dishonoring God.

Spirituality must not be secondary to worldly standards, for this most valued knowledge measuring with God's life is lost by placing under worldly influences and choosing schools where faith is unrecognized. Without it and obedience to laws governing being, even completing schooling and devoting powers to earthly knowledge destroys self, losing self-appreciation, self-control and correct reasoning, wrecking mind and body temple for both lives, sacrificing the Bible treasure worth all else.

A diploma or professional education is only a beginning, and commercial work without religious experience and Christian character does not prepare for eternal life, for highest study of science, history, language and book lines is of no avail without superior knowledge combining Scripture with nature's lessons as knowledge of truth, of sins forgiven and personal knowledge of Jesus forgiving sins, the highest class securing transfer to the higher school of continual instruction. Reading that does not lead to knowledge of God or truth does not provide it; the mind should instead be filled with God's Word and revealed will.

Giving this knowledge must not be obstructed but allowed, including in public schools where Bible must provide it, for extending knowledge of God and Christ is the aim of God's plan with diverse parts related in harmony, and learning Bible as life guide sanctifies heart, mind and soul toward maturing knowledge, which is the aim of feeding the church from Scripture. The church cannot grow in it until members enter the work without looking to others, shun every evil habit weakening influence, fulfill every temporal and spiritual duty in moral vineyard, and rightly divide truth, for another's defection excuses none. Securing it is Christ's intense interest producing stable principles, words weighted with eternal truth and grace abiding, leaving no time to praise the devil or criticize.

The world comes to know God and Christ through God's Word and human agents representing Him, for followers' lives shape opinions of God and religion, and through Christ humanity connects with divinity as perfected love reveals to others, draws into union, shows divine nature, and manifests God merciful, compassionate, abundant in grace and truth with life bound to those Christ died for. Believers' good works should reveal character and bring glory, yearned over with intense desire.

Those who know feel burden to teach others, equip workers, win souls and carry the invitation, Come, treating no sacrifice too great for spreading gospel, for claiming knowledge while idle is inconsistent with vital union, and the yoked have no time to judge but whole time to rescue sinners in meek good works running in obedience. Knowing God makes grace attractive and powerful, worth imparting as highest value while watching for opportunities.

It is the soul's great need and heart of practical religion, nourishing with spiritual food, and calling to it is the purpose for which the sanitarium was brought into existence through educating as Christ directed in kingdom laws, the only true Higher Education. Canvassers should present God's love and salvation through Christ to help come to it.

It fills heart with praise seen when Jesus is present in medical missionary work converting souls, making way plain and proving of God, and becoming better acquainted through diligent Scripture study also deepens Bible history and prepares medical missionaries to serve effectively.

It is necessary to represent Him rightly, enabling faithful service, discerning Satan's deceptions, and obtaining conviction of His presence, assurance of hearing prayer for wisdom and confidence of help in perplexity. It is personal experience not borrowed, sought deliberately as wisdom to draw others, tied to interest in Word and seeking Him, for neglecting Word leaves error and darkness and divided service turns back to world.

Misrepresenting it by dwelling on trials and difficulties makes heaven unattractive and turns many away in disappointment, giving idea of joyless people whose blessing costs severely, while true believers rely on divine promise with the Holy Spirit as Comforter as well as Reprover. Those who do not know need to be reached rather than abandoned, for caring for them is Christ's work, and the Spirit presses truth to arouse conscience so slighted truth appears beautiful to those ready to walk in light, even without great light, leading transgressors to see infinite love in Jesus, erasing condemnation, recording names in life and presenting Christ's robe to stand spotless, grasped as soul food. The previously ignorant can thus receive truth as satisfying treasure and share it.

Knowing Him aright is rare and joined to faith, for few truly know and believe, and those who do are modest, meek, lowly, thorough in study not skimming surface, and careful not to make wild extravagant statements without foundation. It is more than facts or profession, shaping conduct in every part of work, for thousands profess yet do not know; the whole soul must be brought into captivity to Christ with all sin forsaken and undivided affections, while superficial selfish faithlessness is not knowing.

It is to be sought through Scripture and prayer with hunger and thirst for God receiving words of forgiveness, a good to long after and ask with clear mind, maintaining living connection through prayer, seeking to understand standing in God's sight and growing. It is learned from God through His Word rather than the Fathers whose differing teachings cannot certainly guide, and those not daily bringing Word into lifework and living truth invent sophistries absorbing time due to Scripture.

It grows as people learn Christ's meekness and lowliness through faith in saving grace, belonging to sanctification and perfection unto Christian perfection, guarding against moral decline, worldly spirit and feeble piety, with daily grace shared to help others grow in understanding. It is the aim of obedient life and single ambition, pursued in soundness of mind and life pleasing to God, of highest worth beyond description through submission and obedience, in contrast to disobedience leading to destruction, and the more self submits the more clearly His power is understood.

It is the grand truth to keep ever prominent, the central lesson of God's Word to be taught plainly to give gospel hold on hearts, the truth to come to know with spiritual life now and eternal life in kingdom, the greatest of all science obtained as in prophetic schools through Bible history. Christ has authority over all to give eternal life to the entrusted, and the gospel as heaven's message gains hold through it.

It is the lesson for every believer to know by experience in service, prayed just before crucifixion concerning church work, for ministry built on divine Christ cannot succeed leaving divine agency out, but servants preaching under the Spirit come into order as stars in His hand shining with His brightness. Living out 1 Corinthians 3 answers that prayer, and understanding it leads to unity, self-denial and mission rather than speculation.

The experimental knowledge every true witness possesses is that a sinner is accepted by holy God only through Christ's righteousness and blood bringing redemption, since none can meet law's claims or satisfy justice, but Christ justifies the believer, and faith in Him as Son of infinite God, mighty Counselor, everlasting Father, Prince of peace gives assurance and makes one with the Father, sent as the Father sent Him to reveal Father and Christ.

Knowing God is necessary to fulfill duties to God and others, to live now and have life to come, and to choose life as His child over worldly kingdoms, for without it and obedience even all schooling leaves wreck of mind and body. It is essential to growing to full maturity in Christ, not compatible with color or caste prejudice shaped to higher tastes, for slighting people for color slights Jesus and shows pollution by selfishness and tradition rather than sanctification, while true Christianity reaches the poor.

It is the only true knowledge bringing peace and happiness now and securing God's free gift, mattering more than worldly learning for greatness which gains only death, and human happiness consists in knowing them to share love and heavenly resources placed in Christ. It is light to be shared to dispel darkness and fill earth, with heavenly beings recognizing and sympathizing with efforts to spread it, and when indolence is wiped away divine power combines with human effort as in apostolic times, lightening earth with glory.

It calls for daily meditation on His goodness centering affections in praise, showing humanity's value in the Father's gift of His Son, to be gained through practical experience and shared as rich experience, remembering goodness and Jesus' gift to keep no shadow between soul and God. Mere years of profession without gentleness does not ensure Christlike conduct, for many remain unwise and ready to fight. It must be learned individually with Word kept pure, standing alone from others' judgments and refusing human opinions between soul and God's voice.

It was yearned over with intense desire, binding God's life to those He died for, so knowers possess divine attributes manifesting God merciful, compassionate, abundant in grace and truth. It is joined to conversion and new birth where old selfish life gives way to Christ-life revealed in character, testifying in reformation, receiving Christ's mind and bearing pure fruit of grace rather than bitterness or accusation. It is living in eternal love and seeing Christ's matchless glory, finding hope and revealing joy to the world. It is knowledge of great salvation made known through Jesus who gave Himself so those not knowing God might be saved.

It is to be obtained more fully through given opportunities, privileges, light and grace, with people favorably placed to use every opportunity by cherishing elevating Scripture truths and seeking God and righteousness, fixing advancement for the heavenly school. It belongs with daily formation in God's image and fitness for service. Seeing Jesus' compassion in suffering leads sinners to believe and be transformed, and knowing means bowing low in humble kneeling prayer laying pride in dust, pleading the world may hear warning empowered by almighty agencies upon contrite workers.

It creates obligation to acknowledge God in all ways and seek more and more to obtain it. It is the knowledge Christ came to restore by revealing true nature and beauty of holiness, setting aside Satan's misrepresentations that made it indistinct and weakened strength for transformation and regeneration. It was the apostles' ardent desire, and communion with God cultivates mind, heart and character turning thoughts heavenward.

It is real foundation for faith not sorcery, with Christ source of precious gospel truths and fountain of all knowledge and science of salvation one with the Father, teaching living eternal principles apart from human science, beyond human discovery, through whom alone life and immortality are made known for recovery, essential or else perishing, while lower ordinary knowledge has value but is not essential. It is the aim of sincere fellowship and strength for trials, and of deliberate habitual study with mind stayed on God forming character and good conscience, beholding Jesus to become like Him in love, humility and obedience as God's children and heirs.

It is the one aim ever before teachers, to be taught very young step by step before all else with practical learning after reverence which is wisdom's beginning. It is essential for children with obedience to all commandments and preparation for Christ's coming, not making food, drink and clothing chief focus but shaping life by belief in Calvary rather than mere assent. Christian education for orphans should lead them to know God and His Son. It is more than book knowledge, part of redemption's training freeing from disloyal ideas, habits and practices and encouraging resistance to evil.

It is sought by turning wholeheartedly to the Lord emptied of self and ceasing trust in own wisdom, humbling self and exalting Jesus. It gives sharp discernment to true faith making truth precious, valuing every faculty and keeping entrusted treasures wholesome to choose God forever. Longing for it joins drawing near to God and receiving Christ's peace in continual dependence with life wholly given. It is true religion receiving righteousness by faith, knowing resurrection power and sharing sufferings becoming like Him in death. It is complete belonging holding nothing back because Christ redeemed whole person soul, body and spirit.

It is of primary importance essential to new life and the soul's only hope, with each taught by God and responsible to serve and save others. Those taught to find Jesus turn from idols to worship, and the saved will see Him face to face with life begun by faith continuing eternally in His presence where the redeemed know Him who gave life to redeem them. It gives rise to Christ's love for the ignorant and urgent labor to bring them to knowledge, with those having Christ formed within seeking the lost.

Losing it leaves souls needing grace, knowing God only as judgment with condemning conscience unless sought wholeheartedly while wrongs can be righted and soul, body and spirit cleansed. Salvation depends on believing in God and Jesus, with genuine faith transforming nature, working by love, purifying soul, conforming to Christ's likeness, surrendering will and keeping commandments as truth is made known. Knowing for oneself in deep living experience is light, peace and joy, the daily lesson of simple dependence.

It is essential to higher education giving moral fitness for immortality through hunger for Bible study, love and fear of God, cooperation with the Spirit and bringing thoughts under Christ, turning from folly and resisting Satan to hear God and serve Him and glorify Him. It is power of truth filling heart like lifeblood, requiring studying Christ, letting His Spirit pervade work and dying to self to honor God and save souls. It is the answer to ridicule, truth spoken from personal experience. It is correct knowledge essential to genuine faith, wisdom and righteousness.

Receiving truth gives eternal life while rejecting leads to death, with God shining light on His Word for understanding and correct interpretation. It is the central truth Christ wanted kept in mind rather than curiosity about mysteries. It is living relationship through Christ changing believers to new life, humility, trust and godly graces. It is the way to share in love and heavenly resources placed in Christ, with human happiness consisting in knowing them. It is bound to beholding, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation and receiving Christ's spirit, ennobling life in orderly godliness revealing Christ beyond worldly knowledge.

It is discernment and acknowledgment pressed home by the Spirit arousing conscience, leading transgressors to see infinite love in Jesus, erasing condemnation and grasping Christ as soul food. It is the work the church is engaged in as Christ's intense interest, producing stable principles, grace in heart and words weighted with eternal truth. It is the beginning of understanding encompassing righteousness, sanctification and redemption, received as eating His flesh and drinking His blood after hungering for truth and coming to the great Teacher, receiving and practicing God's Word.

It stands against Satan's claim that acts make people as gods which led Adam and Eve to doubt, replace God's word with theory and bring transgression, still working today, to be engraved on mind and soul, hindered when minds fill with human teaching as fishermen limited by scribes could not hear much He longed to communicate. It is greatest wisdom making self seem insignificant, yet to be prized as hidden treasure gaining every advantage where error prevailed, with Bible teaching salvation conditions. It is greatest lesson with sciences secondary yet useful for service, obtained through Bible history as in prophetic schools apart from injurious associations.

It is spiritual nourishment guiding to Christ grounded in Scripture, not gained through excitement or changing feelings. It is teaching for all Christians and every home on receiving grace, whose conditions must be met to be ready when He comes in glory. Its end is to know God with greatest lesson to be co-worker doing His will, which makes a Christian. It is knowledge of enduring worth beyond advanced methods, equipping missionaries to share what they know. It is foremost aim in educating children. It brings wonderful enlightenment spreading throughout earth.

It is essential and necessary to eternal life, the true science of the Bible recognized by pure in heart in providence and education, open to heaven's communications upon receiving first light. It is wisdom giving life deepening learning from Christ in grace, cherishing His attributes and conforming to God's will. It is purpose of education to know God and make Him known, presenting Christ as sin-pardoning Saviour. Preparing people for it is highest work including medical missionary unity proclaiming angels' messages worldwide. Joined to life it prepares for heaven where obedience is life in both worlds; every other learning worthless unless joined with it.

It is true wisdom found in Christ rather than human wisdom, gained by earnest diligent Bible study with reverence teaching Christ lived and died for sinners, for Bible is greatest educator without sophistry containing Alpha and Omega of wisdom, better than confusing library books, and only gainers complete in Him. It is knowledge ministers need through Bible study to learn how to work and proclaim truth. It is centered in Christ where hope rests, leading to changed life where faith, love and holiness grow, studying Christ as Pattern of true goodness, for neglecting opportunities loses hope.

It is to be followed by full consecration, making most of time and opportunities, feeding mind with Scripture daily as hidden treasure, increasing ability and comprehension, and copying Christ's pattern in words, deportment, temper and character. Growing in it in response to light leads to it while neglecting light brings harm and testimony against, for turning from light in persistent disobedience throws away lasting opportunity. Securing it is better than increasing money, and striving for it does not prevent rightly holding present life, for it is life measured with God's life with imperishable treasures given by Jesus who purchased sinners to those believing, learning and following with talents otherwise but cypher.

It determines a father's influence, enabling him as priest and house-band head of firm of father, mother and children to stand not as undisciplined boy but man of controlled passions, correct morals and pure principles. It is privilege given through intellect with reason and speech to study God's dealings, not to follow inclination and inherited wrong without reference to His Word. It is reason to strive to win others, creating responsibility to share precious light lest the darkened stand as evidence against the unfaithful, for it is everything to receivers.

It is to be gained through practical experience to share, remembering God's goodness and Jesus' gift to keep no shadow between soul and God. Those receiving it are humbled like children with enlarged hearts eagerly sharing and serving in faithful love through heavenly benevolence. It brings spiritual strength through grace transforming character to fit for His presence, with efforts worthy of approval.

It is experiential knowledge uniting soul to Christ as truth possesses inner life, requiring entire surrender beginning in heart, looking to Christ alone, asking clean new heart, loving purifying truth and contending for faith, for it involves soul to save or lose not to regard indifferently. Gained step by step through increasing faith, believing as personal Saviour able to save uttermost, resting all in Him as Substitute, walking by faith not feeling, communing hourly and abiding in prayer looking to Jesus and live, it gives hope, assurance, peace, sanctifies through heart-received truth, and keeps life hid with Him safe when Satan comes in every form, for Jesus is stronger than armed strong man.

Knowledge of the world comes through God's light with Scripture possibly possessed without understanding, and God judges each by light received. It means learning God's will, understanding God, His works and Christ's character even to highest science, the purpose of prophetic-order Christian schools for the soon coming to gain skill for increased work and stand against Satan's desperate effort for supremacy. Growth in grace and it is prevented by worldly customs and half-hearted divided life which does not glorify the Lord.

It is seen in character representing Christ essential to true experience and enduring wisdom, greater than most learned rejecting God, making a source of spiritual life to others rather than harm to church, for science without Bible and God is not true wisdom. It is more than learning facts or nature alone, gained from God's Word through daily consecration without which there is no true education. It is highest class to be imparted first in God-designed schools after prophetic order without mingling false ideas, keeping pure precious principles to love and fear God.

It is true higher education central to God's rule, with teachers learning of Christ and becoming one with Him before training minds, a more perfect knowledge of God and Christ. It is life-giving knowledge that matters beyond diploma beginnings, with Christ eternal life to receivers transforming them as they grasp its value shaping whole being. It comes through studying and loving God's character, trusting, walking by faith and receiving His love, beholding Christ to be changed and prepared to meet Him while sharing received love.

It includes understanding fatherly character leading youth to value eternal over temporal and desire to share truth's beauty and power. It means learning what Christ is to the ransomed, realizing partaking of divine nature cleansing every defect so no sinful propensity need remain, escaping worldly corruption. It is to be engraved on mind against deceptive reasoning, imparted by precept and example as teachers represent Christ as He represented the Father, learned at Jesus' feet not from great men, by reading, studying meaning and bringing principles into life as eating flesh and drinking blood, enlarging mind, refining heart, making one with Christ to communicate to mankind.

Its significance sustains courage, strengthens faith and keeps soul in God's love. It is aim of obedient life and single ambition, more clearly understanding His power as self submits. It connects with belonging to Christ, being loved by the Father, chosen as children and heirs with Christ in unity with Him and God. It is living knowledge of His character and righteousness opening communion, leading to growth, freeing from self-glory and enabling divine nature through promises bringing life and godliness.

What is essential is lived in piety, devotion and sanctification of soul, body and spirit, while defining unrevealed mysteries such as just what the Holy Spirit is is not essential and silence is golden, too high to explain. Truth as in Jesus alone makes pure, with Scripture truth as soul food binding to God and shaping every transaction and part of life, not merely education. It comes by studying God's Word making like-minded with God, the only means of purifying, while mere profession and outward polish never save for God tries the heart.

It is heart of practical religion, with soul's great need met by imparting it through practical religion nourishing with spiritual food. Christ gave Himself to place it within reach in love and mercy, with true higher education acquainting students with God and His word fitting for eternal life, every instructor to work in harmony by leading to Christ. Submission and obedience bring it in contrast to disobedience leading to destruction. It is received and practiced through faith in God's word, with heart capacity to know mattering more than educational advantages for power and value.

Higher education is learning to know God from the Word in faith, not mere theory but personal knowledge bringing God into every occupation and fitting for service. Knowing God rightly is life eternal, with Christ and His righteousness the soul's salvation, to come before worldly learning as first and last priority. Knowing God as revealed in His word is eternal life joined to obedience to His law, the highest aim for the entrusted. The knowledge Christ came to unfold must be disseminated not kept private, for knowing duty without doing becomes curse, while God longs to shine Christ's glory into hearts giving mind of Christ fragrant with heaven, advancing to meet inquiring seekers beholding Lamb taking away sin unto likeness written by Spirit.

Understanding the prayer leads workers to unity, self-denial and mission rather than speculation. Knowing God through faith reveals Christ's beauty changing into His likeness with living connection, dependence and power to resist the world. Knowing the Lord aright means seeking His will and walking in harmony requiring continual effort and grace at every step. Knowing is connected with receiving the Spirit and genuine experience whose refining removes sin leaving God's image. Knowing Christ includes meekness and lowliness belonging to sanctification and perfection.

Those in God's work must have heart under discipline giving evidence of love, fear and responsibility, humble and faithful rather than self-exalted, learning from the great Counselor. Knowing aright is individual sought with all heart, advancing spiritually and becoming profitable example as wisdom, righteousness and sanctification. The worth of a soul makes study precious, with truth to be taught to children to bring every child to saving knowledge rather than worldly standards.

To know aright is truest highest knowledge found where Christ is all, by reading, studying meaning and bringing principles into life as eating His flesh and blood. To know Jesus is to know the Infinite One more than profession, through self-giving love revealed in sacrifice for fallen humanity. Those serving wholeheartedly as Daniel adorn truth and become heirs of heaven. Opening Scriptures brings contact with God, revealing Jesus as way, truth and life. People differ with some partial and others longing for fuller knowledge. God has given Jesus as revelation filling souls with gladness and giving workers divine presence.

It is bound to heeding Bible instructions daily, for those not living by Scriptures do not know and may invent unsupported teachings, though Christ came at great sacrifice to show right regard for God and give example. It is more than scientific learning leading to divine nature and eternal life, learned daily from the heavenly Teacher following on. It is essential education for eternal life to be constantly studied, for closer connection to God the source of knowledge advantages intellectually and spiritually, demanding diligence in Bible and sciences with hope and calling greater than any other.

Knowledge of Christ sent by God is means by which good prevails over evil, to be shared by teachers as His agents. Contemplating character and growing in Jesus brings heavenly wisdom with thoughts brought under Christ. Daily earnest effort through Scripture and prayer brings power, with Spirit recalling truths in trial while neglecters cannot expect help. Knowing aright is given in Scriptures preparing for immortal life. Knowing aright is life, requiring becoming learner at Jesus' feet to accept truth and be transformed though not in a day. True higher education is more perfect knowledge of God and Christ.

It is more than head knowledge requiring Scripture study and serving spiritual welfare of taught. Acquiring it through proper use of abilities enriches mind with education continuing in life to come. All claiming it should work to enlarge the kingdom and win souls. People previously ignorant can be led to receive truth as treasure and share it. It softens heart by promises preparing whole person for service, sharing grace and partaking divine nature as sons and daughters. Seeking to know Christ leads to advancement in Christian life. Knowing also means knowing oneself and others to do them good, and through humble wholehearted pursuit learning to know self more truly.

Jesus is fountain of knowledge and science of salvation one with the Father, through whom alone life and immortality are made known for recovery. Knowing truly is more than theory through believing as personal Saviour requiring self crucified and Christ abiding within. Christ's teaching is part of educating in truth giving words of eternal life. It is highest value worth imparting, leaving the yoked no time to judge but whole time to rescue sinners in meek good works. The way is learned by each coming personally to Bible and Christ. People come to know by Scriptures revealing why Christ left heaven, took humanity and became poor to secure riches.

Knowing is more than professing, meaning oneness in heart and mind, reverent communion as Redeemer through sincere obedience completed by good fruit, without which claim is false. Christ humbled Himself to lift the perishing and give this knowledge, to be made known through faith working by love purifying soul. Eternal life measures with God's life set before all to accept by fighting the devil, trusting Christ died for them and following His steps, with angels commissioned to help every looking soul, for talents without Jesus at head are but cypher.

To know gives designed heavenly experience contemplating heavenly things with eye of faith, opening windows heavenward and closing earthward against dust, not conversing cheap earthly things nor dwelling on others' disagreeables which bears wounding thorns, misrepresents witness and displeases the Lord, bringing chastening to teach thankfulness and bear fruit. Knowing truth is knowing God calling for trained pure elevated thoughts until divine contemplation becomes natural. Knowing brings oneness which in trial is refuge joining to God against Satan whose power love breaks, so believers cannot be overthrown. Knowing is gained through studying Word and practicing lessons or life is lost.

Through Christ people are brought into fellowship with the Father, and parents should teach children from infancy to know God, reject evil and choose good, needing it themselves to make God known, understand and obey His will defined in Scripture. It comes by following on, improving probation, keeping communication open and having more of Jesus and less of self, relying for guidance and light. Knowing aright means recognizing holiness with reverence and godly fear, which trusted leaders may lack. Failing to know risks eternal life, while conversion testifies in reformation receiving Christ's mind and pure fruit.

It is essential to spiritual life and saving souls filling heart like lifeblood, with Christ studied, His Spirit pervading work and self dying, else service dishonors God. It is given when new fields open supported by tithes, and receivers become missionaries. Knowing is privilege through God-given intellect to study His dealings. Eternal life comes through knowing and believing bearing fruit in obedience, self-denial, mercy and good works leading others to glorify Him.

It is precious treasure amid false teachings with Spirit guiding the unresistant, silencing every voice but Christ, forming Christ within as hope of glory amid heaven's rejoicing, with every chance to hear True Shepherd. Knowing Jesus aright defines true followers who remain rather than turn back. Without it no matter how learned people are deplorably ignorant and perish, while knowing the sanctified Word wholly given transforms imperishably as life, peace and joy, deepening appreciation of Jesus.

To know gives clear humbling conception leaving no self-esteem or boast, as Daniel left without strength with comeliness turned to corruption under greatest manifestation, contrite, faithful and true. Want of it shows in making works to be God, while possessing exposes ignorance and gives reverent fear in handling sacred truths. Jewish rulers' failure to know brought calamity for rejecting evidence and resisting truth. Professing while forgetting God in conduct does not show life shaped by it.

It is joined to learning, practicing and receiving Christ's truths reforming life and valuing eternal over worldly benefits in union with Him, learned by diligently seeking Word, following humbly daily so Spirit enables representing character in words and actions. Knowing means bowing low in humble kneeling prayer laying pride in dust, pleading the world may hear warning empowered by almighty agencies upon contrite workers, not standing as Pharisees to be heard. Knowing is essential for entrusted leaders who must learn daily from Jesus, obey His word and submit to the Spirit, not managing eternal interests without it.

Life eternal is to really know and believe, which few do, making modest, meek, thorough in study and careful in statement. Eternal life is gained through personal knowledge as precious experience to seek and encourage in others by true example. Knowing God rightly is life eternal and includes continuing to know Him for guidance and light. Knowing God and Christ rightly brings relief and healing, and receiving sunlight of love brings joy, mental vigor and bodily health, for burden, unrest, loneliness and unsatisfied desires underlie maladies and give way to satisfying joy through Christ the Healer with patient kind teaching opening knowledge.

Knowing the Creator and Redeemer renews mind and strengthens against deception, while without it extensive learning leaves ignorance of righteousness and inability to form approved character. Souls perish lacking experiential knowledge even hearing gospel when practical religion separates from daily life and response delays, remaining held by sin. Those who thirst need gospel light, and the entrusted have solemn responsibility to use powers to make God known. To know aright comes by searching hidden treasures with humble contrition, putting searchers in possession of every present truth.

Knowing aright is peace, joy, life and salvation inspiring all to keep Christ in view and be softened into full manhood in Christ, more than theory through personal Saviour with self crucified and Christ within, received by believing in Christ necessary for it. Knowing rightly is spiritual knowledge beyond science given by Word through Spirit joined to partaking Christ's life, gained humbling heart and learning daily from heavenly Teacher, more than facts through daily consecration, with Jesus fountain beyond human discovery yet lower ordinary knowledge valuable though not essential, and human wisdom unable without Spirit revelation.

Those who belong are loved, chosen and heirs, with daily meditation centering affections and leading to praise. The verse was spoken as clear truth to which the distracted should return, calling each to perfection, receiving to impart and cooperating in soul-saving under Omnipotence, open from nobleman to poorest servant studying what God did through Jesus giving whole being, investing talents and efforts kept securely by throne as treasure beyond computation repaid hundredfold now and everlasting hereafter. Eternal life through knowing comes through Christ appointed to give His life, whose sacrifice from royal throne to live, work and teach must not be belittled.

Right knowledge makes holy with correct views of Creator, preserved by Sabbath as sign of loyalty and sanctifying power and pledge of willingness to sanctify the obedient. Life begins with repentance reproducing Christ's image, leading to represent Him and cleanse speech from idle levity as evidence of sanctified temple, becoming acquainted, shaping thought, sharing learning, serving purely, with sacred food removing hunger for earthly attractions and determining religious experience, and the Father opening inexhaustible treasures through the Son for all coming to Christ.

The prayer lays foundation for unity with gifts as Heaven's means till unity of faith comes. Becoming one with fellow believers lets love and power flow, with ministry and medical work one inseparable work needing humility and freedom from criticism, for separation reflects lack of Spirit. Living the prayer raises the fallen, preserves unity so God loves believers as His Son, saves sinners and glorifies God, but the unpracticing lose their candlestick, requiring deep study, oft repetition, pressing together, peace, uprooting suspicion, envy and pride, and becoming as little children of the royal family.

The prayer is to be answered by entire consecration, purification through truth, using talents, loving one another, giving fitness for heaven and sense of souls' worth, read often and lived, not separating into isolated groups but brought to higher platform refined and sanctified to work for eternity. The knowledge is light and saving health the church must diffuse, with God waiting to bless so His way is known. Making the Bible secondary neglects salvation, while receiving Word and Spirit strengthens intellect and illuminates the whole person.

Turning from heaven's light in disobedience to law grieves the Spirit, for it demands urgent personal response. The world's knowing would decisively change its condition. Those professing must keep zeal alive carrying the message, lest selfish pursuits turn them from Christ and make them forget blessing and responsibility. This saving knowledge is light the church must make known among all peoples. The Bible gives that knowledge, so it is the book of books and foundation of true education.

Supreme above all, when received it transforms life through grace. Knowing through works is true science, but knowing as revealed in Christ and Word is eternal life enabling shining as lights. Accepting Christ and recognizing law's binding claims calls for clear commitment with consecration bringing favor. Many other books are misleading chaff, while Bible alone tells what must be done and strengthens intellect. Knowing God through vital connection is essential, enlarging mind beyond human learning and fitting for fellowship with saints. Knowing requires inner deliverance before outer, with God allowing trials to cleanse and reflect divine character. Knowing was the apostles' earnest desire.

Human happiness consists in knowing them, sharing love and resources placed in Christ. Knowing conscientiously weighs evidence, ventures all to accept Christ fully counting cost to finish tower. Knowing is the aim of children's education with practical learning after reverence. Knowing spiritually by faith recognizing the glorified Redeemer brings communion more intimate than human companionship, more than knowing about Him or seeing earthly life. The subject is relevant to youth understanding justification and developing fit character. The Word is eternal life to followers leading to knowledge making wise unto salvation.

Eternal life is identified with knowing both Father and Son given under the Comforter's guidance into all truth, taking Christ's things as living principles into open hearts, refining character into Christ's image with genuine experience. This knowledge comes by studying Word with eyes fixed on Jesus dwelling on crucified Christ as theme of conversation. Living out 1 Corinthians 3 answers that prayer. Knowing is tied to interest in His Word and seeking Him in earnest prayer to know and do it, obtaining assurance He hears, putting trust daily not in human strength or princes, bringing all burdens public and private and waiting upon Him.

Knowing means drawing nigh contemplating character more than commonly done, with Jesus awakening interest. Knowing is the only key opening heaven in contrast to shutting kingdom by taking key, opposed by Satan linking men to world where little knowledge dishonors God. The knowledge of God as Creator and Christ as Redeemer is to be gained as revealed in Scripture, the perfect standard and highest authority. The love known in heart binds in sympathy and complete unity, with Spirit recognizing Jesus in others and power greater for greater emergencies, quenching unbelief dwelling on Word made flesh, revealing by words and character what Christ is as wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption, and glorifying God by revealing character.

Calling to this knowledge is the purpose for the sanitarium, coming through education as Christ directed in kingdom laws, the only true Higher Education. The spiritual interest is to fill earth, spread among many localities rather than concentrated. The verse's knowledge is the privilege of all who put on Christ by baptism, expressed in character as highest education and key to the city, and God's servants are to show them this high calling.

Call to Seek and Share

The prayer presents the knowledge of God as something to be sought, creating obligation to acknowledge Him in every way and to seek more and more to obtain that knowledge. Eternal life is full knowledge of Christ Himself, and of God revealed in Him, reached as He draws people through the revelation of His love. Responding to that drawing begins when the heart yields to His grace, which is sincere repentance toward God for transgression of His law and faith in Christ as Redeemer and Advocate, both repentance and faith being given by God. God forgives the penitent, giving the joy of forgiveness and the peace of God, and then leads the soul on step by step into this knowledge.

The chapter distinguishes the apostles from those who would believe through their word, but it gives no division granting spiritual gifts and miraculous signs to the apostles alone while withholding them from later believers. To believe was not required of the first Christians only, so the promise that signs shall follow those who believe belongs to believers in every age. Knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent is bound up with the work of restoring God's moral image in people, a work made possible by God's power. Those serving God must therefore make God first and give Him the glory rather than praising themselves or other people.

This knowing is grounded in Scripture, which provides spiritual nourishment and guides people to Christ, for spiritual life is not gained through sensational excitement or changing feelings. It must be had personally and directly, with the Word kept pure and unobstructed. It requires standing alone from brethren and even nearest relatives, depending on no man's judgment or woman's opinions, and refusing to let the judgments and opinions of men and those most dear come between the soul and the voice of God. Life eternal is experimental knowledge gained by making the Word the guide and book of study, disciplining the mind to search the Scriptures, and walking in the light as the Lord permits it to shine upon the pathway. One who has been years in the truth ought to possess this knowledge, and allowing other things to occupy the mind without disciplined Bible study leaves ignorance of the very things that ought to be known.

This knowledge fills the heart with praise and thanksgiving and is seen when Jesus is present in medical missionary work that converts people, makes the way plain, and proves the work is of God. It is knowledge that comes from God, and every teacher in the schools is to uplift the only true God as the work given to every teacher. Having it would make the whole being proclaim the truth of the living God to a world dead in trespasses and sins and know the message given for this time, while without it teachers are blind men leading the blind and give a false education that takes years to unlearn. Knowing God rightly is life eternal, and following Him for guidance and light includes continuing to know Him. It must therefore be kept before the people by opening the Word largely to them, through a large work in and around a locality, answering the supplication of companies who are as sheep without a shepherd and ask for the Word to be opened to them.