Knowledge in the Bible: Understanding God's Wisdom and Truth
Knowledge in the biblical context goes beyond mere facts and information. It encompasses a deep, transformative understanding of God's nature, will, and ways. This article explores the multifaceted meaning of knowledge in Scripture and its crucial role in the Christian life.
The Nature of Biblical Knowledge
Facts, information, and skills acquired through education or experience—both theoretical and practical, spiritual and secular—form our knowledge base to assist us in walking confidently through life, so we won't stumble blindly in ignorance and darkness (1 Jn 1:6). Knowledge is potential power and gives the advantage when used correctly with understanding and wisdom, while ignorance can be costly.
Without wisdom and humility, human knowledge can lead to presumption, pride, and emptiness, causing people to live independently of God and embrace false, ungodly beliefs such as New Age thinking (Rom 3:18; 1 Cor 8:1,2, 13:2; 1 Tim 6:20). In contrast, "The fear of the Lord [honouring, having reverence for and obedience to God] is the beginning of [beneficial godly] knowledge" (Prov 1:7).
In the Garden of Eden, fruit from the 'tree of the knowledge of good and evil' was not to be eaten; however, Adam and Eve did eat it, and from then on the human conscience became enlightened, knowing right from wrong (Gen 2:16,17, 3:4-7). Although we intuitively know what acceptable conduct toward God and others is, what we do falls far short of that standard.
Knowledge as Relationship with God
More important than accumulating knowledge is having a deep respect for God and obeying Him, outworking in the relationship with Him we have (Eccl 12:13,14; Jas 1:22). King Solomon, who had great wisdom and insight, made some bad choices in later life, for although he knew the theory, he did not live it' (1 Kgs 4:29-34, 11:1-13; Neh 13:26). The ongoing application of knowledge and wisdom ensures good decisions are consistently made.
Do I have just a head knowledge or a heart relationship, too?
a guarantee of salvation, for even the devils believe yet are not saved (Mt 7:21-23; Mk 3:11; Jas 2:19).
Paul's prayer was that his readers would "know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe" and "the love of Christ that surpasses all knowledge," with his own relationship with Christ of highest priority (Eph 1:18,19, 3:18,19; Phil 3:8). We need to comprehend what we have inherited in Christ so we can grasp and live out what He died to provide for us.
The Danger of Spiritual Ignorance
Just as in our world, ignorance holds countless people in poverty and bondage, so a lack of spiritual knowledge entraps numerous believers who are unaware of the 'riches' available in Christ. The Israelites would go into exile because of their lack of knowledge and concern to live as God desired, with the Bible stating, "My people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge" and unfortunately, this is still true (Isa 5:13; Hos 4:6).
We must know the ways of God before we can walk in them, although within the human conscience He has put a basic awareness of His values (Mic 4:2; Rom 1:18,19,32). New Christians must be established in the Word of God, with their faith based in Christ (as revealed in Scripture and not in human interpretation or philosophy, which ends in heresy or cult beliefs). "Then you will know the truth [Jesus], and the truth will set you free" — this is not academic but life-changing when applied (Jn 8:32,36).
Applying Knowledge in the Christian Life
As we put our knowledge into practice, we move from being a passive spectator to an active player in the arena of life, coupling our enthusiasm with knowledge (Prov 19:2). Experience is also a great teacher. Peter has a lot to say about this topic: "Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him...add to your faith...knowledge...these qualities will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord..." (2 Pet 1:2,3,5-8, 3:18).
Humbly growing our experience with Christ will keep us from falling or being carried away by error as ignorant and unstable people distort the truth (2 Pet 1:10, 3:17). Shouldn't these verses inspire us to ravenously devour the Word of God, spending time in intimate fellowship with the divine author so our minds are transformed? It is not just what we know but Who that is important. Study so that you can experience more of the true Jesus, who is the liberating truth, not just to acquire a head knowledge of theology.
Knowledge won't get people to heaven - a heart relationship with Jesus will
as Jesus put it, "My sheep listen to my voice…and they follow me" and "Now that you know, you'll be blessed if you do [as I say]" (Jn 10:27, 13:17). Hearing or being aware of the truth must be backed up with appropriate action, "doing what it says," to be of any value, for information doesn't make you successful, but the application of the knowledge will (Mt 7:24-27; Jas 1:22-25).
Sharing and Fulfilling God's Knowledge
Understanding we have been given authority to demonstrate the Kingdom of God in the world will flow from our intimacy with God, into service to others (Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-18). The man who was healed of blindness did not know all the facts, but he was certain of one thing, stating, "I was blind but now I see" (Jn 9:25). We, too, can boldly declare what Jesus has done for us, even though we don't know all the answers. What you do with what you know is the crucial issue to achieving and blessing people.
Before the end of this present age of grace, all "the earth will be full of the knowledge of God" and His gospel, for He wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (Isa 11:9; Mt 24:14; 1 Tim 2:4). As 'custodians' of the gospel, we believers have not spread the knowledge of God and saving truth to the needy souls with the urgency and passion we should have; we have failed to comprehend the fate of those who die without Christ.
After we come to the knowledge of God's will (by connecting with Jesus through prayer and Bible study), our responsibility is then to 'do it' or else we sin (Jn 13:17; Eph 5:17; Col 1:9,10, 2:2,3; Jas 4:17). We can hide nothing from God who knows those who are truly born-again—for He knows all things including even our thoughts (2 Tim 2:19; Heb 4:12). The gift of the Word of Knowledge is one of the spiritual resources given to some Christians, enabling them to know and explain things without any prior knowledge of them, along with the ability to give advice and counsel (1 Cor 12:8-11). It is wise to 'test' such advice by seeking its confirmation through a third party.