J.A. Matteson
To posses insight into the ways of another may be gained by observation; acquaintance with the intent of another's ways is only enjoyed by self-revelation of that person to an intimate. "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (Jn. 17:3). To "know" is to be privileged to have an inside track not universally enjoyed. Such knowledge is by grace, by invitation, and not meritorious. To know God is to be know by God. To be know by God is to be the object of His affection, purpose, and redemptive plan in eternity past before the earth existed. To know God is passive is the sense that He cannot be know by human inquiry apart from His initiative in revealing Himself. As a bridegroom reveals his heart to his beloved so God reveals Himself to those know by Him in eternity. In the fullness of time the call of the Good Shepherd is heard in the spirit of those know by God, who in turn come to know Him in response to His self-revelation to them. And this is the highest privilege offered to man, surpassing all the wealth the world may offer.
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