Personal Relationship

[B-A-C]

It seems that some churches today are saying that a relationship with Jesus is not required to be saved.

They say, you need to believe in Jesus... but you don't really need to know Him.
Some even go so far as to say that desiring a relationship with Jesus is sinful.

So what does the Bible say about this?

In Matt 25:12; Jesus says... "I do not know you".
These virgins were not allowed to enter into the feast.

In Matt 26:74; Peter denied Jesus by saying.. "I do not know the man". ( Also Mark 14:71; )

Now knowing who Jesus is alone doesn't save you. Many atheists know "who" Jesus is.
Even the demons know who Jesus is. ( Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34; )

In John 14:9; Jesus tells Phillip (the disciple)... How can it be that I have been with you for so long, and yet you do not know me.

We are supposed to love the Lord 'our' God with all of our strength. How can we love Him if we don't know Him?

In fact if we love God... then He knows us.. 1 Cor 8:3;

The world does not "know" God - 1 Jn 3:1;
Everyone who shows love .... knows God 1 Jn 4:7;
Those who do not show love.. do not know God 1 Jn 4:8;

John 10:4-5; says the sheep "know" the master's voice. They should know it well enough
that when they hear the voice of a stranger, they won't listen to him or follow him.

Jesus says He "knows" His sheep ( Jon 10:27; )

 

[B-A-C]

Before Adam and Eve sinned in the garden... God came to visit them. ( Gen 3:8; )
It has been suggested that the primary reason we were created was for fellowship with God.
Of course sin separates us from God... ( Isa 59:2; )
But we have a way to seek Him and we should. ( Acts 17:27; Heb 11:6; )

Jesus says if we open the door to our heart for Him... He will come in and dine with us.. ( Rev 3:20; )

Why would anyone who calls themselves a Christian not want a relationship with Jesus?

One common reason given is that a relationship involves effort from both people involved.
Many Christians believe that effort on our part is not necessary or required. Some even say it is sin.

What will we do for eternity in heaven?
Can you worship someone you don't know? Can you trust someone you don't know?

 

[B-A-C]

It seems that we cannot know God unless Jesus grants this to us. ( Matt 11:27; Luke 10:22; )
Could it be that Jesus denies some the ability to know God? Why would He do this?

Can we be like Peter? Not just denying that we know Him... but really not knowing Him. ( Luke 22:34; )
Jesus said that some people know Him... but do not know His Father ( John 7:28; )

Jesus tells the people... that if they knew Him.. they would know he Father... John 8:19; John 14:7;

Jesus the sheep "know" Him... John 10:14;

1 Cor 1:21; says worldly wisdom is not how you come to know God. But then... what is the way to "know" God.

Heb 8:11; says of the people of God.... all will KNOW ME... ( Jer 31:34; )

1 Jn 2:13-14; says the children of God know Him... not just believe in Him. But know Him.