How Can a Person Know God Personally?
The Bible presents knowing God as more than intellectual awareness or religious familiarity. Scripture describes knowing God as a personal relationship grounded in truth, reconciliation, and trust. A person does not come to know God by effort or experience alone, but by God’s own self-revelation.
Because God is holy and humanity is sinful, Scripture explains that knowing God personally requires God to make the way. The Bible reveals how God invites people into a restored relationship with Himself.
1) Knowing God Begins With God’s Revelation
The Bible teaches that people know God because God first reveals Himself. Human reasoning cannot discover God apart from His disclosure.
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
John 1:18 (KJV)The word “declared” reflects the idea of making known. God reveals Himself most fully through Jesus Christ.
2) Knowing God Through Jesus Christ
Scripture teaches that knowing God personally is inseparable from knowing Jesus Christ. Christ is presented as the mediator between God and humanity.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6 (KJV)Knowing God is not achieved by many paths. Scripture identifies Christ as the exclusive way to the Father.
3) The Meaning of “Know” in Scripture
The Bible uses the word “know” to describe relational knowledge, not mere information. In the New Testament, this is commonly expressed by the Greek verb ginōskō (γινώσκω).
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
John 17:3 (KJV)This knowing involves relationship, trust, and shared life. Eternal life is defined not as duration only, but as relationship with God.
4) Reconciliation Through Salvation
Sin separates people from God and prevents true fellowship. Scripture teaches that reconciliation is required for a restored relationship.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2 Corinthians 5:18 (KJV)To be reconciled is to be brought back into peace. God initiates reconciliation through Christ, not through human effort.
5) Growing in Knowledge of God
Knowing God personally is not static. Scripture presents growth in knowledge as an ongoing process shaped by God’s word and obedience.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)Growth in knowing God involves learning His truth, trusting His promises, and living in obedience to His will.
Conclusion
According to the Bible, a person knows God personally through God’s revelation in Jesus Christ. This relationship is established through reconciliation, faith, and trust in Christ, and it grows as a believer lives according to God’s word.