The Power of Knowing God

The Power of Knowing God

What does it mean to know God? Is it just a matter of having some facts about him in our minds? Or is it something deeper and more transformative?

The Book of Wisdom, a part of the Catholic Bible, gives us a profound answer to this question. In chapter 15, verse 3, it says:

For to know you is complete righteousness, and to know your power is the root of immortality. (NRSV)

This verse tells us that the knowledge of God is not merely intellectual, but also moral and spiritual. To know God is to love him, obey him, and imitate him. To know God is to be righteous, which means to be in a right relationship with him and with others. To know God is also to share in his eternal life, which is not dependent on physical existence, but on his power and grace.

This verse is part of a contrast between the idolaters and the faithful in chapters 13-15 of the Book of Wisdom. The idolaters are foolish, ignorant, and wicked, while the faithful are wise, enlightened, and righteous. The idolaters worship lifeless images, while the faithful worship the living God. The idolaters are subject to death and corruption, while the faithful are destined for immortality and glory.

The verse also echoes other biblical passages that express similar or related ideas, such as Psalm 36:9, John 17:3, Romans 1:16-17, 1 John 5:20, etc. These passages show us how the knowledge of God is connected to the Christian doctrines of justification, sanctification, and glorification, which are aspects of God's saving work in human lives.

How does this verse apply to us today? How can we grow in our knowledge of God and its effects on our lives? Here are some practical suggestions:

- We can study the scriptures, the teachings of the Church, and the writings of the saints, which reveal God's nature, character, and will to us.

- We can pray, meditate, and worship, which allow us to communicate with God, listen to his voice, and adore his majesty.

- We can practice the virtues, the commandments, and the works of mercy, which enable us to conform our lives to God's standards, please him, and serve others.

- We can witness, evangelize, and disciple, which empower us to share God's love, truth, and grace with the world.

By doing these things, we can deepen our knowledge of God and experience its benefits in our lives. We can become more righteous and more immortal, as the Book of Wisdom says. We can also enjoy God's presence, peace, and joy, both now and forever. 

Praise the Lord Hallelujah 🙏