We know him

'We know him'

— 1 John 2:3

So long as men are ignorant of the Lord Jesus Christ they cannot be saved. It is not enough that men and women be sincere. They must know Christ as he is revealed in Holy Scripture, or they will perish in unbelief. Our Lord himself declares, ‘This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent’ (John 17:3). In order to have true saving faith in Christ a man must have a true gospel knowledge of Christ. Gospel knowledge is essential to saving faith (Rom. 10:9-17).

True faith knows, acknowledges and trusts the Lord Jesus Christ in the supreme dignity of his person. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the infinite, incomprehensible, eternal God, who is moved by nothing and touched by nothing. He is also God incarnate, God in our nature, bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh, the man who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, because he was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.

Faith knows, embraces and trusts Christ, receiving the salvation done by his performance. Faith does not, in any way, accomplish salvation. Our salvation was accomplished entirely by the work of our Lord Jesus. Faith, trusting Christ, simply receives what he has done as our Substitute. We receive his righteousness, the righteousness which he performed for us, by faith. We receive redemption and the forgiveness of sins: that which he purchased by his precious blood, by faith.

Saving faith knows Christ as Lord and bows to him in the sovereign dominion of his position. Faith submits to the sovereign rule of the sovereign Christ, willingly. Faith does not rebel against sovereignty; it rejoices in it.

True faith knows Christ and rests in the sure deliverance of his power. He cannot fail. He is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God by him. All power is in the hands of him who is our Savior. Therefore our hearts safely trust him.