What does it mean that the Lord knows those who are His?

'The Lord knoweth them that are his' (2 Timothy 2:19) conveys more than mere awareness; it signifies a loving relationship. God's knowledge implies a covenant relationship established before time, ensuring that those He chooses will be redeemed by Christ. This intimate knowledge offers assurance that each believer is secured by God's grace, destined for salvation, and that their faith, if genuine, cannot ultimately be overthrown. It provides confidence in God's sovereign plan for His people, assuring that they are known and loved by Him eternally.