What does the Bible say about the importance of knowing Christ?

Philippians 3:8 states that the knowledge of Christ Jesus is of such surpassing value that Paul counts all things as loss in comparison. This reflects the deep relational aspect of faith, where personal intimacy with Christ transcends the adherence to religious formulas or conditions. The apostle Paul emphasizes that true understanding of Christ leads to a transformative experience that reshapes one’s priorities and values. As believers, knowing Christ is foundational to our faith and should lead us away from relying on human efforts or systems that attempt to box God into a predetermined formula.