Why is it essential to know Christ personally?

The necessity of a personal relationship with Christ is emphasized throughout the sermon, particularly in the context of being a member of His kingdom. It's not sufficient to merely know about Christ; one must know Him and trust in Him for salvation. The Lord's question, 'What think ye of Christ?' cuts to the heart of this relationship. To be in God's kingdom means to embrace Christ as Lord and Savior, which involves trusting in His redemptive work rather than relying on personal merit or religious performance. This relationship is vital for true faith and assurance of salvation.