Why is knowing Jesus important for salvation?

As shared in the sermon, knowing Jesus is tied directly to salvation. He is the seed that brings forth eternal life through His death and resurrection. The promise of salvation is rooted in a personal relationship with Christ, where we acknowledge our need for Him in light of our sin. John 12:24 illustrates that unless a grain of wheat dies, it remains alone, paralleling how Jesus had to die to bring life. Without knowing Him, we remain in our sins; thus, recognizing Jesus as our Savior is vital for true salvation.