*This is part 1 of numerous future articles, which will speak on how the various lessons of the Essentials Catechism book can be applied to the lives of young people and young adults*
What is the most precious thing to you? Is it getting into your dream school or landing your dream job? Having a lot of friends? Your appearance? Your phone? Your music? Your sports team winning the championship? We all have things we value. But what should top the list?
According to God’s Word, the most precious thing in all of life is this: the knowledge of the true God through Jesus Christ. “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me…” (Jeremiah 9:23–24)
Why is this knowledge so valuable? Why is it the only thing we should boast about? Because to truly know God through Jesus Christ is the only way to have eternal life. As Jesus prays in John 17:3, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
This knowledge is not just a set of doctrines or details from Bible stories. It is a real relationship with the living God – your Creator, Redeemer, and Father. Knowing him gives purpose and perspective to your entire life. It leads you to trust in who he is and obey what he commands you to do.
So, how can we know God? God is so great that we as humans cannot know him unless he reveals himself to us. God must show us who he is in a way that we can understand.
The Bible teaches us that God reveals himself to all men in creation. When we look at the stars or a thunderstorm or the complexity of a flower, we can clearly see a powerful and glorious God who created all these amazing things. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)
God also reveals himself in our conscience. Every human has a built-in awareness of right and wrong. That is God’s voice in the soul (Romans 2:15). Even the wicked cannot escape God’s voice. Yet only seeing God in nature or feeling conviction in your conscience cannot save you. In fact, it makes unbelievers more guilty, because it leaves them without excuse (Romans 1:18-20).
Most importantly, God reveals himself to his people through the Bible – the written Word of God – which shows us Jesus Christ. Through the light of Scripture, we can finally see what creation was always showing us: that God is our faithful Savior and loving Father. The Bible opens our eyes to understand how all of history reveals Him too!
But even with the Bible in our hands, there is something else we need. We cannot come to know God by our own effort or intelligence. We need the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts. As Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God…even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”
Knowing God is not simply having all the right answers to doctrinal questions or passively attending church on Sunday. It is about growing daily in your relationship with Him by reading His Word, praying, and being guided by His Spirit. It means seeing your life – school, work, relationships, future dreams – through the lens of who God is.
Ask yourself:
- Does my life reflect that knowing God is precious to me?
- Do I read the Bible to check a box or to hear God speak?
- Do I pray only to bring my problems to God, or because I long to know him more?
- Do I ask the Holy Spirit to help me understand and love the truth of God’s Word?
In a world that constantly tells you to chase success, popularity, and comfort, God calls you to something far greater – himself. The knowledge of God through Jesus Christ is not just one important thing among many; it is the most precious treasure you can ever have. It gives eternal life, everlasting joy, and purpose that nothing else can offer.
By Abby Van Solkema
Young Calvinists 