KNOW GOD FOR YOURSELF: The Privilege of Personal Relationship with the Father

Many people know about God, but do they truly know Him? Some rely on the faith of their parents, the traditions of their church, or the testimonies of others to define their relationship with Him. But Jesus made it clear that eternal life is not just about existence beyond death—it is about personally knowing God.

Eternal Life is Knowing God Personally

Jesus prayed these words on the eve of His crucifixion:

"As You have given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." (John 17:2-3).

Eternal life is not just a reward for the future; it is an intimate, present-tense relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Many assume that being saved means simply avoiding hell. While that is part of it, salvation is far more than an escape from judgment—it is an invitation into divine fellowship.

Paul echoes this idea when he writes:
"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Philippians 3:8).

Salvation is not just believing in God from a distance; it is knowing Him personally. It is walking with Him, hearing His voice, experiencing His love, and being transformed by His presence.

Jesus Came to Make God Your Father

When Jesus rose from the dead, He made a profound statement to Mary Magdalene:

"Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." (John 20:17).

Before Christ’s work on the cross, God was seen as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was the covenant God of Israel. But Jesus’ death and resurrection changed everything. He didn't just call God His Father—He declared that God is now our Father too.

This means our relationship with God is no longer distant or indirect. We are no longer outsiders looking in, trying to reach Him through human mediators. Jesus tore the veil that separated us from direct access to the Father (Matthew 27:51, Hebrews 10:19-22).

Yet, despite this incredible privilege, many still approach God as though they are distant strangers. They pray as though He is someone else’s God rather than their own.

Why Some Still Pray to ‘the God of My Father’

Imagine if you heard your child pray like this:

"O God of my father, Nicholas Uanikhoba, hear my prayer!"

It would be concerning, wouldn’t it? It would indicate that the child has not developed their own relationship with God. They are relying on your faith rather than standing in their own personal knowledge of Him.

The same applies when believers consistently pray:

"O God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, help me!"

While it is biblical to acknowledge God’s covenant with Abraham, it is also possible that such prayers reveal an underdeveloped understanding of one’s personal relationship with Him. Jesus came to make the God of Abraham your God, not just someone you revere from a historical distance.

Yes, we honor God’s faithfulness to our spiritual forefathers, but if we remain in that mindset without moving into personal intimacy, we are like children who have yet to mature in their inheritance.

Spiritual Immaturity Can Limit Your Inheritance

Paul explains in Galatians 4:1-7 that an heir who remains immature is no different from a servant:

"Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he is lord of all;

But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father.

Even so, we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

And because you are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Wherefore you are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (Galatians 4:1-7).

Even though we are heirs of God, if we remain in a childlike mindset—praying from a place of distance instead of intimacy—we miss out on the fullness of our inheritance.

Mature sons and daughters do not approach their fathers hesitantly. They do not plead with Him as though they were strangers. Instead, they boldly approach His throne (Hebrews 4:16), crying out Abba, Father!—a term of deep personal affection.

If a believer consistently sees themselves as a servant rather than a son or daughter, they will struggle to fully walk in their God-given inheritance.

Stepping Into the Maturity of Sonship

To know God for yourself means stepping into maturity. It means:

• Recognizing God as YOUR Father – not just the God of your pastor, parents, or spiritual ancestors.
• Praying boldly in Jesus’ name – approaching the Father with confidence.
• Embracing your inheritance – living with the awareness that you are a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
• Growing in intimacy with God – learning to recognize His voice and walk in daily fellowship with Him.

Spiritual maturity is not about age or how long you have been in church. It is about understanding your identity in Christ and relating to God as a beloved child.

A Personal Invitation: Come to the Father for Yourself

If you have been approaching God indirectly—through the faith of others, through tradition, or through a mindset of distance—it is time to shift. The invitation is open:

Come boldly. Come personally. Come as a child to your Father.

Jesus has made the way. There is no need to approach God through another man’s faith. No need to feel like a servant pleading for an audience. The door is open. Your Father is waiting.

"To fully walk in the inheritance God has for you, embrace the maturity of sonship. Come to Him boldly as your Father, through Jesus Christ, without dependence on any human intermediary. This is the privilege of being a child of God!"