JE's resolution #11: Growing in the knowledge of Jesus

When I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances do not hinder

The young Jonathan Edwards was to become a pastor and a theologian. So, at first sight, this resolution may give us the impression that is applicable to people like him. After all, what theologian would not want to advance his own field by seeking to further understand truths concerning God and divine things.

But what about us who are not formal theologians? Can we still apply this resolution to ourselves? Not until we realize that we're also theologians of some sort. Whether we believe in God or not, we hold some things to be true about the nature of God and divine things. In Edwards's words, we have our own "theorems in divinity".

But what about that verse that tells us that God's ways are higher than ours? Or what about that other one that says that knowledge puffs up? Is there any profit in trying to figure God out if God is God and we're but dust?

There must be plenty of. God wants to be known by us. That's one of the points of Jesus' incarnation. And Jesus himself said that eternal life consists in knowing His Father and the One whom He had sent.

3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

So which is it? Should we try to know God or should we not? A theorem in divinity lurking inside us must be challenged. Behold, the heart of Edward's resolution: To do what you can towards solving it if circumstances do not hinder, namely to remove the doubt and replace it with faith once you had taken care of your other responsabilities.

Solving theological theorems, at least the ones concerning fundamental doctrines of our faith, is needed because if Jesus is really Lord of our life, our souls would will what they understand about grace, sin, God, Christ, faith among other divine things. Our thinking, our feelings, and our relationship to God and to people will be greatly influenced by our humble understanding of doctrine. Such understanding can take place through studying the Bible, hearing God's word preached, reading helpful Bible resources, getting pastoral care and counsel, some of the means that come to mind.

Understanding God's particular workings with us is quite a challenge. Much around us we could not and will not understand until we meet Him. And that should prove humbling to us. But the things He has revealed to us, we can and should know, especially concerning Himself. We are not orphans. We have him as a Father. We are not helpless. We have His Spirit to guide us through thick and thin. And we have a Good Shepherd who always cares for us. From his hand we'll take the food we need to grow.

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.