But I know there is a minimum amount of knowledge a sinner must have to received eternal life. This takes searching and diligence to know what God expects us to know for eternal life. The rolling stone gathers no moss and the sleeping brain gathers no knowledge. And yet we know that many human beings are, spiritually speaking, fast asleep. They are ignorant of God and yet there is no excuse for their ignorance, Rom 1:20. Paul makes it very clear that those who do not know God and those who do not know and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ are going to be eternally damned, 2 Thess 1:6-9.

How much knowledge is necessary for salvation? Paul said to the Ephesians, “Do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is.”, Eph. 5:17.

There is a level of knowing that is essential to have eternal life.

It boils down to loving Jesus Christ and being obedient to Him. “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Jn 17:3. And John further writes that this “knowing” of God entails knowing His will and abiding in it. “3 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.- 1 John 2:3-6.

When I see the emphasis God puts on obedience to Him and then hear so many religious, so called Christians, saying or equating obedience with works of the flesh, thus discouraging obedience, I think these people must be of the devil, the father of lies.

We must know God to be saved. And to “know” God is to know what His will is and then do it. Yes, it’s true that we can’t possibly know all that is knowable, but we can know what is God’s will for us to be saved. John said, “I have written these things so that you may know that you have eternal life.”, 1 Jn 5:13. And the Hebrews writer said, “Faith is the ASSURANCE of things hoped for, the CONVICTION of things not seen.” Knowing you are saved is possible better than only have a high degree of certainty and way better than being “pretty sure” you are saved. God has given us “everything that pertains to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence.”, 2 Pt 1:3.

Do you know that children are innocent and born without any sins? Do you know that God offers salvation to all sinners? Do you know that baptism is something adult sinners receive for the remission of sins? Do you know that “going to church” is not an option? Do you know that confessing Jesus is essential and that being silent is displeasing to God? Do you know that most people are going to hell? Do you know that ignorance of God’s will is not an excuse?

I have good news. The New Testament is available. It’s easy to read. And if you live by it, you will have confidence on the day of Judgment. I humbly say all of this. Dan