This episode builds on the previous program, asserting that mere propositional knowledge about Christ is insufficient for salvation. Many of us have encountered "believers" who insist they are saved based on a past recitation of the sinner's prayer, though evidence that they are presently FOLLOWING Christ is absent. This past confession amounts to acknowledgment of the facts of the gospel [propositional knowledge], but devoid of subsequent following of Christ, is an empty confession that doesn't save. The above scenario highlights the necessity of the ONGOING application of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ to anyone who claims to be a Christian. And, it is part of the constitution of every believer, "if anyone would be my disciple, he must deny himself, pick up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24) "Following Christ" then is the ONGOING application of our Master's life to our lives. So the application of the resurrection of Christ to everyday life, as it turns out, is foundational to being a Christian.
Bury Your Doubt with Resurrection Power
This episode begins with the question, "how do you know the resurrection of Christ is true?" While many of us can articulate an apologetic answer, citing the Biblical and historical evidences for the gospel story, all of us should ideally be able to respond with the following testimony: "I know the resurrection of Christ is true because I experience everyday His resurrection power in my own life." This is the evidence that secures our faith in the Biblical account and assists us in presenting a compelling testimony to unbelievers regarding the truth of the gospel. The episode charts my conversion to Christ, subsequent doubt over the resurrection, culminating in renewed conviction that the resurrection of Christ occurred. I trace my journey from propositional embrace of the gospel to experiential conviction based on the everyday experience of resurrection power in my own life. The evidence of genuine conversion, according to Romans 6:4, is that "we walk in the newness of life." This of course bespeaks the resurrection power that is unleashed in every believer's life as he identifies with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.
Not “Knowing” Means You’re not Growing
Going deeper into the "constitution" of 1 and 2 Peter, this episode highlights how "true knowledge" or "experiential knowledge" is the goal of the Christian life, NOT the forgiveness of sins. What unlocks the divine power giving everything related to life and godliness? It's the "true knowledge of the One who called us by His own glory and excellence." (2 Pet. 1:3) Very interesting is that Peter concludes that those who excel in applying several moral qualities are "fruitful in the TRUE KNOWLEDGE of our Lord Jesus Christ."(v. 8) The measure then of Christian maturity is growth in the knowledge of God where we partake of God's moral attributes. (v. 4) He who lacks this growth is "blind and short-sighted," for he lacks the "true knowledge" of God. The episode closes with the obvious question: do we really want the true knowledge of God?
Experiential Knowledge and the Fullness of God
This episode compares 1 John 2:12-14 and Ephesians 3:16-19, both descriptions of progressive growth in Christ, highlighting how the experiential knowledge of God is the culmination of the Christian walk. In the language of John, a father (or mother) is one who "knows Him who has been from the beginning," strongly implying one who has walked with God in time and has a track record of God's testimonies. Paul's description of mature Christian experience corresponds to "being filled up with all the fullness of God." The Christian has experienced the love of Christ which surpasses mere cerebral knowledge, and his individual capacity to experience God is filled up. Both of these advanced descriptions of sanctification mark the pathway towards the beatific vision, where believers will one day see God "face to face."
Experiential knowledge and the Beatific Vision
The episode incorporates the stages of Christian growth present in 1 John 2: 12-14 into the discussion on the beatific vision. Experiential knowledge of God, as opposed to mere cerebral knowledge of God, stands out as the defining characteristic of spiritually mature believers. In essence, they have taken the Word of God and applied it to everyday life. They experience God as real and trustworthy. Well this experiential knowledge is naturally related to degrees of the beatific vision. As we are transformed by applying the Word of God, we gain more insight into Who God is, His character, and the way He works in our lives.