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.