But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim 3:14-15)
The mind must grasp these truths and must understand their meaning and their relation to one another. But if it stops there, it is not yet a knowledge that makes one wise to salvation. In spiritual matters the enlightening or instructing of the intellect is not the end aimed at, but only a means to an end. The end aimed at must always be the renewal of the heart. The heart must be reached through the understanding. To know about Christ is not life eternal. I must know about Him before I can know Him. But I might know all about Him, be perfectly clear as to His person and His work, and stop there without ever knowing Him as heart only can know heart, as my personal Savior, my Lord and God.
The mind must grasp these truths and must understand their meaning and their relation to one another. But if it stops there, it is not yet a knowledge that makes one wise to salvation. In spiritual matters the enlightening or instructing of the intellect is not the end aimed at, but only a means to an end. The end aimed at must always be the renewal of the heart. The heart must be reached through the understanding. To know about Christ is not life eternal. I must know about Him before I can know Him. But I might know all about Him, be perfectly clear as to His person and His work, and stop there without ever knowing Him as heart only can know heart, as my personal Savior, my Lord and God.
George H. Gerberding
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