“Behold, God is exalted, and we do not know Him; the number of His years is unsearchable.” These words come from Job 36, and they represent man’s ancient understanding of God. The theologian may come along at this point and inform us that God’s revelation of Himself is progressive, meaning Elihu’s statement was not absolute but rather anticipated a day when we would know God. While we appreciate the full revelation of God in His Son, the fact does remain that we do not know God, fully, that is. In Paul’s writings we still find great doxologies concerning the mystery of God. For instance, consider 1 Timothy 6:16, “Who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honour and eternal dominion! Amen.” Truly we can still claim today, “We do not know Him.” Dear believer, never stray far from equating worship with wonder.

However, this is something we say in worship not in ignorance, for in another sense we have come into the secret knowledge of God. Consider Christ’s words, “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him”[1]. So, we have the objective statement again that no one knows neither Father nor Son[2]. This coincides with Job. But the scope is expanded to the objects of the Son’s sovereign revelation. Nevertheless, the knowledge of God is still exclusive to Himself and His will. It comes only by specific revelation. While there is a wealth of teaching here, let us take away two simple points.

Firstly, one must never presume upon the knowledge of God. The knowledge of God is the right of no man. It belongs to God alone, and it is man’s utmost privilege to have even a taste of this infinite well. A man who takes pride in his theology has not done enough theology, for he should have realized in his studies that all knowledge of God is grace. God is impossible to understand, yet God delights in breaking impossibilities by overwhelming kindness. Though He is exalted and unknowable, yet we have come to know Him. Mystery of mysteries!

Secondly, the knowledge of God does not belong to human wisdom. It does not belong to the scientist, philosopher, or even academic theologian. God has already determined the type of people He reveals Himself to: “’For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,’ declares the LORD. ‘But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.’”[3] Your most valuable tool in theology and worship will be a trembling heart. The secret of God is not found in a great mind nor a great articulation; the secret of God is found in the Christian who responds appropriately to the greatness and glory of God.

[1] Matthew 11:27. How interesting that this verse of Christ’s sovereignty in salvation precedes verse 28, one of the widest gospel calls in Scripture: “Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”

[2] John 14:17 confirms the Trinitarian nature of this, for it speaks of man not knowing the Spirit of truth.

[3] Isaiah 66:2