Jesus Christ lives today to be known by those who believe and trust in Him. To know Him personally, intimately, and practically is an essential goal for every faithful Christian. The apostle Paul expressed this desire in Philippians 3:10-12, longing to know Christ in a deep, personal relationship and to experience the power of His resurrection. This power is revealed as believers share in the same kind of sufferings Jesus endured, bearing faithful witness in an evil world. Those who suffer with and for Christ will attain the resurrection from the dead, just as He did. Paul sought a practical knowledge of Christ, not merely an intellectual understanding, but a transformative intimacy that affects daily living and produces fruit and change. This knowledge involves entering into the deepest personal union with Christ, a connection that is entirely satisfying. Paul also desired to experience the power of Christ's resurrection, not as an abstract concept, but as a lived reality that enables a godly life through the Spirit of God, overcoming sin and human inability. Furthermore, Paul wished to know the fellowship of sharing in Christ's sufferings, standing in such close union with Him that he would receive persecution and abuse as a true witness, drawing nearer to his Lord and Savior. This fellowship is gained through total obedience, mirroring Christ's own obedience even unto death. Lastly, Paul aimed to attain the resurrection from the dead, not out of fear for his eternal life, but with a steadfast faith that Christ would complete His work in him, living now as a preview of eternal life among the spiritually dead, reflecting the character of a resurrected person through intimate union with Christ.

Knowing Jesus Christ is central to our spiritual journey, as He is the ideal we strive to emulate. Our devotion to Him grows as we gain a clearer, more detailed scriptural understanding of His character and purpose. Paul expressed his life's objective in Philippians 3:10, desiring to know Him, the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, and to be conformable to His death. This pursuit is essential for every true son of God, as it shapes us into His image and aligns us with His will. The fellowship of Christ's sufferings, a vital aspect of knowing Him, requires sacrifice, which is the essence of love and a cornerstone of authentic faith. Without sacrifice, our religion lacks authenticity and cannot fulfill its purpose. We are urged to imitate Christ's example, as seen in Ephesians 5, where Paul calls us to follow God by walking in love and offering ourselves as Christ did, a sweet-smelling savor to God. Christ's sacrifice, planned from the beginning as revealed in Genesis 3, was necessary to break sin's grip, allowing us to live while the penalty was paid through His temporary suffering. Sacrifice, exemplified by Christ, is not just an event but a way of life for every son of God. It is central to His character and ours, producing service as its fruit. From the earliest instructions to Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel, to the offerings of the patriarchs and the detailed sacrificial system in Exodus and Leviticus, sacrifice has been essential to God's purpose. Christ's ultimate sacrifice as both God and man paid the penalty for sin, enabling those called to be like Him to continue living and grow in His likeness through ongoing personal sacrifice.

Jesus Christ, in His role as the archegos, went before us, exemplifying a way of life we must follow to be in His image and prepared for the Kingdom of God. He not only took our place in death but also represented us by living a life of righteousness that we are called to emulate. His suffering was not due to sin but stemmed from His obedience to God, which opposed the ways of this world, resulting in persecution. He resisted human nature, satan, and the world throughout His lifetime, enduring suffering as a consequence of striving to do good. Christ's sacrifice began when He voluntarily relinquished the power, glory, and privileges of His position as Creator and second in command of the universe, risking everything by becoming human. He understood the ramifications of His actions, knowing each step consigned Him to a terrible death, yet He proceeded with faith in God to strengthen and save Him. His life as a man involved suffering to prepare Him for the role of High Priest, a position He had never held before, learning through the experiences of human life. As a living sacrifice, Jesus Christ lived a life wholly dedicated to God, walking in love and keeping the commandments, which Paul describes as a sweet-smelling savor to God. His manner of life, not just His crucifixion, exemplifies the sacrifice we are called to make. He faced fear and anguish, yet submitted to God's will, setting His courage to overcome, as seen when He prayed for the cup to pass from Him but ultimately accepted God's plan. Through His death, Jesus Christ provided access to God, breaking the barriers that once kept people distant, as neither those far off nor near had access before Him. As our High Priest, He continually enables us to draw near to God, accepting our imperfect spiritual sacrifices because of His mediation. He is the anchor we must hold onto, ensuring we do not slip away, preparing us to function as priests in the Kingdom of God. Knowing Christ involves entering into the fellowship of His sufferings, becoming a living sacrifice by presenting our bodies and minds to God, suppressing and controlling our desires, and living in constant consciousness of His presence. This includes offering spiritual sacrifices such as praise, service to others, and, if called, even a martyr's death. By living as He lived, suffering for righteousness' sake, resisting temptation, serving others, and enduring persecution, we come to truly know Him and share in His experiences, securing eternal life.