(And then, only when Jesus opens our eyes:)

 

Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

  35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

 

(Whether to first be saved, or later to know him more, the pattern is the same:)

 

Psalms 9:10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

 

(Whether to first be saved, or later to know him more, it’s only by the book:)

 

I Samuel 3:1b And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

  7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.

  21b  for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

 

(And it involves humbling ourselves and repenting:)

 

II Chronicles 33:13b Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.

 

(Then by faith, from his word, we know him, and the great things that he has revealed about himself:)

 

Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

 

Job 42:2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.

 

John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

 

I John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

 

(Then for our growth and sanctification, it is critical that we are open to the operation of his Spirit, the Holy Ghost:)

 

John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

 

I John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: