The acknowledgment of God is a fundamental theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the recognition and acceptance of God's sovereignty, authority, and presence in the world and in individual lives. This acknowledgment is not merely intellectual assent but involves a heartfelt response that includes worship, obedience, and trust.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, acknowledgment of God is often linked with the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, serves as a central declaration: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This passage underscores the necessity of recognizing God's unique position and responding with total devotion.

The Psalms frequently call for acknowledgment of God through worship and praise. Psalm 100:3 states, "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture." Here, acknowledgment involves recognizing God's role as Creator and Shepherd, leading to a life of gratitude and service.

Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah also emphasize acknowledgment of God, often contrasting it with the people's tendency to forget or reject Him. Isaiah 1:3 laments, "The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand." This highlights the tragic consequences of failing to acknowledge God, resulting in spiritual blindness and disobedience.

New Testament Revelation

In the New Testament, acknowledgment of God is deepened through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself calls for acknowledgment of His divine identity and mission. In John 14:6-7, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him." Acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God is integral to acknowledging God the Father.

The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the acknowledgment of God in his epistles. In Romans 1:20-21, he writes, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." Paul argues that acknowledgment of God is evident in creation, yet humanity often suppresses this truth, leading to moral and spiritual decay.

Practical Implications

Acknowledgment of God carries practical implications for believers. It involves a life of worship, as seen in Romans 12:1, where Paul urges, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This acknowledgment is expressed through daily living that honors God.

Furthermore, acknowledgment of God requires obedience to His commandments. In John 14:15, Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Obedience is a tangible expression of acknowledging God's authority and love.

Trust in God is another aspect of acknowledgment. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Trusting God involves relying on His wisdom and guidance rather than one's own understanding.

Conclusion

The acknowledgment of God is a comprehensive response that encompasses worship, obedience, and trust. It is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments, calling believers to recognize God's sovereignty and respond with their whole lives.