In this frequently asked questions (FAQ) in the bible, we are going to answer the question: what does it mean that God knows our hearts?
But before we do so, let us first and foremost outline the bible verse where we derived the above question.
Scriptural text:
And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence towards God.
(1 John 3:19-21).
What does it mean that God knows our hearts?
God knows our heart means that whatever we are trying to do, be it good or evil; God sees them all. We might hide our deeds from men, but can never do same from God.
I remember in 1 Samuel 9 when Saul met Samuel for the very first time.
Samuel was so impressed by how handsome and well build Saul was; but God told him not to look at the outward appearance because He sees into the human heart.
Our Lord Jesus gave us a teaching in Mathew 15:19; that it is out of the heart (thoughts) that every sinful actions begin.
This might be the reason why God seeks to know the hearts of men more than their outward appearance.
What the bible is trying to say here is that, since we are bound to forget, i.e. there are times we will unconsciously, unknowingly, and not on purpose; fall into the occasion of sin; when we do, it is the same conscience – where the Holy Spirit dwells – that will afterward point out the wrongs we have done, and thereby help us go back to God and ask for forgiveness.
The example of Peter.
This example can be seen in the case of Peter, (Luke 22:31-34, 54-62) whom Jesus foretold was going to deny Him.
When Peter was about to err he forgot what Jesus said; until he was reminded by the cock of that crew.
And the cock symbolizes the same way the Holy Spirit will later remind us of the sins we commit; because we forgot.
This then will help us go back to God and be reconciled as Peter did.
In Acts 21:17-29, we see how Paul was instructed by the disciples to go to the temple and perform the sacrifice of purification.
Something he used to preach against that Jesus had already done the proper sacrifice.
But Paul forgot, and the scripture helps us to understand in chapter 27 that just when the seven days were about to come to an end, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul n the temple and steered up the crowd to arrest him.
And that way he was prevented by the Holy Spirit from sinning.
So, therefore, anyone who claims to have Christ as his or her righteousness; must always examine his or her actions to truly confirm that.
If such a one finds out that he is constantly and purposely breaking the laws of Christ; he must there and then know that he is disqualified.
