You may know God, but not comprehend Him

You may know God, but not comprehend Him

Richard Baxter, a prominent English Puritan theologian and pastor, once said, "You may know God, but not comprehend Him." This statement encapsulates the complex and mysterious nature of God that has puzzled theologians and believers for centuries. Baxter's words suggest that while one may have knowledge of God, true understanding of His infinite nature is beyond human comprehension.

Baxter's own life and writings reflect his deep understanding of the limitations of human knowledge when it comes to understanding God. As a pastor and theologian, he spent much of his life studying the Scriptures and seeking to deepen his relationship with God. However, he also recognized that there were aspects of God's nature that were beyond his grasp. In his famous work, "The Saints' Everlasting Rest," Baxter explores the idea that while believers may have a personal relationship with God, they can never fully comprehend His majesty and glory.

One of the reasons why Baxter believed that God could not be fully comprehended by humans is the sheer magnitude of His being. God is infinite, eternal, and omnipotent, qualities that are far beyond human understanding. As finite beings, we are limited in our ability to comprehend the vastness of God's nature. Baxter understood that while we may know God through His revelation in the Scriptures and through personal experience, our understanding will always be incomplete.

Furthermore, Baxter recognized that God's ways are often mysterious and beyond human reasoning. In his writings, he often grappled with the problem of evil and suffering in the world, acknowledging that these were aspects of God's plan that were difficult to understand. Baxter believed that while we may know God's character and attributes, there are aspects of His will and purpose that are hidden from us.