The theme of God's desire for all humanity to know Him is a central tenet throughout the Bible, reflecting His love, grace, and sovereignty. This desire is evident from the creation narrative to the prophetic visions of the end times, underscoring God's intention for a relationship with His creation.

Creation and the Image of God

In the beginning, God created humanity in His own image, as stated in Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This act of creation signifies God's intention for humans to reflect His character and to live in communion with Him. The image of God in humanity implies a capacity and a calling to know and relate to the Creator.

The Call of Israel

God's desire for all to know Him is further revealed in His relationship with Israel. Through the covenant with Abraham, God promised that "all the families of the earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations, a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6), demonstrating God's holiness and inviting others to know Him.

The Prophets and Universal Knowledge of God

The prophetic books often highlight God's plan for all nations to come to know Him. Isaiah 11:9 declares, "For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water." Similarly, Habakkuk 2:14 states, "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea." These prophecies envision a future where God's presence and truth are universally acknowledged.

The New Covenant and the Great Commission

With the coming of Jesus Christ, the scope of God's desire for all to know Him expands to include all peoples and nations. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection fulfill the promises of the Old Testament and inaugurate the New Covenant. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This Great Commission underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan.

The Role of the Church

The early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, took up the mission to spread the knowledge of God. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' words: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The apostle Paul reiterates this mission in 1 Timothy 2:3-4, stating, "This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

Eschatological Fulfillment

The Bible concludes with a vision of the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire for all to know Him. Revelation 7:9-10 describes a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne and before the Lamb, worshiping God. This eschatological vision reflects the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where His glory is fully revealed and acknowledged by all creation.

Throughout Scripture, God's desire for all to know Him is a consistent and compelling theme, revealing His heart for relationship and redemption.