“knowing,” which is essentially the same as “believing.” “The only true God” refers to Yahweh (the Lord), who is the Creator and Redeemer of all humanity. “Knowing” (17:3) refers to having intimate relationship with God, who is one (Deut 6:4; John 5:44; 1 Cor 8:6) and true (3:33; 7:28; 8:26), and to one’s personal experience with Jesus Christ, whom the same God sent into the world to give heavenly life to those who believe.5 God’s sending of the Son is followed by Jesus’ triumphant statement, “I
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