Enlightenment in the dictionary is to receive knowledge about what is true. During the 17th and 18th centuries Western thinkers pursued "enlightenment" by rejecting the self-revelation of God in the Bible. They attempted to construct a system of knowledge based on human reason: man's own thinking decides what is real and what is true. Similarly, the goal of traditional Asian thought is based on human ideas: Buddha taught that enlightenment is a final blessed state marked by the absence of desire or suffering.

In contrast to human ideas of enlightenment, we will consider what the God of the Bible says about how to be truly enlightened:

Human ideas are not the foundation of knowledge. 1 Corinthians 1:20-21; Colossians 2:8-10; (Isaiah 47:10;)

Humans cannot have wisdom apart from God's Word. Jeremiah 8:9; John 17:17;

Wisdom is to know what is real and to use that knowledge to think and act the right way.

The foundation for knowledge is God's self-revelation, the Bible. 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16- 17;

To know anything truly, we must receive some of God's comprehensive knowledge. Proverbs 2:6 (Colossians 2:2-4)

Enlightenment begins with knowing and respecting God - Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10;

To know God truly, you must believe what He says about Himself. Isaiah 43:10-11; Jeremiah 10:12; Joshuah 24:19;

To know God you must have true belief about yourself. Job 15:16; 1 John 1:8;

Sin is to not obey all God's laws about right thoughts and actions. 1 John 3:4; (Romans 7:7)

You must confess your sins to be restored to a pure God. You must ask God to forgive you and trust Jesus to pay for your sins. Then you can know true enlightenment. 1 John 1:7-9

Notes for further consideration:

• You cannot accept the truth of God by yourself. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14;
• The ethical result of Biblical enlightenment is to love and obey God. John 14:15; 1 John 5:3;
• A person who laughs at God's Word cannot have true wisdom - Proverbs 14:6;