“And manifest Myself to him” (John 14:21)  

The Lord Jesus Christ gives special revelations of Himself to His people. Even if Scripture didn’t declare this, there are many of the children of God who could testify to the truth of it from their own experience. They’ve had manifestations of their Lord and Savior in a unique and specific manner, unlike what the mere reading or hearing of the Word could accomplish. In the biographies of eminent saints, you’ll find many instances recorded in which Christ was pleased, in a very special manner, to speak to their souls, and unfold the wonders of His Person; yes, so completely were their souls saturated in happiness, they thought they were in Heaven, but were only on the threshold of it - for when Christ manifests Himself to His people, it’s Heaven on earth; it’s paradise in embryo; it’s bliss begun. 

 Special manifestations of Christ have been known to exert various holy influences on believer's hearts.

 One effect will be humility. If a man says, “I have had such-and-such spiritual communications, I’m a great man”, you can be sure he’s never had any communion with Christ at all; for “He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar” (Psalms 138:6). He doesn’t need to come near them to know them, and will never give them any visits of love. 

 Another effect will be happiness; for in God's presence there are pleasures for evermore.

 Holiness will be sure to follow. A man who has no holiness has never had a special manifestation of Christ. 

 Thus, there will be three effects of nearness to Christ – humility - happiness, and holiness. 

Some men claim to have had a special experience with God; but we must not believe anyone unless we see his deeds prove what he says. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked” (Galatians 6:7). He will not bestow His favors upon the wicked: for while “God will not cast away the blameless, Nor will He uphold the evildoers” (Job 8:20). The only exception is when the Spirit of God affects sinners for some special purpose, as was the case with King Saul and others (1 Samuel 19:24). For more information on this phenomenon, click here.

 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).