Before we can know God and understand his great plan it is first necessary for us to believe that he exists and that he rewards all who diligently seek him.

The quote "Before we can know God and understand his great plan, it is first necessary for us to believe that he exists and that he rewards all who diligently seek him" by Joseph Franklin Rutherford emphasizes the importance of faith as the foundation for spiritual understanding. Rutherford, an early leader of the Jehovah's Witnesses, asserts that before individuals can fully comprehend God’s purpose or divine plan, they must first acknowledge the existence of God and trust that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Faith is positioned as the starting point, a prerequisite for gaining deeper insight into the mysteries of the divine.

The origin of this quote is tied to Rutherford’s teachings on faith and spiritual seeking within the context of Jehovah's Witnesses theology. As an influential figure in the movement, Rutherford emphasized the need for believers to cultivate a relationship with God through trust and obedience, with the belief that God rewards those who earnestly pursue Him. His perspective reflects the idea that spiritual understanding is not merely intellectual but is also tied to a personal relationship with God grounded in faith and diligent seeking.

In this context, Rutherford is stressing that the journey toward understanding God's plan and nature begins with belief. Without this foundational faith, one cannot move forward in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. He points out that God does not leave those who earnestly seek Him in darkness but rewards such individuals with the revelation of His plan and purpose. This highlights the reciprocal relationship between God’s reward and human effort in the spiritual journey.

Ultimately, Rutherford’s quote calls believers to start their spiritual journey by having faith in God’s existence and in His willingness to reveal His truth to those who are dedicated in their search for Him. It encourages a deep commitment to the process of seeking God, with the assurance that such efforts will lead to greater understanding and fulfillment of God’s divine purpose in their lives.