Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature Omniscience refers to the attribute of possessing complete and infinite knowledge. In Christian theology, this attribute is ascribed to God, and by extension, to Jesus Christ, affirming His divine nature. The omniscience of Christ is a testament to His deity, as He possesses the ability to know all things—past, present, and future.
Biblical Evidence The New Testament provides numerous instances that illustrate Christ's omniscience. In the Gospel of John, Jesus demonstrates His knowledge of people's thoughts and circumstances. For example, in
John 1:48, Jesus reveals His knowledge of Nathanael's whereabouts before Philip called him: "Nathanael asked, 'How do You know me?' Jesus replied, 'Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.'" This passage highlights Jesus' supernatural insight into Nathanael's life.
In
John 2:24-25, it is written, "But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all men. He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man." This passage underscores Jesus' profound understanding of human nature and His ability to discern the hearts and minds of individuals.
Another significant demonstration of Christ's omniscience is found in
John 4:16-19, where Jesus converses with the Samaritan woman at the well. He reveals her past and present life circumstances, saying, "Go, call your husband and come back." "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are correct to say that you have no husband. In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully." The woman then acknowledges His prophetic insight, recognizing Him as a prophet.
Foreknowledge and Prophecy Christ's omniscience is also evident in His foreknowledge and prophetic declarations. In
Matthew 24, Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and describes future events with precise detail. His ability to foresee these events further attests to His divine knowledge.
In
Matthew 26:34, Jesus foretells Peter's denial: "Truly I tell you," Jesus declared, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." This prediction is fulfilled exactly as Jesus stated, demonstrating His knowledge of future events.
Theological Implications The omniscience of Christ is a critical aspect of His divine identity. It affirms His unity with the Father, as seen in
John 10:30, where Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one." This unity implies a shared divine nature, including the attribute of omniscience. Furthermore, Christ's omniscience assures believers of His ability to intercede effectively on their behalf, as He fully understands their needs and circumstances.
Christ's Omniscience in the Context of the Incarnation While Christ's omniscience is a testament to His divinity, the mystery of the Incarnation presents a unique dynamic.
Philippians 2:7-8 describes how Christ "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." This self-emptying, or kenosis, suggests that while on earth, Jesus may have voluntarily limited the independent exercise of His divine attributes, including omniscience, to fully experience human life. However, this limitation does not negate His divine nature or His inherent omniscience.
Conclusion The omniscience of Christ is a profound and essential aspect of His divine nature, as evidenced by His knowledge of human hearts, His prophetic insights, and His unity with the Father. This attribute assures believers of His divine authority and His intimate understanding of their lives.