Topical Encyclopedia Divine KnowledgeDivine knowledge refers to the omniscient nature of God, encompassing His complete and perfect understanding of all things, past, present, and future. This attribute of God is foundational to His nature and is evident throughout the Scriptures. The Bible affirms that God's knowledge is infinite and beyond human comprehension. In Isaiah 46:9-10 , God declares, "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.’" The Psalms frequently celebrate God's omniscience. Psalm 139:1-4 states, "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD." This passage highlights God's intimate knowledge of individual lives, emphasizing His awareness of every action and thought. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, also demonstrates divine knowledge. 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 illustrates Jesus' ability to perceive the hearts and minds of individuals, affirming His divine insight. Divine Authority Divine authority refers to God's supreme power and right to govern all creation. This authority is inherent in His nature as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate authority, whose will is sovereign and whose decrees are unchallengeable. In Genesis 1:1 , the Bible begins with the assertion of God's creative authority: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational statement establishes God's authority over all that exists. Throughout the Old Testament, God's authority is demonstrated through His covenantal relationships with His people. In Exodus 20:1-2 , God speaks to the Israelites, saying, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." Here, God's authority is linked to His redemptive acts and His right to command obedience from His people. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies divine authority. In Matthew 28:18 , Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This statement underscores the comprehensive nature of Christ's authority, extending over all realms. Furthermore, Jesus exercises this authority in His teachings, miracles, and ultimately in His victory over sin and death. The apostolic writings affirm the authority of Christ and the necessity of submission to His lordship. In Philippians 2:9-11 , Paul writes, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage highlights the universal recognition of Christ's authority and the ultimate submission of all creation to His rule. In summary, divine knowledge and authority are central attributes of God, revealed through His omniscience and sovereign power. These attributes are consistently affirmed throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's unparalleled wisdom and rightful dominion over all creation. |