Foreknowledge

Foreknowledge, in the biblical context, refers to God's divine attribute of knowing all things before they happen. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's omniscience and sovereignty. The Bible presents foreknowledge as an integral part of God's eternal plan and purpose, particularly in relation to salvation history and the unfolding of His will.

The Apostle Peter speaks of God's foreknowledge in his first epistle: "He was known before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in the last times for your sake" (1 Peter 1:20). This passage highlights the preexistence and predetermined role of Christ in God's redemptive plan, emphasizing that God's knowledge and purposes transcend time.

In Romans 8:29, the Apostle Paul writes, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." Here, foreknowledge is linked with predestination, suggesting that God's knowledge of future events is not passive but active, involving His sovereign will and purpose in shaping the destiny of individuals and the course of history.

The concept of foreknowledge is also evident in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The prophets often spoke of events that were to come, revealing God's knowledge of future occurrences. For instance, Isaiah 46:10 declares, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.'" This underscores the idea that God's foreknowledge is comprehensive and purposeful, ensuring the fulfillment of His divine will.

Fulfillment

Fulfillment in the biblical sense refers to the realization or completion of God's promises, prophecies, and purposes as revealed in Scripture. It is the manifestation of God's foreordained plans in history, particularly through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The New Testament frequently emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the person and work of Jesus. Matthew's Gospel, for example, repeatedly uses the phrase "to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet" to demonstrate how Jesus' life and ministry correspond to prophetic expectations. In Matthew 1:22-23, the birth of Jesus is described as fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy: "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel' (which means, 'God with us')."

Jesus Himself affirmed the fulfillment of Scripture in His ministry. In Luke 4:21, after reading from the scroll of Isaiah, He declared, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." This statement underscores the belief that Jesus is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, fulfilling the messianic prophecies and bringing to fruition the promises of God.

The concept of fulfillment extends beyond the life of Christ to encompass the entire narrative of Scripture. The Book of Acts records the early church's understanding of fulfillment in the unfolding of God's plan through the spread of the Gospel. Acts 13:32-33 states, "And now we proclaim to you the good news: What God promised our fathers He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus."

In the eschatological sense, fulfillment also pertains to the future realization of God's kingdom and the consummation of His purposes at the end of the age. Revelation 21:6 declares, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life." This points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the new creation, where His purposes are fully realized.

In summary, foreknowledge and fulfillment are interconnected themes that reveal the depth of God's wisdom and the certainty of His plans. Through His foreknowledge, God orchestrates the events of history, ensuring the fulfillment of His divine purposes as revealed in Scripture.