Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Scope God's foreknowledge refers to His divine attribute of knowing all things before they occur. This encompasses not only events and actions but also the thoughts and intentions of every individual. Foreknowledge is an integral aspect of God's omniscience, which is His all-encompassing knowledge of past, present, and future.
Biblical Foundation The concept of God's foreknowledge is rooted in various passages throughout the Bible. In
Isaiah 46:10, God declares, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come." This verse highlights God's ability to know the future with certainty. Similarly,
Psalm 139:4 states, "Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD," illustrating God's intimate knowledge of human thoughts and actions.
Foreknowledge and Predestination A key theological discussion surrounding God's foreknowledge is its relationship to predestination.
Romans 8:29-30 states, "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. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This passage suggests that God's foreknowledge is linked to His sovereign plan for salvation, where He foreknows and predestines individuals to fulfill His divine purposes.
Human Free Will and Divine Foreknowledge The interplay between God's foreknowledge and human free will is a topic of significant theological inquiry. While God possesses complete knowledge of future events, including human decisions, this does not negate human responsibility or the capacity to choose. In
1 Peter 1:2, believers are described as "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father," indicating that God's foreknowledge operates in harmony with human agency.
Foreknowledge in Prophecy God's foreknowledge is also evident in biblical prophecy, where future events are revealed to His prophets. In
Acts 2:23 , Peter speaks of Jesus being "delivered up by God's set plan and foreknowledge," underscoring that the events of Christ's life, death, and resurrection were known and ordained by God beforehand. Prophetic declarations throughout Scripture serve as a testament to God's foreknowledge and His sovereign control over history.
Theological Implications Understanding God's foreknowledge has profound implications for theology and Christian living. It assures believers of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, providing comfort that He is in control of all circumstances. It also calls for a response of trust and obedience, knowing that God's plans are perfect and His knowledge is complete.
Conclusion While the mystery of God's foreknowledge may transcend human comprehension, it remains a foundational truth of the Christian faith, affirming God's omniscience and His eternal purposes.