Topical Encyclopedia
God's omniscience refers to His all-encompassing knowledge, encompassing all things past, present, and future. This divine attribute is foundational to understanding God's nature and His interaction with creation. The Bible affirms God's omniscience in numerous passages, illustrating that nothing is hidden from His sight.
In
Psalm 139:1-4, the psalmist declares, "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, extending to thoughts and intentions.
Isaiah 46:9-10 further emphasizes God's omniscience, stating, "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.'" Here, God's knowledge of future events underscores His sovereign control over history.
The New Testament also affirms God's omniscience. In 1
John 3:20, it is written, "For if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things." This assurance of God's complete knowledge provides comfort to believers, knowing that He understands their struggles and intentions.
God's omniscience is not merely theoretical but has practical implications for believers. It assures them of His perfect wisdom in guiding their lives and His ability to judge righteously.
Hebrews 4:13 states, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." This truth calls believers to live transparently before God, acknowledging His comprehensive understanding of their lives.
God's HolinessGod's holiness is a central attribute that signifies His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separation from sin. It is a defining characteristic of His divine nature and is foundational to His relationship with humanity. The holiness of God is a theme that permeates the entire Bible, calling His people to a life of reverence and obedience.
In
Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." The thrice-repeated declaration of God's holiness emphasizes its supreme importance and sets Him apart from all creation. This vision of God's holiness profoundly impacted Isaiah, leading him to recognize his own sinfulness and need for purification.
Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.'" This call to holiness reflects God's desire for His people to mirror His character in their conduct and relationships. Holiness is not merely an abstract concept but a practical standard for living that reflects God's nature.
The New Testament continues this theme, with
1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorting believers, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is rooted in the believer's identity in Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
God's holiness also underscores His justice and righteousness.
Habakkuk 1:13 states, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; You cannot tolerate wrongdoing." This aspect of God's holiness assures believers that He will ultimately judge sin and uphold justice.
The holiness of God is both awe-inspiring and comforting. It assures believers of His unchanging nature and His commitment to righteousness. It also challenges them to pursue holiness in their own lives, relying on God's grace and strength to live in a manner that honors Him.