Topical Encyclopedia
Omniscience of GodThe omniscience of God refers to His all-encompassing knowledge and understanding of everything past, present, and future. This divine attribute is foundational to the nature of God as revealed in the Scriptures. God's omniscience is not limited by time or space, and it encompasses all things, including the thoughts and intentions of the human heart.
The psalmist declares, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit" (
Psalm 147:5). This verse highlights the boundless nature of God's knowledge. Similarly, the prophet Isaiah records God's own words: "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" (
Isaiah 46:9-10). These passages affirm that God's knowledge is not only comprehensive but also sovereign, as He declares and brings to pass His divine purposes.
In the New Testament, the apostle John writes, "God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things" (1
John 3:20). This statement underscores the intimate and personal aspect of God's omniscience, as He is fully aware of the inner workings of the human heart. Jesus Himself, during His earthly ministry, demonstrated this divine attribute. In
John 2:24-25, it is noted, "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" .
Judgment of GodGod's judgment is a direct outflow of His omniscience and His holy nature. As the righteous Judge, God exercises perfect justice, rewarding righteousness and punishing wickedness. His judgments are true and just, as He possesses complete knowledge of all circumstances and motives.
The Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate Judge. In
Genesis 18:25, Abraham appeals to God's justice, saying, "Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?" . This rhetorical question affirms the inherent righteousness and fairness of God's judgments.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the impartiality of God's judgment: "There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Greek. For God does not show favoritism" (
Romans 2:9-11). This passage highlights that God's judgment is based on His perfect knowledge and is applied without partiality.
In the eschatological context, the book of Revelation presents a vivid picture of God's final judgment. John writes, "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened" (
Revelation 20:11-12). This scene underscores the comprehensive and final nature of God's judgment, where every deed is accounted for.
God's omniscience and judgment are inseparable attributes that reveal His perfect nature. His all-knowing character ensures that His judgments are executed with absolute justice and righteousness, reflecting His holiness and sovereignty over all creation.