Personal Knowledge of God

The concept of God's personal knowledge is a profound theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing His omniscience and intimate awareness of His creation. God's knowledge is not limited to general awareness but extends to a personal and detailed understanding of every individual. This is evident in passages such as Psalm 139:1-4 , where David 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."

God's personal knowledge is not merely observational but relational. He knows His people intimately, as a shepherd knows his sheep. In John 10:14 , Jesus states, "I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me." This relationship is characterized by mutual recognition and understanding, underscoring the depth of God's personal knowledge.

Furthermore, God's knowledge is comprehensive and extends to the innermost parts of human beings. Hebrews 4:13 affirms, "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 verse highlights that God's knowledge penetrates beyond external actions to the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God's Favor

God's favor, often synonymous with His grace and blessing, is a recurring theme in Scripture, reflecting His benevolent disposition towards His people. The favor of God is not earned but is a manifestation of His sovereign will and love. In Numbers 6:24-26 , the Aaronic blessing encapsulates this divine favor: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace."

The favor of God is frequently associated with His covenant promises and is bestowed upon those who walk in obedience and faithfulness. Psalm 5:12 states, "For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of Your favor." This verse illustrates that God's favor acts as a protective and empowering force in the lives of the righteous.

God's favor is also evident in the lives of biblical figures who found special grace in His sight. For instance, Noah is described as having found favor with God amidst a corrupt generation (Genesis 6:8). Similarly, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is greeted by the angel Gabriel with the words, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28).

The New Testament further reveals that God's favor is extended to all believers through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores that God's favor, manifested as grace, is the foundation of salvation and is accessible to all who believe.

In summary, God's personal knowledge and favor are central to the biblical narrative, reflecting His intimate involvement with His creation and His gracious disposition towards humanity. These attributes of God reveal His desire for a personal relationship with His people and His commitment to their well-being and salvation.