Definition and Scope

God's omniscience refers to His all-encompassing knowledge. This divine attribute signifies that God possesses complete and perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. Unlike human understanding, which is limited and often flawed, God's knowledge is infinite and infallible. His omniscience encompasses every detail of the universe, every thought and intention of the heart, and every event that has occurred or will occur.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible provides numerous affirmations of God's omniscience. In Psalm 147:5, the psalmist declares, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." This verse highlights the boundless nature of God's knowledge. Similarly, 1 John 3:20 states, "For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things." These passages underscore the comprehensive scope of God's understanding.

God's Knowledge of Creation

God's omniscience is evident in His intimate knowledge of His creation. In Matthew 10:29-30, Jesus illustrates this by saying, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered." This passage reveals that God's knowledge extends to the minutest details of the natural world and human life.

Foreknowledge and Predestination

God's omniscience includes His foreknowledge of future events. Isaiah 46:9-10 proclaims, "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.'" This divine foreknowledge is not passive but is intricately connected to His sovereign will and purpose.

God's Knowledge of Human Hearts

The omniscience of God extends to the innermost thoughts and intentions of human beings. In Jeremiah 17:10, the Lord declares, "I, the LORD, search the heart; I test the mind, to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve." This knowledge is not merely observational but is active in discerning and judging the moral and spiritual state of individuals.

Implications for Believers

For believers, God's omniscience is a source of comfort and assurance. Psalm 139:1-4 beautifully captures this sentiment: "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 intimate knowledge assures believers that they are fully known and loved by God.

Moral and Ethical Dimensions

God's omniscience also carries moral and ethical implications. Hebrews 4:13 warns, "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 awareness of God's all-seeing knowledge encourages believers to live lives of integrity and accountability, knowing that their actions and thoughts are fully visible to God.

Conclusion

Understanding God's omniscience is foundational to comprehending His nature and His relationship with creation. It assures believers of His sovereign control, His intimate care, and His righteous judgment. Through His omniscience, God orchestrates His divine plan, guiding and sustaining His people with perfect wisdom and love.