God’s Foreknowledge

[Study Aired September 3, 2024]

Introduction

1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

The concept of God’s foreknowledge, as introduced in this verse, presents us with a profound and awe-inspiring aspect of the nature of God. It speaks to God’s omniscience – His all-knowing character – particularly as it relates to His eternal perspective on time and events. The apostle Peter, in addressing the elect, grounds their very selection in this divine foreknowledge, connecting it directly to the process of sanctification and the work of Christ.

Understanding God’s foreknowledge is crucial for grasping the depth of our salvation and the intricacies of God’s relationship with His creation. It challenges our carnal perceptions of time, choice, and divine sovereignty, inviting us into a deeper contemplation of the One who knows the end from the beginning.

As we start this study, we must heed the words of Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Our exploration of God’s foreknowledge should lead us not to pride in our own intellect, but to a humble reverence for the infinite God who chose us before the foundation of the world.

Ephesians 1:3-6 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

As we dig into this study, our understanding of God’s foreknowledge must be built upon the solid foundation of Scripture, ensuring that our faith remains unshaken. As Luke 6:48 reminds us,

“He is like a man which built a house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.” (Jesus Christ)

Understanding Foreknowledge

The term “foreknowledge” in 1 Peter 1:2 is translated from the Greek word “prognosis.” This word is composed of two parts: “pro” meaning “before” and “gnosis” meaning “knowledge.” In essence, it refers to knowing something beforehand or having advanced knowledge.

In the New Testament, this term appears only twice:

• Acts 2:23 “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain”
• 1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

To understand how this concept is used in Scripture, we must follow the principle found in Isaiah 28:10: “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.”

• God’s foreknowledge of events: Isaiah 46:10 “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure”
• God’s foreknowledge of individuals: Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
• God’s foreknowledge in relation to salvation: Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Foreknowledge and Predestination

Let’s look at the distinction between foreknowledge and predestination. It’s important to note that while these concepts are related, they are distinct. Foreknowledge refers to God’s advance knowledge, while predestination refers to His determinate purpose or plan.

To understand this distinction, we must carefully examine the relevant Scriptures, following the principle in 2 Corinthians 13:1, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”

Foreknowledge: As we’ve discussed, foreknowledge (prognosis) refers to God’s advance knowledge. It’s His ability to know all things before they occur. Key verses:

1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father…”

Acts 2:23 “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God…”

Predestination: This term comes from the Greek “proorizo,” meaning to determine beforehand or foreordain. Key verses:

Romans 8:29-30 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son… Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called…”

Ephesians 1:5 “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will”

The distinction lies in that foreknowledge is an aspect of God’s omniscience – His all-knowing nature. Predestination, on the other hand, relates to His sovereign will and plan.

To understand this better, let’s consider Romans 8:29-30. Here, Paul presents a sequence: foreknowledge precedes predestination. This sequence illustrates that while foreknowledge and predestination are related, they function within different aspects of God’s omniscience and sovereign will.

As Isaiah 46:10 states, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” This verse emphasizes that God’s foreknowledge and predestination work together to fulfill His sovereign plan.

We should also consider that our understanding of time and causality may not fully grasp God’s eternal perspective. As Psalm 90:4 reminds us, “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” Also James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

While foreknowledge and predestination are closely related concepts, they are distinct. Foreknowledge refers to God’s complete knowledge of all things, while predestination refers to His sovereign plan and purpose. Both concepts highlight God’s sovereignty and omniscience, reminding us of His supreme authority over all creation.

God’s Nature and Foreknowledge

To understand God’s foreknowledge, we must consider His nature as revealed in Scripture. Let’s examine this, keeping in mind 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

God’s foreknowledge is intimately connected to His omniscience – His all-knowing nature. This attribute is clearly presented in Scripture:

1 John 3:20 “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.”

Job 37:16 “Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?”

These verses affirm that God’s knowledge is complete and perfect, encompassing all things.

God’s foreknowledge is also linked to His eternal nature. He exists outside of time as we understand it:

Deuteronomy 33:27a “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:”

1 Timothy 1:17 “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

These verses emphasize God’s eternal nature, indicating His existence beyond the constraints of time.

God’s foreknowledge doesn’t exist in isolation but is intimately connected with His sovereignty – His supreme power and authority over all creation.

Daniel 4:35 “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”

Psalm 33:11 “The counsel of the LORD standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.”

These passages demonstrate that God’s foreknowledge is not merely passive awareness, but is linked to His active will and purpose across all generations.

As we review these aspects of God’s nature, we must remember the words of Job 11:7-9:

“Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.”

This reminds us that while we strive to understand God’s foreknowledge, we must approach this topic with humility, recognizing that our finite minds cannot fully comprehend the infinite nature of God.

1Co 13:12 “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

God’s foreknowledge is an expression of His omniscient and eternal nature, working in harmony with His sovereign will. As we continue our study, we’ll explore how this understanding of God’s nature and foreknowledge relates to the themes of election and salvation presented in 1 Peter 1:2.

Foreknowledge in the Old Testament

While the specific term “foreknowledge” (prognosis) doesn’t appear in the Old Testament, the concept is clearly present. We’ll examine this through prophecies, God’s plans for His people, and foreshadowing of the Messiah. As Romans 15:4 states, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that demonstrate God’s foreknowledge. Let’s examine a few:

• The Fall of Tyre:

Ezekiel 26:3-5 “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up. And they shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, and break down her towers: I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations.”

Ezekiel 26:7-12 “For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will bring upon Tyrus Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, a king of kings, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and much people. He shall slay with the sword thy daughters in the field: and he shall make a fort against thee, and cast a mount against thee, and lift up the buckler against thee. And he shall set engines of war against thy walls, and with his axes he shall break down thy towers. By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach. With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread down all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground. And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water.”

Ezekiel 29:18 “Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it.

This prophecy was fulfilled in stages, demonstrating God’s foreknowledge in predicting the destruction of Tyre.

• The Rise and Fall of Kingdoms:

Daniel 2:31-33 “Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, his legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.”

Daniel 2:38 specifically identifies the “head of gold” as the Babylonian Empire: “Thou art this head of gold.” The interpretation of the other materials as representing successive empires is not explicitly named in the scripture.

Daniel 2:44 provides the climax of this prophecy: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”

This verse foretells the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom, which will supersede all earthly kingdoms.

• God’s Foreknowledge in His Plans for Israel:
The Abrahamic Covenant:

Genesis 15:13-14 “And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.”

This prophecy was fulfilled centuries later in the Exodus from Egypt, demonstrating God’s foreknowledge.

Exodus 12:40-41 (Fulfillment of the 400 Years):

“Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.”

This scripture shows that the Israelites were in Egypt for 430 years, fulfilling the prophecy given to Abram.

Exodus 3:7-8 (God’s Promise to Deliver Israel):

“And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.”

This passage confirms God’s plan to fulfill His promise to Abram by delivering Israel from Egypt.

Exodus 12:35-36 (Fulfillment of Leaving with Great Substance):

“And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.”

This scripture shows that the Israelites left Egypt with great wealth, fulfilling the part of the prophecy that they would come out “with great substance.”

These scriptures collectively demonstrate the fulfillment of the prophecy in Genesis 15:13-14, affirming God’s foreknowledge in His plans for Israel.

The Return from Babylonian Exile:
Jeremiah 29:10 “For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.”

• Prophecies About the Messiah:

His Birthplace: Micah 5:2 “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

His Suffering:
Psalm 22:16-18 “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”

These prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, demonstrating God’s foreknowledge of events far into the future.

As we consider these examples, we see that God’s foreknowledge in the Old Testament is not just about predicting future events, but about His sovereign plan unfolding through history. This aligns with Hebrews 10:1, which states: “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.”

Foreknowledge in the New Testament

In the New Testament, we see a deeper revelation of God’s foreknowledge, particularly in relation to Christ’s work and the plan of salvation.

Jesus demonstrated divine foreknowledge in His precise predictions of His own death and resurrection:

Matthew 16:21 “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.”

Luke 18:31-33 “Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.”

The apostles recognized that Christ’s death was according to God’s foreknowledge:

Acts 2:23 “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:”

Acts 4:27-28 “For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.”

Paul connects God’s foreknowledge with His plan of salvation:

Romans 8:29-30 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

Ephesians 1:4-5 “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”

These passages show that God’s foreknowledge is intricately linked with His plan for believers, extending from before the foundation of the world to their ultimate glorification.

As we consider these New Testament teachings on foreknowledge, we see a progression from the Old Testament concept. While the Old Testament largely focused on God’s foreknowledge of events and nations, the New Testament reveals His foreknowledge in relation to individual salvation and the work of Christ.

This aligns with the principle stated in John 6:63: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The New Testament’s spiritual revelation of God’s foreknowledge gives us a deeper understanding of its significance in our salvation.

God’s Absolute Sovereignty and Foreknowledge

In examining God’s foreknowledge, we must recognize His absolute sovereignty over all things. As we explore this topic, let’s keep in mind Romans 9:20-21: “Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?”

Scripture affirms God’s complete sovereignty over all events and choices:

Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”

Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”

These verses demonstrate that even human thoughts and decisions are under God’s control.

God’s foreknowledge is not merely passive awareness, but active determination:

Lamentations 3:37-38 “Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?”

Amos 3:6 “Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?”

These passages indicate that nothing occurs outside of God’s direct causation.

God’s absolute sovereignty serves His ultimate purposes:

Ephesians 1:11 “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:”

Romans 9:17 “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.”

These verses show that God’s control over all things, including human actions, serves to fulfill His divine plan.

As we examine these truths, we must remember Isaiah 45:9:

“Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?”

Our role is not to question God’s sovereign control, but to trust in His perfect wisdom and justice, even when we cannot fully comprehend His ways.

The Kingdom Within and God’s Foreknowledge

As we go deeper into the concept of God’s foreknowledge, it’s crucial to understand how it relates to the kingdom of God within us. Jesus taught in Luke 17:20-21:

“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

This internal reality of God’s kingdom aligns with His foreknowledge in several ways:

• God’s foreknowledge ensures the establishment of His kingdom within believers: Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
• The work within us is part of God’s foreknown plan: Philippians 2:13 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
• Our spiritual growth is encompassed in God’s foreknowledge: 1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

Understanding that the kingdom of God is within us, guided by His foreknowledge, should lead us to a deeper appreciation of His work in our lives and a greater surrender to His will.

Understanding God’s Foreknowledge Through the Father’s Spirit:

As we seek to grasp the profound concept of God’s foreknowledge, we must rely on the guidance of the Father’s Spirit. Jesus promised in John 14:26: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
The role of the Father’s Spirit in illuminating God’s foreknowledge includes:

• Revealing spiritual truths: 1 Corinthians 2:10 “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”
• Guiding us into all truth: John 16:13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
• Helping us understand God’s gifts: 1 Corinthians 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”
As we study God’s foreknowledge, we must continually seek the guidance of the Father’s Spirit, acknowledging our dependence on His illumination to comprehend these deep spiritual truths.

Practical Implications of God’s Foreknowledge and Sovereignty

As we grow in the truths of God’s foreknowledge and sovereign control, we will apply these to our daily lives as believers. Let’s examine the practical implications, keeping in mind Romans 15:4:

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

A. Comfort and Assurance for Believers

• Security in God’s plan: Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Knowing that God is in complete control should bring comfort, as every circumstance is part of His perfect plan.
• Confidence in salvation: John 6:37 “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” God’s sovereign choice in salvation provides assurance of our eternal security.

B. Humility and Dependence on God

• Recognition of our limitations: Jeremiah 10:23 “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” Understanding God’s sovereignty should foster humility, acknowledging our complete dependence on Him.
• Surrender to God’s will: James 4:15 “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” We should approach life with an attitude of submission to God’s sovereign will.

C. Worship and Gratitude

• Awe at God’s wisdom: Romans 11:33-36 “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.” God’s foreknowledge and sovereignty should inspire deep worship and adoration.
• Thankfulness in all circumstances: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Recognizing God’s control over all events should lead us to gratitude, even in difficult times.

D. Trust in God’s Justice

Romans 9:14-15 “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”

We must trust in God’s perfect justice and mercy, even when we don’t understand His ways.

E. Peace in the Face of Uncertainty

Philippians 4:6-7 “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Knowing that God foreknows and controls all things should bring peace, even in uncertain times.

F. Seeking God’s Wisdom

James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

As we grapple with the deep truths of God’s foreknowledge, we should continually seek His wisdom, trusting that He will guide our understanding.

Conclusion

Understanding God’s foreknowledge and sovereignty will transform our daily lives. It will lead us to greater trust, deeper worship, and a more profound sense of peace. As we navigate life’s challenges, we can rest in the assurance that our sovereign God is working all things according to His perfect will.

Let us close with the words of Jude 1:24-25:

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”

As we conclude this study, remember that our understanding of God’s foreknowledge is a journey guided by the Father himself through Jesus Christ. Continue to seek His wisdom, trust in His sovereign plan, and live in the light of His foreknown purpose for your life.

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

Mike,

I heard someone actually say God does not foreknow our individual decisions. They used Gen 22:12 and Deu 8:2 as their prooftexts. Read those verses and they, at least on the surface, seem to back up this claim. But I know of many scriptures that declare God’s foreknowledge of the future, so I don’t think this idea of God not foreknowing individual decisions is correct, but I wanted to get your take on this topic? How do you view the idea of God not foreknowing our decisions? This may seem like a silly question because most would never say God does not foreknow everything , but there are some few who hold this view, and to me a God who is ignorant of certain things like the future is unsettling and has been bothering me. I think the theology of God not knowing the future is called “Open Theism”. I am guessing you have heard of it?

R____

Hi R____,
Thank you for your question.
You ask:

How do you view the idea of God not foreknowing our decisions?

The answer is, I view that idea as completely without one verse of scriptural foundation. Yes, it is true that Joshua told Israel “Choose you this day whom you will serve”.

Jos 24:15  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [ were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joseph acknowledged that his brothers had chosen to sell him into Egypt.

Gen 45:4  And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I [ am] Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.
Gen 45:5  Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Joseph does not say ‘God sold me here’, he says ” You sold me here”. But that is not the “sum of God’s Word on why Joseph’s brothers sold him into Egypt. Joseph goes on to explain, “because God did send me before you to preserve life.” Then he makes that statement even clearer:

Gen 45:6  For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.
Gen 45:7  And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.
Gen 45:8  So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

“It was not you… but God”??? If it really was God, then God knew in advance exactly what all ten of Joseph’s brothers were thinking, and He knew in advance just exactly what they were about to do. In other words, the truth of that situation and every situation that has ever been or ever will be is this:

Pro 16:1  The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

Those “preparations of the heart in man must surely include the evil thought of selling Joseph into slavery in Egypt and selling our Lord to the high priest and every other evil thought. If it does not include all the evil “preparations of the heart in man”, then the Lord is not sovereign over much of anything, because this is the simple Truth concerning the preparations of the thoughts of mankind in general:

Gen 6:5  And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Rom 3:10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Rom 3:11  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
Rom 3:12  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

That is why only three verses after telling us that “the preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord” in Pro 16:1 we are told this amazing Truth of God’s Word:

Pro 16:4  The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

That is also why Joshua, only four verses after telling Israel to “choose you this day who you will serve”, made this revealing statement about Israel’s ability to follow through with that choice:

Jos 24:19  And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins.

Mercy and forgiveness of sins comes only through Christ. There was no mercy or forgiveness of sins under the law of Moses.

Heb 10:28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

So all flesh is inherently evil, by God’s design, and must be relinquished if we are to enter into the kingdom of God as our ultimate inheritance.

1Co 15:50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

So all who teach that God does not “foreknow our decisions” are simply blinded to the consistent truth of God’s Word which, from Genesis to Revelation, declares:

1Co 3:20  And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise” because:

Pro 16:1  The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

Yes. it is true. The Lord Himself does not cause us to sin, but He does send evil spirits to cause every evil accomplished “in the city”.

Jas 1:13  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
1Sa 16:14  But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
Amo 3:6  Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?

You said:

I think the theology of God not knowing the future is called “Open Theism””

Yes, that is what it is called, and “open theism” is simply a man- made doctrine which declares that God has given mankind a will that is free from God’s influence. It is a doctrine which places the salvation of mankind in mankind’s own hands, via mankind’s supposed free will. What this does is to place mankind on the throne of His own heart, and the greatest battle any of us will ever fight is the battle to determine who sits upon and rules the throne of our hearts. Until we are willing to acknowledge that even our evil thoughts are the work of God via “an evil spirit from the Lord” to sell our brother in to slavery or to “thrust him through with a javelin”, like Joseph’s brothers, we will suffer the fruit of that doctrine of believing that we have brought evil upon ourselves. That is a lie. We may not want to acknowledge it, but God makes it very clear that all evil is His creation and not ours.

Isa 45:7  I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
Pro 16:4  The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

It is by God’s own design that this battle must be fought, but all who teach the false doctrine of “open theism” and who want to keep the beastly “man of sin” upon that throne are completely unaware of the truth that is twice stated in these few verses of Rom 7, as well as throughout the scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation. This is the Truth concerning our will as it relates to God’s Will:

Rom 7:17  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [ how] to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom 7:19  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom 7:20  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:21  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

There it is before us twice repeated, “It is no more I that do it [ sin], but sin that dwells in me” via “a law” which is called “the law of sin and death” (Rom 7:23, 25, and 8:2).
It is by law that I must sin, but who created and sustains that law to this day?

Jas 4:12  There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

So how can anyone overcome that law and be saved? Is this really a matter of anyone’s fabled ‘free will’? No, a thousand times, no. Here is the only way any of us will be saved from the law of sin that is in our members.

Rom 7:24  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

It is in our flesh to serve “the law of sin”, and if Christ is not dwelling in these “vessels of clay”, then we will not have dominion over sin in our lives. But if He is living His life in us, then sin does not have the dominion, even as we dwell in vessels of sinful flesh and blood.

Rom 6:14  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

How is it possible for the multitudes who come to Christ, as well as the many great “men of God” who are so educated and who have many degrees in theology, not to see that “it is not I that sin”? That is only possible by God’s divine intervention and by Him “giving them eyes that see, but do not perceive, and ears that hear, but do not understand.”

Mat 13:10  And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Mat 13:11  He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Mat 13:12  For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Mat 13:13  Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Mat 13:14  And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

We all live by “every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Mat 4:4), so we all first fail to see or hear the spiritual “mysteries of the kingdom of heaven”. But God “know the thoughts” because “the preparations of the heart are from the Lord” and the “open theists” have not yet been given eyes that see or ears to hear that Truth.
With these Truths firmly established, let’s now look at the two verses you reference:

Gen 22:12  And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
Deu 8:2  And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Anyone who thinks that these two verses prove that God is unaware of what is in our hearts obviously thinks that the scriptures contradict themselves, and they do not believe that God creates evil and makes evil men for the day of evil in the lives of those evil men which we all are.
Anyone who thinks that God is “proving us to know what is in our hearts” for His own sake, apparently thinks that God didn’t even know where Adam and Eve were when He called out to them in the garden.

Gen 3:8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
Gen 3:9  And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

Christ asked Adam, “Where are you”, not for His own edification, but so He could discover behind which tree Adam was hiding. Christ posed this question to show Adam that Adam was not where he belonged. So too, God proved both Abraham and Israel, not for Himself, but to show us whether we are yet humbled and are yet willing to put him ahead of all things on this earth. All “open theists” are completely unaware of the truth of these verses, and they have no clue what “live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” means:

Psa 139:16  Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.
Psa 139:17  How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Ecc 1:13 I applied my heart to inquiring and exploring by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens: it is an experience of evil Elohim has given to the sons of humanity to humble them by it.
Eph 1:11  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Every evil day of every man whom God has made for the day of evil in every man was all “written in His book when as yet there was not one of them.” God has given us all this “experience of evil to humble us”, and He is “working all things after the counsel of His own will”.
If you have not yet done so, please take the time to read the paper in the Essential Reading section of the upper left corner of the iswasandwillbe. com homepage entitled After The Counsel of His Own Will.
I hope this all helps you to see that God is far more capable than we are able to conceive, and that even the preparations of the thoughts of all of us really were written in His book before the world began, and that the doctrine of mankind being given a free will which is independent of God’s will is not based upon scripture, but is based upon the vain reasonings of men who are not yet given the power to dethrone the beast who is still sitting upon the throne of their hearts.
This is the opposite of that doctrine, and this is when God knew what He had written in His book:

Rom 9:16  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Rom 9:17  For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
2Ti 1:9  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
Tit 1:2  In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Your brother in Christ,
Mike