Audio Download

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.”