Foreknowledge

The concept of God's foreknowledge is a fundamental aspect of His omniscience, indicating that God possesses complete and perfect knowledge of all events, past, present, and future. This foreknowledge is not merely a passive awareness but is intricately connected to His divine will and purpose. In the Scriptures, God's foreknowledge is often linked to His sovereign plan and the unfolding of history according to His divine purposes.

One of the key passages that highlight God's foreknowledge is found in the book of Isaiah: "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’" (Isaiah 46:9-10). This passage underscores God's ability to declare the end from the beginning, affirming His comprehensive knowledge of all things.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of God's foreknowledge in the context of salvation: "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:29). Here, foreknowledge is closely associated with God's predestining work, indicating that God's knowledge of future events is part of His sovereign plan to bring about His purposes in the lives of believers.

Control

God's control, often referred to as His sovereignty, is the doctrine that God exercises supreme authority and power over all creation. This control is not arbitrary but is exercised in accordance with His perfect wisdom, justice, and love. The Bible affirms that God is actively involved in the world, guiding and directing the course of history to fulfill His divine purposes.

The Psalms frequently attest to God's sovereign control over creation: "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all" (Psalm 103:19). This verse emphasizes that God's rule is comprehensive, extending over all realms and aspects of existence.

In the book of Daniel, God's control is vividly illustrated in the narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar, who is humbled by God to recognize His sovereignty: "The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to whom He wishes" (Daniel 4:32). This account demonstrates that even the mightiest of earthly rulers are subject to God's authority and control.

The New Testament also affirms God's sovereign control, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In Acts, the early church acknowledges God's hand in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion: "Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. They did what Your power and will had decided beforehand should happen" (Acts 4:27-28). This passage highlights that even the actions of those opposed to God ultimately serve His predetermined plan.

Interplay of Foreknowledge and Control

The interplay between God's foreknowledge and control is a profound mystery that underscores His divine nature. While human understanding is limited, Scripture reveals that God's foreknowledge and control work together to accomplish His purposes without violating human responsibility. This is evident in the account of Joseph, where his brothers' actions, though intended for harm, were used by God for good: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people" (Genesis 50:20).

In summary, God's foreknowledge and control are integral to His nature as the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe. These attributes assure believers of His unwavering purpose and the ultimate fulfillment of His divine will.