Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the unity of God is foundational to the understanding of His divine nature and attributes. One of the profound aspects of this unity is God's exclusive possession of fore-knowledge, which underscores His sovereignty and omniscience. The Bible consistently affirms that God alone possesses the ability to know the future, setting Him apart from all creation and affirming His unique divinity.Scriptural Basis The Scriptures provide numerous attestations to God's fore-knowledge, emphasizing that He alone knows the end from the beginning. In Isaiah 46:9-10 , God declares, "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 passage highlights God's unparalleled ability to declare future events, a testament to His singular nature. Similarly, in Isaiah 42:8-9 , God asserts, "I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols. Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things; before they spring forth I proclaim them to you." Here, God's fore-knowledge is linked to His glory, which He shares with no other, reinforcing His unique position as the one true God. Theological Implications The unity of God, as demonstrated through His exclusive fore-knowledge, has significant theological implications. It affirms His omniscience, as God possesses complete and perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. This attribute is not shared with any other being, whether angelic or human, underscoring the distinctiveness of God's nature. Furthermore, God's fore-knowledge is intimately connected to His providence and sovereignty. In Romans 8:29-30 , the Apostle Paul writes, "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. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This passage illustrates how God's fore-knowledge is not passive but active, intricately woven into His divine plan and purpose for creation. Contrast with Human and Idolatrous Claims The Bible contrasts God's fore-knowledge with the limitations of human understanding and the impotence of idols. In Jeremiah 10:6-7 , the prophet declares, "There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power. Who would not fear You, O King of the nations? For it is Your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You." This passage underscores the futility of human wisdom compared to God's infinite knowledge. Moreover, the impotence of idols is highlighted in Isaiah 41:21-23 , where God challenges false gods to "declare to us the things to come, tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods." The inability of idols to predict the future serves to magnify God's unique fore-knowledge and the unity of His divine nature. Conclusion The unity of God, as exhibited in His exclusive possession of fore-knowledge, is a profound testament to His divine nature. Through His omniscience, God reveals His sovereignty, providence, and the futility of human and idolatrous claims to fore-knowledge. The Scriptures consistently affirm that God alone knows the future, setting Him apart as the one true God, worthy of worship and reverence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 46:9-11Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith. Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Memoir of John Bunyan Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources Marital Unity ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the National Council of Churches? | GotQuestions.org Is ecumenism biblical? Should a Christian be involved in the ecumenical movement (ecumenicalism)? | GotQuestions.org Unity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Unity of God: A Ground for Loving Him Supremely Unity of God: A Ground for Obeying Him Exclusively Unity of God: All Saints Acknowledge, in Worshipping Him Unity of God: All should Know and Acknowledge Unity of God: Asserted by Apostles Unity of God: Asserted by Christ Unity of God: Asserted by God Himself Unity of God: Asserted by Moses Unity of God: Consistent With the Deity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being Alone Good Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being Alone Possessed of Fore-Knowledge Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being the Only Saviour Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being the Only Source of Pardon Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being the Sole Object of Worship in Heaven and Earth Unity of God: Exhibited in His Exercise of Uncontrolled Sovereignty Unity of God: Exhibited in His Greatness and Wonderful Works Unity of God: Exhibited in His Unparalleled Election and Care of his People Unity of God: Exhibited in His Works of Creation and Providence Unity of God: May be Acknowledged Without Saving Faith Unity of God: The Knowledge of, Necessary to Eternal Life Related Terms |
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