Universal Knowledge of God
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The concept of the Universal Knowledge of God refers to the belief that the awareness of God's existence and attributes is accessible to all humanity, regardless of cultural or geographical boundaries. This understanding is rooted in the biblical narrative and is supported by various passages that suggest God's self-revelation to all people.

Biblical Foundation

1. Creation as Revelation: The Bible asserts that the natural world is a testament to God's existence and power. In Romans 1:19-20 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse." This passage suggests that the created order itself reveals God's attributes, making His presence known universally.

2. Innate Knowledge: Ecclesiastes 3:11 states, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end." This verse implies that God has placed an awareness of eternity and, by extension, a sense of the divine within every human heart.

3. Moral Conscience: The moral law written on human hearts is another avenue through which God is known universally. Romans 2:14-15 explains, "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them." This internal moral compass is seen as evidence of God's universal revelation.

Theological Implications

1. Accountability: The universal knowledge of God implies that all people are accountable to Him. Since God's attributes are evident in creation and conscience, humanity is without excuse for unbelief or disobedience.

2. Common Grace: This concept also aligns with the doctrine of common grace, which suggests that God's grace is extended to all people, allowing them to perceive His presence and goodness in the world around them.

3. Evangelism and Mission: The belief in universal knowledge underscores the importance of evangelism and mission work. While general revelation makes God known to all, the specific revelation of the Gospel is necessary for salvation. This drives the Christian imperative to share the message of Jesus Christ with all nations.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

Throughout history, various cultures have recognized a supreme being or higher power, reflecting the universal knowledge of God. This is evident in the diverse religious expressions and philosophical inquiries found across civilizations. The Bible acknowledges this in Acts 17:26-27 , where Paul addresses the Athenians: "From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us."

Conclusion

The universal knowledge of God is a foundational concept that affirms God's self-revelation to all humanity through creation, conscience, and moral understanding. It emphasizes human accountability, the role of common grace, and the necessity of evangelism, while recognizing the diverse ways in which different cultures have perceived the divine.
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