Bible Authenticity

“I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”’” (Isaiah 46:10 New International Version) There is no question that the one who has “perfect knowledge” ( Job 36:4 NIV), Almighty God “knows everything” (1 John 3:20 NIV), so everything CAN be “foreknown” (1 Peter 1:20 LSB) by him. There have been numerous cases that are Biblically documented where he has demonstrated his unique ability to foreknow the future about many things, including individuals. The Bible is clear that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). However, just because he CAN know everything in advance, does that mean he does know everything in advance? While we will deal with this subject in general, this article will focus on the question, “does Almighty God foreknow each person’s eternal destiny?”

RELEVANT FACTS WE KNOW ABOUT GOD

Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (NIV). “This phrase suggests that humans have an innate sense of the eternal, a longing for something beyond the temporal world. This concept is unique to humanity, as it reflects . . .  the image of God in which humans were created (Genesis 1:27). The awareness of eternity points to a spiritual dimension that transcends earthly existence, indicating a divine purpose and destiny. This longing for eternity can be seen in various cultures and religions throughout history, where people seek meaning beyond the material world. It also connects to the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:2)” (Bible Hub Study Bible). We know that, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Would such a loving Almighty God put such a concept of, and desire for, “eternity” without any way to achieve it? – Hardly!

We know that “God . . . cannot lie” (Titus 1:2), and the “hope” that he offers “will not lead to disappointment” (Romans 5:5 NLT).

The scriptures refer to  “foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Peter 1:2 NIV), and “God’s settled purpose and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23 Weymouth New Testament) of certain important events. There is no question that God has chosen to foreknow, and even to “purpose”, or “foreordain” (1 Peter 1:20 NKJV) certain events in advance. But, does God foreknow everything that will ever happen in advance, including each person’s eternal destiny?

GOD CAN RESTRAIN HIS POWERS

Isaiah 42:14 – “For a long time I have held my peace; I have kept still and restrained myself” (English Standard Version). “The Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 4:11) has unlimited powers. “The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power” (Job 37:23 New International Version).  The Bible is also clear that he also has perfect self-control, “perfect patience” (1 Timothy 1:16 NASB), over those powers. That is, he controls his use of his powers to suit his purpose. Instead of using all of them indiscriminately, he exercises discriminate use of his powers. The thought of Almighty God using self control, or restraint, might, on the surface, seem strange. But, if we think through that a little bit, it is completely reasonable to think of him as doing so. Otherwise, wouldn’t he be out of control, even uncontrolled? For example, he has the power to destroy every human, and he has the power to give every human eternal life. But he will do neither. He will selectively give some eternal life, and some eternal death (Matthew 7:13,14).

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF GOD NOT USING HIS FOREKNOWLEDGE

Genesis 11:5  read more