Bible Study Is God omniscient?

[TonyChanYT]

Dr John Polkinghorne said:

God is not caught out by the future but he doesn't know precisely what it is going to be.

According to Polkinghorne, God set limits to his omniscience. I do not see it that way.

By dictionary definition, omniscient means "knowing everything". By this definition, is God omniscient?

Yes, Isaiah 46:

10 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.’

Psalm 139:

4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

1 Kings 8:

39 then hear in heaven your dwelling place and forgive and act and render to each whose heart you know, according to all his ways (for you, you only, know the hearts of all the children of mankind),

1 John 3:

20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.

The above are some strong indications that God knows everything.

Does God know something right before it happens or did God know everything that was going to happen even before the creation?

I'd say the latter.

More interesting still, God knows even possible future in 1 Samuel 23:

9 When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” 10 David said, “Lord, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. 11 Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? Lord, God of Israel, tell your servant.”

And the Lord said, “He will.”

12Again David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?”

And the Lord said, “They will.”

But it was not going to happen because David would not stay and let it happen:

13 So David and his men, about six hundred in number, left Keilah and kept moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he did not go there.

In the NT, Jesus asserted in (Contemporary English Version) Matthew 11:

23 People of Capernaum, do you think you will be honored in heaven? You will go down to hell! If the miracles that took place in your town had happened in Sodom, it would still be standing.

God knows everything that happens and the outcomes of things that didn't happen. God knows all these things without a step-by-step calculation.

See also

• Did the LORD regret anything?

 

[hawkman]

According to Polkinghorne, God set limits to his omniscience. I do not see it that way.

I think God could set limits to his knowing everything , why do you think He could not set limits ?

 

[TonyChanYT]

I think God could set limits to his knowing everything , why do you think He could not set limits ?

Can you quote my words where I asserted that God could not?

 

[for_his_glory]

God is without boundaries and has unlimited power and authority. He is limitless in all he has ever done, ever will do or ever speak as all of creation is subject to his omnipotence. We can read of God’s creation in Genesis chapter one that he is the creative word as he only had to speak the universe into existence and it was done. Genesis 17:1, 2 he is expressed by his name Almighty God before Abraham who spoke with great authority and power as he told Abraham to walk worthy before him and made his covenant between himself, Abraham and all generations to come in Genesis 12.

God is in control of nations and nature through out history as we can clearly see that his word says do not touch mine anointed in Psalms 105:15 as God’s covenant is to all generations that will walk and be made perfect before him. God has control of all the covenant promises he has made with his people and that no one can interfere with what God has given them. A good example of this is when God gave Israel the land of Canaan that was rich with milk and honey that they should never depart from that land. Many have tried to come against Gods Promised Land and God will always put the enemy in our hands with his unlimited power and authority, which is also given to us through grace to stand against the enemy.

God’s omnipotence is expressed through his son Christ Jesus whom gave his life as a ransom so we could have eternal life with the Father, John 3:16; Romans 10:9, 10. God’s infinite power is shown through the Holy Spirit that guides us, comforts us, protects us and teaches us all things of Gods word, John 14:26.

Through doubt, which is lack of faith, we at times limit God and place boundaries around him that shuts off his power and authority in our lives especially when we face trials and tribulations we allow ourselves to get caught up in and see no way out, which opens the door for Satan to bring fear into our thoughts. James 1:17 says every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from God whom is no variableness, but we try to change what God is even when he is unchangeable and we can not fathom with our carnal mind how God can change every situation in our life.

God only wants the best for us and will always give us his best in his timing. When we wait on Gods timing then his perfection is fulfilled in us which brings glory and honor to his name. Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Teach us Lord of your omnipotence that we may walk before you in all your fullness.

 

[hawkman]

Can you quote my words where I asserted that God could not?

According to Polkinghorne, God set limits to his omniscience. I do not see it that way.

 

[TonyChanYT]

1. I do not see that God set limits to his omniscience.

2. I do not see that God could set limits to his omniscience.

Which did I say?

 

[hawkman]

1. I do not see that God set limits to his omniscience.

2. I do not see that God could set limits to his omniscience.

Which did I say?

According to Polkinghorne, God set limits to his omniscience.

Then you said what is quoted below .

I do not see it that way.

How do YOU see it ?

 

[TonyChanYT]

Then you said what is quoted below .

How do YOU see it ?

God knows everything that happens and the outcomes (Click the link to see more detail) of things that didn't happen. God knows all these things without a step-by-step calculation.

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

Is an author omniscient of their own book? Do they know how it would end before they write down the forewords?