Connect Acts 15:18 with Isaiah 46:10 on God's foreknowledge and sovereignty. The Early Church’s Confidence in God’s Eternal Plan – Acts 15:18 “‘says the Lord, who does these things that have been known for ages.’” • The Jerusalem Council wrestled with the Gentile question, yet James rests his argument on this conviction: God already “knew” and “planned” every work “from ages past.” • The statement acknowledges that what unfolded in their day—Gentiles turning to Christ—was not an improvisation but a chapter written in eternity. Isaiah’s Declaration of the Same Sovereign Certainty – Isaiah 46:10 “‘I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, “My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.”’” • From the outset, the Lord sets both the opening and closing scenes of history. • His “purpose” is unalterable; His “good pleasure” is unfailingly achieved. • The verse roots God’s foreknowledge in His absolute sovereignty—He determines, therefore He foreknows. A Seamless Thread of Foreknowledge and Sovereignty • Same Speaker, Same Certainty – Isaiah records God’s own words. – James cites the prophetic word as God’s voice still speaking. • Same Timeless Scope – Isaiah: “from the beginning … ancient times … what is still to come.” – Acts: “known for ages.” • Same Unshakable Outcome – Isaiah: “My purpose will stand.” – Acts: a divine plan coming to pass in the inclusion of the nations. How These Truths Steady Us Today • Assurance in Salvation – Romans 8:29–30 affirms that those foreknown are also glorified. Our redemption rests on eternal certainty. • Courage in Mission – Matthew 24:14; Revelation 7:9 show the global reach God already foresaw. Sharing the gospel joins a foreordained victory. • Peace in Providence – Psalm 139:16: “all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” He foresaw every step; nothing catches Him by surprise. • Hope in History – Daniel 4:35 reminds us that no one can thwart His hand. Nations rise and fall, yet His purpose stands as in Isaiah 46:10. Additional Witnesses Underscoring the Theme • 1 Peter 1:20 – Christ “was known before the foundation of the world.” • Ephesians 1:11 – We are “predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” • Proverbs 19:21 – “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” The harmony between Acts 15:18 and Isaiah 46:10 anchors our faith: the God who rules history also writes it, and every promise He pens will come to pass exactly as He has foreknown from eternity. |
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