What does "I have told you in advance" teach about Jesus' foreknowledge? Setting of the Phrase Matthew 24 records Jesus on the Mount of Olives describing future events. False messiahs, worldwide turmoil, and persecution are all foretold. In that setting He says: “For false christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that could deceive even the elect, if that were possible. See, I have told you in advance.” What Jesus’ Words Reveal About His Foreknowledge • Divine omniscience: Only the all-knowing God can speak of future deception with perfect accuracy (cf. Isaiah 46:9-10). • Total certainty: His warning is not guesswork; it will unfold exactly as He says. • Protective love: Foreknowledge shared “in advance” equips disciples to recognize and resist error. • Authority over history: He does more than predict; He rules the events He predicts (Revelation 1:8). • Validation of identity: When the foretold signs occur, they prove He truly is the Messiah (John 13:19). Implications for Believers • Confidence in Scripture—every prophecy is trustworthy. • Alertness—forewarned believers are less vulnerable to spiritual deception. • Perseverance—knowing trials are foreseen encourages steadfast faith (1 Peter 4:12-13). • Evangelistic urgency—His foresight underscores that history is moving toward a divinely set climax (Acts 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:2). Other Scriptures Affirming Christ’s Foreknowledge • John 14:29: “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.” • John 16:4: “I have told you these things so that when their time comes, you will remember that I told you about them.” • John 13:19: “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He.” • Luke 22:31-34: Jesus predicts Peter’s denial and his future restoration. • Revelation 1:1-3: The risen Christ reveals future events to His servant John. Takeaway Summary “I have told you in advance” showcases Jesus’ full, divine foreknowledge. He sees every detail of history before it happens, lovingly discloses what His followers need to know, and thereby confirms both His deity and the unerring reliability of His Word. |
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