Divine Authority

Divine authority refers to the ultimate power and right of God to govern all creation. This authority is inherent in God's nature as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The Bible consistently affirms God's supreme authority over all things, both in heaven and on earth. In the Old Testament, God's authority is evident in His creation of the world (Genesis 1:1), His covenant with Israel (Exodus 19:5-6), and His sovereign rule over nations (Isaiah 40:15-17). The psalmist declares, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all" (Psalm 103:19).

In the New Testament, divine authority is further revealed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the Son of God, possesses the same authority as the Father. He demonstrates this authority through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately, His resurrection. Jesus states, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" (Matthew 28:18). This authority is not only over physical and spiritual realms but also extends to the forgiveness of sins (Mark 2:10) and the final judgment (John 5:22).

The authority of God is also mediated through Scripture, which is regarded as the inspired and authoritative Word of God. The apostle Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). Believers are called to submit to God's authority as revealed in His Word and to live in obedience to His commands.

Foreknowledge

Foreknowledge refers to God's ability to know all things before they happen. This attribute is closely related to God's omniscience, which encompasses His complete and perfect knowledge of past, present, and future events. The Bible affirms God's foreknowledge in several passages, highlighting His ability to declare the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) and to know the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Psalm 139:1-4).

In the New Testament, the concept of foreknowledge is often associated with God's redemptive plan. The apostle Peter speaks of Jesus as "the Lamb who was foreknown before the foundation of the world" (1 Peter 1:20), indicating that God's plan of salvation through Christ was established before creation. Similarly, Paul writes, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29), suggesting that God's foreknowledge is intricately linked to His purpose and calling for believers.

Foreknowledge does not imply determinism or negate human free will. Instead, it reflects God's sovereign ability to work all things according to His will while allowing human beings to make genuine choices. God's foreknowledge assures believers of His providential care and the certainty of His promises. As Paul declares, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

In summary, divine authority and foreknowledge are foundational attributes of God that underscore His sovereignty, wisdom, and faithfulness. These attributes provide believers with confidence in God's ultimate control over history and assurance of His eternal purposes.