Topical Encyclopedia The term "foreknown" in the Bible refers to the divine attribute of God's omniscience, particularly His knowledge of future events and individuals before they come into existence or before they occur. This concept is closely associated with God's sovereignty and His eternal plan of salvation. The idea of being "foreknown" is primarily discussed in the context of God's relationship with His people and His redemptive purposes.Biblical References: 1. Romans 8:29 : "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." This verse highlights the intimate and purposeful knowledge God has of His people. It suggests that God's foreknowledge is not merely awareness of future events but involves a relational aspect, where He sets His love and purpose on individuals. 2. 1 Peter 1:1-2 : "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect, exiles of the Dispersion throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance." Here, foreknowledge is linked with election, indicating that God's choice of His people is rooted in His foreknowledge, which is part of His divine plan. 3. Acts 2:23 : "He was handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross." This passage refers to Jesus Christ's crucifixion, emphasizing that it was not a random event but part of God's predetermined plan, known and ordained by Him beforehand. Theological Implications: The concept of being "foreknown" is significant in discussions of predestination and election. It underscores the belief that God's knowledge and plans are not reactive but proactive, meaning that God does not simply foresee events but actively ordains them according to His will. This understanding affirms God's ultimate authority and control over history and individual destinies. In the context of salvation, being foreknown by God is a source of comfort and assurance for believers. It implies that their relationship with God is not based on their own merits or actions but on God's eternal purpose and love. This perspective encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plan and to find security in His unchanging nature. Related Concepts: · Predestination: The doctrine that God has eternally chosen those whom He will save, based on His foreknowledge and purpose. · Election: The belief that God has selected certain individuals for salvation, a choice rooted in His foreknowledge and grace. · Omniscience: The attribute of God that denotes His complete and perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. Historical Context: Throughout church history, the concept of foreknowledge has been a topic of theological debate, particularly in discussions between different Christian traditions regarding the nature of God's sovereignty and human free will. The Reformed tradition, for example, emphasizes God's sovereign election and foreknowledge as central to understanding salvation, while other traditions may interpret these concepts with a greater emphasis on human responsibility and response. In summary, the biblical concept of being "foreknown" by God is deeply intertwined with His sovereign will and redemptive plan, offering believers a profound sense of security and purpose in their relationship with Him. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. p.) of Foreknow.Greek 4267. proginosko -- to know beforehand ... Word Origin from pro and ginosko Definition to know beforehand NASB Word Usage foreknew (2), foreknown (1), knowing...beforehand (1), known (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4267.htm - 7k Library Infants are not Judged According to that which they are Foreknown ... In How Many Ways Things Future are Foreknown. Neither Philosophers ... Against the Preaching of Predestination the Same Objections May be ... Whether Divination is a Sin? Concerning the Foreknowledge of God and the Free Will of Man, in ... Predestination is Sometimes Signified under the Name of ... Whether Divination by the Stars is Unlawful? Whether God Can do what He Does Not? The Theology of Grace. Proofs from the Apostolic Writings, that Jesus Christ was one and ... Thesaurus Foreknown (3 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (pp) of Foreknow. Multi-Version Concordance Foreknown (3 Occurrences). Romans 8:29 Because whom he has ... /f/foreknown.htm - 7k Foreknowledge (2 Occurrences) Foreknow (1 Occurrence) Foreman (2 Occurrences) Predestinated (4 Occurrences) Sakes (35 Occurrences) Foundation (82 Occurrences) Appeared (137 Occurrences) Revealed (129 Occurrences) Resources What is reprobation? What does it mean to be reprobate? | GotQuestions.orgIs God sovereign over death? | GotQuestions.org If God knew that Adam and Eve would sin, why did He create them? | GotQuestions.org Foreknown: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Foreknown (3 Occurrences)Romans 8:29 1 Peter 1:20 Ecclesiastes 6:10 Subtopics Related Terms |