Topical Encyclopedia
God's KnowledgeThe omniscience of God is a foundational attribute, affirming that God possesses complete and perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. This divine attribute is evident throughout Scripture, where God's understanding is portrayed as infinite and beyond human comprehension.
Psalm 147:5 declares, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." This verse underscores the boundless nature of God's knowledge, emphasizing that nothing is hidden from Him.
God's knowledge is not limited to the external actions of individuals but extends to the innermost thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:13 states, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." This comprehensive awareness ensures that God is fully informed of every aspect of His creation, including the secret motives and desires of each person.
The prophetic writings further illustrate God's foreknowledge, as He declares events before they occur.
Isaiah 46:9-10 proclaims, "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.’" This passage highlights God's sovereign ability to foresee and ordain future events according to His divine will.
God's JudgmentGod's judgment is an expression of His holiness and justice, reflecting His righteous character. Throughout the Bible, God's judgments are portrayed as fair, impartial, and based on His perfect knowledge.
Romans 2:6-8 affirms, "God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.' To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger."
The Scriptures reveal that God's judgment is both present and future. In the present, God exercises His judgment through various means, including natural consequences, societal laws, and divine intervention. However, the ultimate judgment is reserved for the end of the age, when all individuals will stand before God to give an account of their lives.
Revelation 20:12 describes this final judgment: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books."
God's judgment is also tempered by His mercy and grace, as He desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (
2 Peter 3:9). The provision of salvation through Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God's mercy, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to those who believe.
John 3:16-17 encapsulates this truth: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."
In summary, God's knowledge and judgment are integral aspects of His divine nature, ensuring that He governs the universe with wisdom, justice, and love. These attributes provide assurance to believers that God is both aware of their circumstances and committed to executing His righteous purposes in their lives and in the world.