Transcendence of God

The transcendence of God refers to His existence and authority above and beyond the created universe. This attribute emphasizes that God is not limited by the physical realm and is distinct from His creation. God's transcendence is a fundamental aspect of His nature, highlighting His majesty, sovereignty, and holiness.

Scripture frequently attests to God's transcendence. In Isaiah 55:8-9 , the Lord declares, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." This passage underscores the vast difference between God's nature and human understanding.

Psalm 113:5-6 further illustrates this concept: "Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high? He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth." Here, God's exalted position is contrasted with His willingness to engage with creation, emphasizing His supreme authority and separateness.

The transcendence of God is also evident in His holiness. In Isaiah 6:1-3 , the prophet Isaiah witnesses a vision of the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with seraphim calling out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This triple declaration of holiness signifies God's absolute purity and separateness from sin.

Omniscience of God

God's omniscience refers to His complete and perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. This attribute affirms that nothing is hidden from God, and He possesses an infinite understanding of all creation.

The Bible provides numerous affirmations of God's omniscience. Psalm 147:5 states, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." This verse highlights the boundless nature of God's knowledge, which encompasses all aspects of existence.

In 1 John 3:20 , the apostle John writes, "For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things." This passage reassures believers of God's intimate awareness of their innermost thoughts and feelings, affirming His comprehensive knowledge.

The omniscience of God is also evident in His foreknowledge and providence. In Isaiah 46:9-10 , God declares, "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 reveals God's ability to declare future events with certainty, demonstrating His sovereign control over history.

Furthermore, God's omniscience is portrayed in His intimate knowledge of individuals. In Psalm 139:1-4 , David acknowledges, "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD." This personal knowledge underscores God's deep understanding of each person.

In summary, the transcendence and omniscience of God are foundational attributes that reveal His supreme authority, holiness, and infinite knowledge. These characteristics distinguish God as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, worthy of worship and reverence.