Focus, today, is upon divine foreknowledge, omniscience, and predetermination for events in the lives of created beings and living creatures. Also, there is more on faith, language, and “mystery.” A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Isis” (Level 1 with 37 points, a member since August 3, 2011) posted the following:
Does god know what will happen tomorrow?
THE BATTLE AXE: Faith, Language, and “Mystery”? (04/11/2013)—The understanding of “mystery” as special knowledge appears frequently within the holy writings. Even so, the meaning of “mystery” is fluid, and changes as we broaden or narrow focus. For example, consider again 1st Corinthians 4: 1, 1st Corinthians 13: 1-3, Ephesians 3: 2-12 and Ephesians 5: 31-32, KJV. Mystery is an aspect of spiritual relationship, a working of divine power, the dispensation of grace, eternal purpose, prophecy, the duties and works of priesthood, and a specific truth addressing divine acts to simultaneously separate and join (woman/man and Christ/the church). Here are some other awkward, yet repeatedly useful ideas and ways of regarding the “mysteries” of GOD. (1.) When reciting the prayers of the Rosary, a believer is to contemplate selected events from the life of Jesus and his mother Mary, that are spoken of as “mysteries.” (2.) The mystery of the kingdom of GOD is a shared reality and truth that unfolds within ones awareness through their continued being and existence. The kingdom is not a place in time or space, nor is the kingdom “all in ones mind.” Participation in the mysteries of the kingdom may be instructed and taught using parables, because as open-ended object lessons, parables grant believers latitude to assign meaning based on their own divine content of faith and hope. See Matthew 13: 10-12 and Luke 8: 9-11, King James Version.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Ephesians 1: 3-12, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Life Given By Knowledge? (04/03/2013); A Spirit Church? (04/04/2013); Did Jesus Know? (12/22/2012); The True Miracle (12/23/2012); Sin Unknown? (10/10/2012); When Prayer Works (10/11/2012); Blessings, Curses and Woes (10/03/2012); After We Die? (10/04/2012); Why Is GOD Blamed? (08/23/2012); Fire Baptism (08/24/2012); GOD Does Exist (03/20/2012); On Being Careful (02/13/2012); A New Earth (02/14/2012); The Afterlife? (12/30/2010); Diet and Food? (12/31/2010)
Isis, here are a few points I may share as a mature Christian believer that speak to GOD “knowing” the future. They will probably make most sense to you after you again show respect to GOD in prayer:
(1.) It is most correct to say that GOD is omniscient when speaking of divine purpose, sacred process, and the fulfillment of prophecy. The idea that GOD is aware of and recalls every detail for every event from the life of every created being or living creature is less correct. GOD is a spirit, and we must worship him (i.e., acknowledge him and know him) in spirit and in truth (John 4: 24, KJV). There are statements found in Scripture suggesting the breadth and depth of divine commitment to Creation as well the connection of many hidden truths for valuing human life. However, in no way should believers understand that GOD goes about filled with a “superfluity of naughtiness” and trivia. See Matthew 10: 29-31 and Luke 12: 6-7, KJV.
(2.) The foreknowledge of GOD seems to be made up of, and determined by the fixed decisions and set goals for Creation. In the same way a Washington Nationals fan may decide his son will be a baseball player (not a Capitol’s hockey star, or Wizard’s basketball great) long before the child is born or takes his first steps, may rush about buying bats, cleats, and gloves, and must then carefully maneuver his child to the sport as his own career goal; GOD has predetermined life, and eternal life for mankind. Believers are being moved through various preset sacraments, sacred experiences, and spiritual works to establish them in relationship with GOD and with one another. See Ephesians 2: 4-10 and 1st Peter 1: 13-21, KJV.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) GOD knows that self-will in created beings and living creatures may be dominated by sin. The full nature of humanity is expressed through both animal and divine aspects. (There must be an outworking of divine truth, a blossoming of holy seed, so to speak.) GOD has no final knowledge of ones deeds until after they have been manifest; and (so to speak) GOD does not go about with a catalog of errors and sins on his mind. Thus, the device of the books of life further come into view as vital for judgment and reward of mankind. See 1st Corinthians 3: 8-15 and Revelation 20: 11-13, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to the measure of faith you now contain.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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