the All-Knowing God

[All4Christ]

Hi all! I'm not sure if this is the right place for this topic, but it seemed to fit best, so here it is. A bunch of kids in my college-age class at Church have been debated on whether or not God is all-knowing. Now, there are quite a few good arguments for both sides, which I will go into in another post, but I'd like to know what you all think. I also realize that those who believe in predestination will have a different view than the views I would be presenting here, but I would more than welcome your opinions as well. Thanks!

 

[erichmess_]

I think He's all knowing. I'm sure someone has some scripture to back it up, but I really don't see how He couldn't be.

 

[Knight]

God the Father is all knowing. (Omnipotent)

 

[ZiSunka]

All knowing.

But I'm not one of the "predestination" folks.

 

[Andrew]

If he's not all-knowing, it means he's clueless on some things, which means he can't be God, so yes He is certainly all-knowing. Wisdom was after all, God's first creation.

Proverbs 8
22 "The LORD brought me [wisdom] forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old;
23 I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.

 

[All4Christ]

Scripture backup? Some of you said why, but others didn't. And why can't God be God if He doesn't know everything that will happen in the future? I think we all agree that he knows what happens now, but is it possible that He knows every single possible outcome of what happens depending on what choice we make? I'm partially just acting devil's advocate, partially finding out what I want to believe myself.

 

[All4Christ]

Oh, Andrew, I just found your reply...thanks for scripture backup

 

[rantcliff]

If he's not all-knowing, it means he's clueless on some things, which means he can't be God, so yes He is certainly all-knowing. Wisdom was after all, God's first creation.

Proverbs 8
22 "The LORD brought me [wisdom] forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old;
23 I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the world began.

Excellent example of circular argument - thanks!

So how do you know he is all knowing?

 

[All4Christ]

Tell me, is it possible to change your mind about the destruction of a city if you already know what your final thoughts will be? Take the example of Ninevah. It says that God changed his mind about the destruction of Ninevah when they repented. Is this not a literal changing of the mind? Because if it is literal, as I believe the Bible to be, it implies that he had two possible outcomes that he would choose from, which were dependent on what Ninevah chose. It doesn't say that he would have mercy on them because Ninevah was going to repent. I know that I am not well-versed in debate, so forgive me if this is trivial. Thanks!

 

[SavedByGrace3]

What does it mean to "know".

Does it mean to be aware of things?
Does it mean to have knowledge about things?

To be "all knowing" would seem to say He is simultaniously aware of all things at all times, past, present, and future.

Does God limit Himself to what things that He is aware of?
I think He does. He can know all things at all times... but I think He has chosen not to.

I think people use the "all knowing" attribute of God to create some pretty harmful doctrine. They also use the "all powerful" attribute in an attempt to blame evil on God.

To truely understand God, one must look at Jesus. He is the exact image of the Father. If you see Jesus, you see the Father.

Do not define God by theological arguements.
Define God by the definition that He has provided. >>>> Jesus!!!!!

 

[Sechskantdrache]

God exists beyond all rules and restrictions.

Do not try to understand it.

 

[All4Christ]

I understand that God exists beyond all rules and restrictions. By definition of what God is, he is beyond all rules and all comprehension of humans. But does it hurt to use the mind God has given us to attempt to understand a small iota of God? Especially when you are hearing arguments from fellow college classmates against Christianity because of the doctrine of God being all-knowing? I agree with you, but in a slightly different way. Don't focus so on trying to define God that you lose sight of what's important in your relationship. I have learned that the hard way. But I don't think that God wants us to quench any desire to know him and know what he is like. I think he wants us to try to get to know him, but not let that consume our Christian walk. Just my opinion--

Laura

 

[Knight]

All4Christ,
What kind of arguments are you hearing about God the Father not being all-knowing?

I understand the pressure that is on college students with all the secular mentality that permeates those institutions and I'l like to help if I can.

 

[All4Christ]

Well, right now I am leaving for work, but when I get back, I can write the arguments they make here. Thanks for understanding the pressure that we often have at college--even at liberal Christian colleges. Until then....God Bless!