Results 1 - 4 of 4
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How does foreknowledge preclude free? | Gen 6:6 | Morant61 | 115938 | ||
Greetings Bstudent! While difficult for us to grasp because we are subject to time and space, God is not. Is God confined to one location? How can He be everywhere at all times? Yet, Scripture affirms that this is the case. In the same way, God is timeless (as time is just one dimension of space). Therefore, He is at all 'times' at once. Therefore, He doesn't know what 'will' happen. He knows what 'is' happening at every moment, but He knows it timelessly. Since we are bound by time, His interactions with us of course occur within time. Thus, He punishes Adam 'after' he disobeys. If you want to study this concept more, look up the 'eternal now' on the internet. Or, look up the timelessness of God. These are both classic concepts with it comes to the nature of God. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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2 | How does foreknowledge preclude free? | Gen 6:6 | bstudent | 115986 | ||
"Classic concepts on God's nature" abound, but you and I are concerned with the truth of God's word. I have cited a few verses that indicate God can and does choose when to exercise his ability to look into the future. Surely he can tell the "finale from the beginning," but it is not necessary for him to know every detail in order to ensure the outcome. He had confidence that perfect humans could do his required will, and thankfully, with the help he has provided even we as imperfect offspring of Adam can live up to his requirements. (Matt 22:37-39) We were created in His image, so what we conceive as loving, just and wise should conform, though pale in comparison, to the Creator. Timeless, spaceless, omnipresent, multi-dimensional are impressive qualities, but without his matchless love, justice, power and wisdom, no one would be truely motivated to serve him. I've illustrated in human terms and explained by Scriptural references that contradict an "all-knowing" God why I don't by into this concept. Using encyclopias, I was surprised to learn how many concepts of Christendom have their roots in pagan philosophies rather than the Bible. Paul cautioned: "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." (Col 2:8) More important, Jesus told the Samaritan she worship what she didn't know, or "grasp," but said the Father is looking for those that will worship with "spirit and truth." He further promised 'we will know the truth and it will set us free.' Please cite the three most convincing Scriptures that, if not for the problems created by the verses I've cited, would lead one to believe that God knows (not, can choose to know,) everything that will ever happen in the future before it does. I will explain how we can grasp the harmonious understanding of these in light of apparent conflicting text. This subject is important to me because of the negative impact I have seen it have on people who might otherwise be interested in spiritual things. |
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3 | How does foreknowledge preclude free? | Gen 6:6 | Morant61 | 115999 | ||
Greetings Bstudent! It is good to hear from you. The problem I have is that I don't see the 'conflict' that you see. None of the verses you cited say that God doesn't know the future. None of them say that knowing future free acts makes them less free. So, where is the conflict? Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
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4 | How does foreknowledge preclude free? | Gen 6:6 | bstudent | 116045 | ||
The verses certainly imply that he must not choose to know. This is consistent with our God-given sense of reason, otherwise Adam may have "thought" he had freewill but the outcome was predetermined. We may not "want" to hold God accountable for Adam's sin but the facts would provide no alternative, except to say "its a mystery." (That is, a mystery how God can do something that we find repugnant in each other.) Daily the courts determine if actions were premeditated in order to determine level of accountability. No one can purpose an action, carry it out, and then reject responsibility. I requested 3 Scriptures to prove God always chooses to know or that he has no ability to control what he will allow himself to consider when carrying out his will. I believe he will not consider steps that would hinder my genuine freewill. He may however, squash me like a grape if my inclinations indicate my future course would conflict with his will. |
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