FOREKNOWLEDGE.See Predestination.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
Human knowledge is governed by the awareness that people have of a past, a present and a future, but Gods knowledge is not. God is eternal, and his knowledge is not related to a sequence of events that he must experience in a world of time and space (Isa_57:15; Jer_23:24; see ETERNITY; TIME). Human language uses the word foreknowledge in relation to God because it is the most convenient word available to indicate knowledge of events that human beings sees as future. From their viewpoint, Gods knowledge of the entire history of the universe is foreknowledge (Psa_139:4-6; Psa_139:16; Isa_46:9-10; Act_2:23).
When the Bible speaks of Gods foreknowledge it means more than merely that he knows what will happen. Usually Gods foreknowledge is linked with Gods purpose, which means that it is often the same as his pre-determined will. Gods foreknowledge is according to his plan, and therefore may be another word for predestination (Act_2:23; Rom_8:29; Heb_11:40; see PREDESTINATION).
Gods sovereignty does not alter the fact that people are responsible for their actions. This may be a mystery beyond our understanding, but we do not solve the mystery by weakening the truth. We accept the perfect purposes of a sovereign God and at the same time acknowledge the free will of responsible human beings (Luk_22:22; Act_2:23; see also ELECTION).
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary by Don Fleming
PRINTER 1990.
Foreknowledge
SEE PRESCIENCE.
CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.