The Knowledge Of God # 2

 The Knowledge Of God # 2

There is no danger of the individual saint being overlooked amidst the multitude of supplicants who daily and hourly present their various petitions, for an infinite Mind is as capable of paying the same attention to millions, as if only one individual were seeking its attention.

So too, the lack of appropriate language, the inability to give expression to the deepest longing of the soul - will not jeopardize our prayers, for "It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24).

"Great is our Lord, and of great power! His understanding is infinite" (Psalm 147:5). God not only knows whatever has happened in the past in every part of His vast domains, and He is not only thoroughly acquainted with everything that is now transpiring throughout the entire universe - but He is also perfectly cognizant of every event, from the least to the greatest, that ever will happen in the ages to come.

God's knowledge of the future is as complete as is His knowledge of the past, and the the present - and that, because the future depends entirely upon Himself. Were it in any ways possible for something to occur apart from either the direct agency or permission of God, then that something would be independent of Him, and He would at once cease to be Supreme.

Now the divine knowledge of the future is not a mere abstraction, but something which is inseparably connected with and accompanied by His purpose. God Himself designed whatever shall yet be, and what He has designed must be effectuated. As His most sure Word affirms, "He does according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand" (Daniel 4:35). And again, "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand" (Proverbs 19:21).

The wisdom and power of God being alike infinite, the accomplishment of whatever He has purposed is absolutely guaranteed. It is more possible for the divine counsels to fail in their execution than it would be for the thrice holy God to lie!

Nothing relating to the future is in any way uncertain so far as the actualization of God's counsels are concerned. None of His decrees are left contingent either on creatures or secondary causes. There is no future event which is only a mere possibility. "Known unto God are all His works from the beginning" (Acts 5:18). Whatever God has decreed is inexorably certain.

The perfect knowledge of God is exemplified and illustrated in every prophecy recorded in His Word. Such prophecies could only have been given by One who knew the end from the beginning.

It should be pointed out, however, that neither God's knowledge nor His cognition of the future, considered simply in themselves, are causative. Nothing has ever come to pass, or ever will, merely because God knew it. The cause of all things is the will of God. 

A word or two by way of APPLICATION. The infinite knowledge of God should fill us with amazement. How far exalted above the wisest man is the Lord! None of us knows what a day may bring forth, but all futurity is open to His omniscient gaze. The infinite knowledge of God ought to fill us with holy awe. Nothing we do, say, or even think, escapes the cognizance of Him with whom we have to do. "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (Proverbs 15:3).

What a curb on sin this would be unto us, did we but meditate upon it more frequently! Instead of acting recklessly, we should say with Hagar, "You God see me!" (Genesis 16:13).

The apprehension of God's infinite knowledge should fill the Christian with adoration. The whole of my life stood open to His view from the beginning. He foresaw my every fall, my every sin, my every backsliding, yet, nevertheless, fixed His heart upon me. Oh, how the realization of this should bow me in wonder and worship before Him!

~A. W. Pink~

(The End)