Foreknowledge:  First Link in an Unbreakable Chain

© 2020 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:28-29)

This passage speaks of those whom God “did foreknow.”  Scripture certainly teaches that God is omniscient and knows everything (Psalm 147:5, Isaiah 40:28).  However, God’s foreknowledge conveys far more intimacy than mere informational knowledge.  It describes His eternal choice of relationship, with His elect, long before they were born.  Apart from His choice of His people, no fallen person would ever favorably respond to Him.  His foreknowledge set in motion every blessing God planned for His elect.  Notice, in the passage above, that God’s foreknowledge was based on His eternal purpose.  It was not based on His omniscient knowledge about an individual’s future response.

 In fact, this word “foreknew” comes from the Greek word “proginosko” also translated “foreordained” (1 Peter 1:20-21).  The root of “proginosko” is the word “ginosko” which often denotes deep personal relationship between husband and wife.  The virgin, Mary, was with child by the Holy Spirit.  During that time, Scripture emphasizes that Joseph and Mary did not have marital relations prior to Christ’s birth.  It uses the word “ginosko” to convey this fact.

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:  And knew [ginosko] her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”  (Matthew 1:24-25)

A similar description of such intimate knowledge appears early in the Bible.  It speaks of the marital relationship between Adam and Eve which produced children.

“And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.” (Genesis 4:1)

Obviously, Adam’s knowledge of Eve was relational — not informational!  It’s not surprising that God uses such intimate language in referring to His elect.  After all, the apostle Paul likened husband-wife relationships to the relationship between Christ and His church.

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5:31-32)

Have you chosen Christ?  If so, thank Him for eternally choosing you and, ultimately, breathing saving faith into your heart.

“But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

 

See God’s Unbreakable Chain of Election for other articles on this subject

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