02.52. God's Omniscience

52. GOD’S OMNISCIENCE.

"O Lord, how manifold are your works, in wisdom have you made them all" (Psalms 104:24). "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world" (Acts 15:18). "Great is our Lord and of great power; his understanding is infinite" (Psalms 147:5). "He is perfect in knowledge" (Job 36:4). "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure" (Isaiah 46:10). "For you, even you, only, know the heart of all the children of men" (1 Kings 8:39). "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13). "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good" (Proverbs 15:3). "You understand my thought afar off, and are acquainted with all my ways. There is not a word in my tongue but lo! O Lord, you know it altogether" (Psalms 139:2-4).

God foresaw every event and could have prevented any. Knowing the final result, with ability to prevent he must have intended it. Therefore he designed the endless torment of some or the happiness of all. Everything will be as he wishes. He desires universal happiness, and is wise enough to accomplish it. Man’s freedom of will and all other impediments were foreseen and provided for.

"Did he o’erlook the least of his concerns, Since from the least the greatest oft originates, Then unforeseen contingence might alarm him, And disturb the calm and equal course Of his affairs."

Nothing can surprise him or long prevent the operations of his perfect wisdom. To say that a father foresaw that a child, if created, would suffer forever, is to say that he would never create such a child. When we say he is all omniscient Father, we demonstrate his care and love, and final protection and grace to all his children. He could not create an immortal being of whose salvation he was not absolutely sure.