“God … knows all things” (1 John 3:20, NKJV)
Last week we came across the reference in Ps. 50:21-22, of those who had forgotten God. The terms ‘forget’ and ‘remember’, are a complementary pair that is foregrounded in the message of the Bible. We want to take a detour in which we discuss this important pair of terms, as it can reveal a lot about calling, mantles and spiritual authority. We can also link it to a number of contentious matters that are linked to remembering/forgetting.
One of the greatest comforts God offers Israel is spelled out in Isa. 43:25: “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins.” Clearly this is the basis for the New Testament forgiveness that is offered to humanity in the form of Jesus Christ – Heb. 8:12; 10:17.
We are however now not focussing on this foundational truth of our faith, “the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence” (Eph. 1:6), but on the seeming contradiction encapsulated within it – how can the all-knowing God, in his endless knowledge, wisdom and understanding, ever forget anything?
The dictionary defines omniscience as follows: “the state of having total knowledge, the quality of knowing everything”. The omniscient God is presented throughout the Bible – 1 John 3:20 states that “God … knows all things”. He is familiar with the smallest details of our lives, past, present, and future! He even possesses complete knowledge of what may seem like trivialities, like if a swallow dies, or if you lose a single hair in the shower (Matt. 10:29-30). According to Isa. 46:10 he declares “the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done”. But He is not only aware of physical events taking place – he is aware of all thoughts, dreams, even before you verbalise an idea (Ps. 139:4). He knows the beliefs of your heart. Even when you were merely a foetus, God knew who you were (Ps. 139:1-3 & 15-16).
Solomon spells it out beautifully in 1 Kings 8:39: “for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men”. Indeed: “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Heb. 4:13).
David describes Him by noting, “his understanding is infinite” (Ps. 147:5). Job 37:16 rightly calls God “perfect in knowledge”!
- Selah: How do you feel about this characteristic of God?
- Read: 37-38; Matt. 15.
- Memorise: 15:8-9.
- For a more in-depth understanding: Read James D. Bales’ The Biblical Doctrine of God.
