Photo Credit: lifewaylobal.com
Scripture Text
1 Peter 1:2a “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father”
Introduction
I am going to cover a topic that has spawned much debate. Some would say this topic is controversial so just skip over it and move on. Why introduce a subject that may divide those who follow this blog? The answer, to do a verse by verse study I cannot skip over it. I will give you my thoughts based upon my study and prayer for understanding of the subject at hand. I will use scripture to support my conclusions because my opinion doesn’t matter, what God says does.
Verse 2 is actually a continuation of verse one. In context this is part of Peter’s greeting to Christians scattered throughout the provinces listed in verse 1. Contained within this greeting is a statement of doctrinal importance I want to look at very closely.
The Foreknowledge of God
I am going to start with the latter part of our scripture text, “the foreknowledge of God”, in part 2 we will discuss “elect”.
Common to most any belief is the fact that God can look into the future and see the end results. It is how the Prophets of old were able to prophesy the coming of Jesus; God revealed it to them. God knows the choices each of us have made as well as the choices we are yet to make. That is a hard concept to grasp. This is also how God directed John to write the book of Revelation. John talked about the end times; how else could he do that unless God, with His foreknowledge, told him what would happen. Simply put, God looked forward and gave John the information for how this world would end. Even though the concept of being able to look forward in time is hard for us to grasp it does not change the fact that God can see it.
Foreknowledge in Scripture
On the day of Pentecost, after the resurrection of Jesus, Peter stood and preached to the people about Jesus in Acts chapter 2. In verse 23 it says “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:”
Other instances: 1 Sam 23:11, Is 46:9-10, Dan 2:28-29. This is not an exhaustive list, just some examples of God’s foreknowledge.
Closing Remarks
Imagine the ability to take a decision between two paths and look into the future to see which choice would be best. As humans our minds might recall bad financial or career choices we would like to do over.
In a way God has given us the ability to see the future; God has set before us a choice of where our soul will spend an eternity. He has described for us both futures and given us the information necessary to make an informed decision. Which future have you chosen?
Until Night,
A Servant
Servants' Journal 
Steven Paul, a Christ follower...
March 3, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Pray, study, and present. “Hot topics” are always most dangerous because they are so provocative and even salacious. That’s why the evil one uses them against all of us…he wants division among people and especially to cause a divide among people.
But we must address such things as we are commanded to teach the word of a God who wants people to live and be “in the light” about all things, and as to how we are to live a Godly life!
Keep up this good work in His name…
Steven
A Servant
March 3, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Thank you Steven, I appreciate the support. I will say however that if I start spouting opinions, supplying no scripture, you have my permission to call me out on it. My opinions, and I have them, aren’t going to be worth much; God’s word is the gold standard.
A Servant
Steven Paul, a Christ follower...
March 4, 2014 at 1:00 pm
As long as you have that mindset, you will do very well! The expression of humility before others in His name glorifies the Lord!
You are right to say that any human’s “opinion” mixed into God’s word is the “yeast” that spoils the dough. We can have our opinions about things. They just cannot be without biblical support when it comes to the word of God.
You also have my permission to watch what I say when it comes to posting information on the word and will of our Lord!
Enjoy your day,
Steven
A Servant
March 4, 2014 at 1:04 pm
Thank you brother, to God be the glory!
Steven Paul, a Christ follower...
March 4, 2014 at 2:34 pm
Always and forever! Amen…
Steven 🙂
Heidi Viars
March 3, 2014 at 2:48 pm
What comfort we can have in an omniscient God … How can we understand Him, with our finite minds? … looking into a night sky often leaves me baffled … how could my God have flung those billions of stars into being by His mere breath… how can He still be streching the Universe today? … how can He both be all knowing and still created us, knowing some of us might not chose Him? I don’t know … but to me the biggest question of all is, “how can He sent His own Son to die for me?” … I guess some things I just take by faith 🙂
Proverbs 25:2 comes to mind
“It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.” (ESV)
A Servant
March 3, 2014 at 2:50 pm
Sending Jesus, yes that should give all of us pause and a thankful heart. Thank you Heidi.
Freedomborn ... Aussie Christian Focus
March 3, 2014 at 4:54 pm
Yes God does indeed know all things A Servant and as He tells us only He knows the future and those He shares it with through the empowering of The Holy Spirit, having asked for and received His wisdom in Christ Jesus we no longer trust in our own understanding and so are than swayed by Satan but we Trust in Jesus, which means we can have full assurance that what we share is God’s Truth, Jesus is our only Teacher through The Holy Spirits empowering in our lives. (1Corinthians2: 9-16)
1John 2:26-28 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing Teacheth you of all things, and is Truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath Taught you, ye shall abide in Him.
1John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is True, and we are in Him that is True, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the True God, and eternal life.
Matthew 10:26-28 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in Light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. ( our Computers maybe )
God tells us also He knows those who are His (2Timothy 2:19-21) and by His forknowelage chooses us to be conformed into the image of Jesus.
Romans 8:28-30 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. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.
Before our Holidays A Servant, I’m posting the Power point on wisdom that we talked about last week, I hope it will encourage and uplift those who watch it, thank you for your advice. Geoffery enjoyed seeing the Cheetahs and I was blessed to be reminded of how important God’s wisdom is for us to have, I decided to use a lot of the Scripture that highlighted this, such as…..
Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Without God’s wisdom we can have no Unity in The Spirit because we cannot be of the same mind and have the same purpose. The Holy Spirit unites us mind, heart and soul and so we are conformed into the image of Jesus and we walk as He walks, which is in righteousness and Love because we have His mind. (1Corinthians2:16)
Philippians 2:1-2 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of Love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my Joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same Love, being of one accord, of one mind.
1 John 4:17-19 Herein is our Love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world.
Thank you for the joy of being able to share my heart thoughts with both of you and to be blessed as you both shared yours.
See you after our Holidays – Christian Love from both of us – Anne
A Servant
March 3, 2014 at 4:58 pm
What a fact filled comment. Our readers can eat from this table for days. “Wisdom is the principal thing” what a verse. I look forward to seeing the slides. Have a great holiday.
Freedomborn ... Aussie Christian Focus
March 5, 2014 at 4:53 am
Thank you A Servant for your encouragement , you are indeed a Barnabas, yes God’s wisdom is the principle thing, without it we can’t understand the Scriptures but sadly some think they know it all and don’t ask, God for it and just trust in worldly wisdom and so they can’t see what the Scriptures confirm, their still in darkness, they may even study them but they don’t see God’s Truth in their heart but they may still choose to do so before Jesus’ soon to be return.
You Topic on God’s foreknowledge or those He foreknew, is so clear in the Scriptures as you can see below but God is not saying as some claim that He picks me and leaves you just because He wants too and even if I don’t want to go to Heaven I have no choice that is so wrong. He knows all those who will come to heart repentance and accept the free gift of Salvation even before we are conceived, He knows all things as you shared.
Romans 8:28-30 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. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.
Blessings to you – Anne
A Servant
March 5, 2014 at 7:59 am
Thank you Anne. I appreciate the support.
Freedomborn ... Aussie Christian Focus
March 5, 2014 at 5:22 pm
Hi again A Servant, I woke up this morning with a Parable on my mind, (see below) it is one I have pondered on before, as we know Parables are a doorway of Truth and if understood with the empowering of The Holy Spirit, give us a Picture of God’s heart and good will for us (1Corinthians2:9-16) and also guidance and encouragement like many other Scriptures do,
in how we are to walk in the darkness of these end times.
Matthew 21:33-39 Hear another parable: There was a certain Householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about and digged a winepress in it and built a tower and let it out to husbandmen and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, He sent His servants to the husbandmen that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took His servants and beat one and killed another and stoned another. Again, He sent other servants more than the first and they did unto them likewise. But last of all He sent unto them His Son saying, They will reverence my Son. But when the husbandmen saw the Son, they said among themselves, This is the Heir come let us kill Him and let us seize on His inheritance. And they caught Him and cast Him out of the vineyard and slew Him.
Matthew 10:26-28 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. (Perhaps our Computers )
Christian Love from both of us – Anne.
A Servant
March 5, 2014 at 5:31 pm
It is impossible for me to fathom the depths of God’s mercy. Jesus is telling a parable of his own death. Thank you Heavenly Father for having mercy on me.
Freedomborn ... Aussie Christian Focus
March 5, 2014 at 5:38 pm
Not impossible A Servant for The Holy Spirit…..
1 Corinthians 2:9-16 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that Love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with Spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are Spiritually discerned. But he that is Spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the Mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? but we have the Mind of Christ.
Blessings – Anne
A Servant
March 5, 2014 at 5:50 pm
Quite true, the spirit within us will lead us unto all truth.
SLIMJIM
March 4, 2014 at 4:10 am
So I wrote this long comment and somehow WordPress said it didn’t post…anyways, thank you for this study and touching on what can be a controversial topic even if we don’t see eye to eye totally on foreknowledge.
A Servant
March 4, 2014 at 7:30 am
A pity about the comment, I might have learned something.
I understand about the eye to eye. I appreciate the tact. God bless you brother.
A Servant
March 4, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Would you consider doing a post on your site regarding foreknowledge? I would like to hear what you have to say.
SLIMJIM
March 4, 2014 at 2:08 pm
Sounds like a good idea, may be something around mid-March! Again, I don’t want to take away from what looks like an edifying series to come with 1 Peter!
A Servant
March 4, 2014 at 2:10 pm
I will either grow in grace or rot in self worth. I choose the former. At 55 I am still opening doors in God’s word that lead to more doors. Praise God for His word. God bless.
Levi Thetford
March 4, 2014 at 8:08 pm
Hello Dennis, sorry that I haven’t been on here earlier. I have been at the home and garden show set up allll day long. I also respectfully disagree on foreknowledge but could never pen what I believe scripture teaches in a comment box. I did believe as you do for some years. I will post on it at some point as well. I appreciate your study and support.
A Servant
March 4, 2014 at 8:27 pm
A post on the subject on your site is a good idea. I would be happy to hear your thoughts.
Levi Thetford
March 4, 2014 at 8:30 pm
Will do. You probably have already heard them I expect. Have a nice evening!
A Servant
March 4, 2014 at 8:33 pm
Possibly 🙂 Goodnight brother.
Levi Thetford
March 4, 2014 at 8:34 pm
I understand!
bography
March 5, 2014 at 12:09 am
What do you understand by “his determinate counsel” in Acts 2:23?
A Servant
March 5, 2014 at 7:58 am
I have a couple of minutes before work so first of all welcome to our site. I do not believe I have seen you here before.
Regarding your question, if I understood it correctly: Peter was referring to the those who wished Jesus to be removed, or killed. It point I was using was the next part where it is stated that God knew this choice would be made.
If I have not understood the question correctly send a note back and I’ll respond after work.
Thanks for the visit and comment.
bography
March 5, 2014 at 9:47 am
Here is a clearer translation of Acts 2:23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
Let me also be more explicit in my question: “If God had a definite plan/purpose (determinate plan), isn’t this plan distinct (not separated from, of course) from his foreknowledge of his plan? What do you believe God planned in this verse?
A Servant
March 5, 2014 at 12:37 pm
Thank you for the clarification. I was on the wrong track.
I am a firm believer in a sovereign God who plans and executes His plans. With foreknowledge God can use my free will choices to execute His plan. That’s pretty amazing.
In human terms this is impossible but with God all things are possible.
As a result the plan was distinct but not separated from foreknowledge.
To answer the last question: Did God intend/plan for Jesus to be delivered? Yes. Did He use the foreknowledge choices of the council to carry out His plan? Yes.
bography
March 5, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Let me try to understand. Re your “Did God intend/plan for Jesus to be delivered? Yes. Did He use the foreknowledge choices of the council to carry out His plan? Yes.”
Do you mean God had planned something – redemption perhaps – for sinners but hadnt yet made up his mind how he was going to carry out that plan until he foresaw that crucifying Jesus was the way sinners would choose to bring about his (God’s) plan?
A Servant
March 5, 2014 at 1:35 pm
“But hadn’t yet made up his mind” no, not at all. The plan of redemption was in place before the foundations of the world. (Later in 1 Peter)
I did generalize, and it was very open ended, I was just trying to say I do believe in God’s sovereignty.
I am going to have to stop using my phone to answer with. I can hardly see it for one thing and I’m apparently doing a poor job articulating my responses. Sorry for the confusion.
bography
March 5, 2014 at 1:53 pm
What if God foresaw that no one would want to be redeemed? Wouldn’t that mean that He would have to give up on the plan to redeem? In a nutshell, God’s plans would be conditioned by man’s plans, not so?
A Servant
March 5, 2014 at 2:27 pm
I realize you prefaced this with “what if” but clearly there are those who have sought redemption. I don’t follow the logic of supposing.
It would seem you are wanting to present another viewpoint. There is certainly nothing wrong with that. Rather than do these one-off comments would you be willing to post your thoughts concerning foreknowledge on your site so I can understand the scope of the debate?
I guess I am just slow to catch on sometimes.
bography
March 5, 2014 at 8:47 pm
Is God free to plan to save sinners without first foreseeing
whether any sinners would exercise their freedom to accept Jesus as saviour?
I’m trying hard to be clear.
A Servant
March 5, 2014 at 9:06 pm
If I may, do you agree or disagree that we have free will to choose or reject Jesus? This will help me.
If you are of a different opinion I can certainly respect that.
I am doing a verse by verse study of 1 Peter, this subject is in verse 2 so that is why I am covering the subject.
In 10 hours part 2 will be posted. Once you have time to read it let’s try starting over.
bography
March 5, 2014 at 9:24 pm
I. prefer at this stage to leave my opinion out of consideration because it is not rekevant to my question. If my question is clear to you, how would you answer?
A Servant
March 5, 2014 at 9:31 pm
Okay, that is certainly your prerogative. However, I’m not into shadow boxing so it looks like we are done here.
Thom Cole
March 5, 2014 at 8:38 am
Reblogged this on Rated R For Reformed.
Equipping The Saints
March 19, 2014 at 8:52 pm
Thank you for your like of my music video post, “Old Friends.” You are very kind.
abkeyte
March 28, 2014 at 8:49 am
Wonderful teaching and exchanges! I know the Lord is pleased with our seeking more of Him and His ways. If I may, let me propose another aspect to view this notion from:
God is not constrained by time.
You see, He made everything. Everything we can see, touch and feel; and, everything we cannot see, touch or feel. We are constrained by time. We live out our lives on a line, if you will permit the analogy. We are born, go through a series of events, sometimes disasters or calamities, certainly trials and then we die. Our physical existence in this realm or plane is very finite and we live out our existence along a timeline.
Yet, God lives completely unhindered or unfettered by time. He can come into or out of time at any point, as He wishes. We live in a three dimensional world, but God is not constrained by these three dimensions and any box we place Him in will prove to be too small.
Our Father is Eternal. He is, and was and will be who He is. He has always existed and was not created or evolved or anything like that. He is already perfectly perfect in every aspect of His being. We are created and chosen to exist with Him for all eternity – to live outside the confines of time. And, we will! I have pondered and prayed about what eternity was like and this is what was conveyed to me – living without the bonds or ravages of time.
For example, the Bible tells us we can have whatever we ask for in the name of Jesus.
John 14:13
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:14
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
The Word of God is truth and contains no lie. Therefor, when we ask we need to expect an answer. Yet, when we pray, we often do not see the answer for some time and when it does come we often miss it because we have forgotten to look for it. That’s why prayer journals are so important and why journaling opens our mind and spirit to see God’s hand in our lives. Yet, the Word of God is truth and God always answers.
Consider when we pray, our prayer is heard and answered immediately! God said He would do it and He cannot tell a lie. And, He never has! Our prayers are ALWAYS answered. Sometimes the answer may be NO, but only because it does not glorify the Father in His Son! He wants the very best for us. Sometimes the answer is set to come at some point in our future – when it is most needed and our timeline has not intersected with God’s answer yet. God is sovereign and He always knows best.
Our Heavenly Father knew the end before He finished the beginning. The Word says Jesus went to the cross because of the future he saw:
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What an awesome and mighty God we have the privilege of loving and learning about. It will take eternity to come to fully understand and appreciate how awesome God really is! Thank you for your work on this site! Your reward will be great! God bless you all in the matchless and priceless name of Jesus, The Holy Anointed One!
A Servant
March 28, 2014 at 8:56 am
Thank you for taking the time to share. God is all these things and more yet he loved me enough to send Jesus to die for my sin. I was thinking the whole time I was reading about “time shall be no more”. What a glorious hope that time constraints will soon be lifted.
Praise God!!