The concept of predestination and divine foreknowledge is one of the most profound and complex topics within Christian theology. It touches upon the nature of God, human free will, and the intricate relationship between time and eternity. To address the question, "Does God know all possible outcomes of our decisions?" we must delve into the attributes of God, particularly His omniscience, and explore how this interacts with human freedom.
From a non-denominational Christian perspective, it is essential to affirm the omniscience of God. Scripture consistently portrays God as all-knowing, possessing complete and perfect knowledge of all things. Psalm 147:5 declares, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit." Similarly, 1 John 3:20 tells us, "If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."
God's omniscience encompasses not only the actual outcomes of events but also all possible outcomes. This concept is often referred to as "middle knowledge," a term popularized by the 16th-century Jesuit theologian Luis de Molina. Middle knowledge posits that God knows what any free creature would do under any given set of circumstances, even if those circumstances never come to pass. This means that God is aware of all potential decisions and their consequences, making His knowledge exhaustive and comprehensive.
A key biblical passage that supports this idea is found in 1 Samuel 23:10-13. In this narrative, David inquires of the Lord whether the people of Keilah would hand him over to Saul if he remained in their city. God informs David that they would indeed betray him, prompting David to flee. This interaction demonstrates that God knew what would happen in a hypothetical scenario, even though that scenario never materialized.
Furthermore, Jesus' words in Matthew 11:21-23 provide additional insight. He pronounces woes upon the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida, stating that if the miracles performed in them had been done in Tyre and Sidon, those cities would have repented long ago. This statement indicates that Jesus possesses knowledge of what could have occurred under different circumstances, reinforcing the idea that God's knowledge includes all potential outcomes.
Understanding God's omniscience in this way does not negate human free will. Instead, it affirms that God, in His infinite wisdom, has created a world where human beings can make genuine choices. These choices are known by God, but they are not coerced by Him. The relationship between divine foreknowledge and human freedom is a mystery that transcends human comprehension, yet it is a mystery that Scripture invites us to ponder.
The Apostle Paul grapples with these profound truths in his epistle to the Romans. In Romans 8:29-30, he writes, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." This passage highlights the interplay between God's foreknowledge and His predestining work. God's foreknowledge does not merely encompass a passive awareness of future events but includes an active, purposeful engagement with His creation.
In Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul further elaborates on this theme: "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." Here, Paul emphasizes that God's predestining work is rooted in His love and sovereign will. God's knowledge of all possible outcomes does not render human decisions meaningless; rather, it underscores the depth of His wisdom and the grandeur of His redemptive plan.
C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," offers a helpful analogy to understand the relationship between God's knowledge and human time. He suggests that God exists outside of time and views all of history—past, present, and future—simultaneously. From this vantage point, God sees every possible decision and its outcomes without being constrained by temporal limitations. Lewis writes, "If you picture time as a straight line along which we have to travel, then you must picture God as the whole page on which the line is drawn."
This analogy helps us grasp how God's knowledge of all possible outcomes does not infringe upon our freedom. We experience time sequentially, making decisions moment by moment. God, however, perceives all moments at once, fully aware of every potential choice and its ramifications. This divine perspective assures us that God's plan is not thwarted by human actions but is intricately woven into the fabric of history.
Another important aspect to consider is the purpose of God's knowledge. God's omniscience is not merely a passive attribute; it is actively employed in His providential care for creation. In Romans 8:28, Paul declares, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." God's knowledge of all possible outcomes allows Him to orchestrate events in a manner that ultimately brings about His good purposes.
This providential guidance is evident throughout the biblical narrative. Joseph's story in Genesis 37-50 is a prime example. Despite his brothers' malicious actions, God uses their decisions to bring about a greater good. Joseph himself acknowledges this in Genesis 50:20, saying, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." God's knowledge of all possible outcomes enabled Him to work through human choices to fulfill His redemptive plan.
The tension between divine foreknowledge and human freedom is a mystery that theologians have wrestled with for centuries. While we may not fully comprehend how these two realities coexist, we can find comfort in the assurance that God's knowledge is perfect and His purposes are good. Our decisions matter, and they are known by God, who lovingly guides history toward its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
In conclusion, from the perspective of a non-denominational Christian pastor, it is clear that God knows all possible outcomes of our decisions. His omniscience encompasses not only the actual future but every potential scenario. This knowledge does not undermine human freedom but rather affirms the depth of God's wisdom and the beauty of His redemptive plan. As we navigate the complexities of life, we can trust that God's perfect knowledge and providential care are at work, bringing about His good purposes for those who love Him.
