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Question Box

Are the omniscience and foreknowledge of God two different things?

The word ‘omniscience’ is not found in the Bible, but the fact that God knows all things is stated with clarity: “The Lord is a God of knowledge” (1 Sam 2.3), and “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Heb 4.13). His knowledge is complete and absolute, being the same before, during and after events. This is a comforting truth, but also searching. The fact that ‘He knows’ has stilled many a troubled heart in times of difficulty, but has also caused proper heart concern for the erring believer.

The Scriptural use of God’s ‘foreknowledge’ is different, and must not be misunderstood as a synonym for either ‘omniscience’ or ‘prescience’. God certainly knows all things in advance, but foreknowledge seems to have a relational and determinative aspect to it. Our Lord was “delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2.23) and, as the Lamb of God, “was foreordained before the foundation of the world” (1 Pet 1.20). Foreknowledge “is the basis of His foreordaining counsels”, says W E Vine, and this is seen not only in relation to Christ, but also the people of God.

This truth is seen in Romans chapters 8 and 11, and also in 1 Peter. Romans 8.28-30 makes it clear that the only people who will be glorified are those whom God foreknew. They are not only foreknown from eternity, but also predestinated to sonship, called according to purpose, justified because called, and glorified. The passage clearly cannot mean that God simply knew who would and would not ultimately be conformed to the image of His Son but, rather, that those who are glorified are all foreknown by God, in relation to His eternal purpose for them. The believer finds the greatest assurance in this, especially when it is remembered that he or she is “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Pet 1.2). This again identifies salvation with eternal purpose, and certifies that the believer can never be lost. In Romans chapter 11, blessings in relation to the nation of Israel are secured because of God’s foreknowledge of those people.

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Rom 11.33).

Ian Jackson

Is there a Scriptural objection to the practice of cremation? Many say it is a more commendable practice than burial.

There is no specific Scripture that would forbid such a practice, but we have principles that guide us in this matter. Years ago it would have been something rare in the United Kingdom to dispose of a body by burning. Today, however, it is more popular to cremate than to bury. Burial and resurrection of the body are plainly taught in Scripture (1 Cor 15.42-44), and the baptism of a believer is based upon the burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus (Col 2.12). Cremation seems to be an attempt by men to frustrate the purpose of God in raising the dead. Many have preferred it in the hope that, if there is a God, His punishment can be averted. How foolish of men to think this, for Paul likens burial to a seed being sown. A seed is not burned; it is buried in the expectation of its product springing out of the earth.

Some argue that it is better to burn than to bury for hygienic reasons, but no proof of this has been found. For centuries burial has been the custom, and no harm has come to the human race. One thing is true however - whatever is done with the body now, it shall come forth at the voice of the Son of God (Jn 5.28-29). Nothing can evade the day of judgment. So, the modern talk about cremation being more hygienic seems to be a device of Satan to try to undermine the facts of resurrection and eternal judgment.

The Old Testament endorses burial: God buried Moses (Deut 34.6); Deborah was buried under an oak (Gen 35.8); Sarah was buried (23.8); Eleazar was buried (Josh 24.33); and the firstborn in Egypt were buried (Num 33.4). The New Testament also endorses burial: John the Baptist was buried (Mt 14.12); Stephen was buried (Acts 8.2); and our Lord Jesus was buried (1 Cor 15.4). These references are good examples of the importance of burial.

John J Stubbs

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