Knowledge, Foreknowledge, and the Gospel

by Douglas Wilson

When we say, "God is an omniscient God," what does that really mean?

Some deny this doctrine, arguing that since God has given us "free will," it must be impossible for Him to see and know all things. But as Doug Wilson points out, if we want to worship an ignorant God, then we will become an ignorant people.

This essay works through key biblical texts which demonstrate God's all-seeing, all-knowing nature. As Wilson explains what they teach us about the Gospel and our salvation, it becomes clear that the doctrine of omniscience ends not in puppet-like slavery but in the freedom which comes from serving a God whose knowledge is complete.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Audiobook, Nonfiction

52 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

I write in order to make the little voices in my head go away. Thus far it hasn't worked.

Reviews

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but powerful refutation of open theism. I commend this!

[Andrew Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A critique of dynamic omniscience (Open Theism's intellectual way of defining omniscience) The author makes the point that although they use this term they end up denying omniscience. The author proves the point that ultimately open theists are rank rationalists and their arguments aren't exegetical. Especially helpful are the chapters relevance to the gospel and practical applications in which the author shows how ideas have consequences and the consequences of Open Theism are deadly.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short but precise refutation of open theism. Even people unfamiliar with open theism will benefit greatly from a cursory read of this tiny book!

[Kevin Godinho · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook. I liked it. Maybe I would have really liked it if it wasn't an audiobook. I absorb more when I read physical copies.

Overall, if you're Reformed, I don't think this book will be all that profound, but it is a concise and effective refutation of open theism. You may not learn "new" or "deeper" truths from this book, because its contents are rather orthodox (which is a good thing), but you may just come across some really good arguments against "dynamic omniscience" that you haven't heard before and that may be helpful when discussing topics such as this with an open theist.

I recommend. It's a short and "good read."

[Ming Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to it as an audiobook via Canon+.

A solid defense of Biblical Christianity against the claims of "open theism" or "dynamic omniscience", and a warning for Christians to ground their epistemology upon God rather than carnal reason and rationalistic dogma.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the plus side of good. Wilson's collective book on open theism "Bound only once" is a better and more comprehensive look at issues regarding foreknowledge, predestination, counterfactuals, and other aspects of the faulty doctrine.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really helpful takedown of open theism!

[Shannon Majeski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been so encouraging. There was some hurt that occurred for me through closeness with someone tied to some of this incorrect thinking and I felt very freed after listening to this.

[Caleb M. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-done and thorough critique of open theism or "dynamic omniscience".