The article "Article of Faith: God’s foreknowledge and election, By Femi Aribisala" published in Premium Times delves into the concept of God's foreknowledge and election. According to the author, the Bible states that God foreknew and predestined individuals to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. This concept is rooted in Romans 8:29-30, which states that those whom God foreknew, He also predestined, and those He predestined, He also called, justified, and glorified.
The author highlights the significance of understanding God's nature, citing Jeremiah 32:27, where God says, "Is there anything too hard for Me?" The article emphasizes that God's abilities surpass human comprehension, and it is essential to have faith in His divine nature. The author encourages readers to believe in God, even when His ways do not make sense, as it is precisely this incomprehensibility that validates His divinity.
Aribisala discusses the concept of being "God-carriers," referencing the Bible's description of the human body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and managing this relationship with God, encouraging readers to live a life of worship and prayer. The author notes that Christ dwelling in believers brings confidence and reassurance to their lives.
The article also touches on human irresponsibility, citing Jesus' statement that humans are unprofitable servants, as they can only do what they are commanded. Aribisala emphasizes that without Jesus, humans can do nothing, and it is God who enables them to do good or evil. He references Matthew 12:33-35, where Jesus says that a tree is known by its fruit, and a good man out of good treasure brings forth good things.
The author further explores the concept of believers being God's property and habitation, citing 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which states that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Aribisala emphasizes that believers are not their own and must glorify God in their bodies and spirits. He references Psalm 12:3-4, where the psalmist prays for God to cut off flattering lips and tongues that speak proud things.
Aribisala discusses the idea that humans did not create themselves and are not their own, citing Psalm 100:3, which states that God made them, and they are His people. He emphasizes that believers live and die for the Lord, referencing Romans 14:7-9. The author notes that if one died for all, then all died, and those who live should live no longer for themselves but for Him who died for them.
The article concludes by emphasizing that God's foreknowledge is the source of the Holy Scriptures, reflecting His omniscience and sovereignty over all creation. Aribisala encourages readers to have confidence in God's foreknowledge, knowing that they are in His hands, and He works all things together for their good.
Key points
- God's foreknowledge and election are rooted in biblical passages, such as Romans 8:29-30.
- Understanding God's nature requires faith, as His abilities surpass human comprehension.
- Believers are God's property and habitation, and must glorify Him in their bodies and spirits.
