Quote 1396
Whereas at most points in the Bible God's factual and relational
knowledge are clearly distinguished, Psalm 139 is a rare case where the
two overlap. Verse 1 affirms both types of knowledge with the prayer,
'you have searched me (factual knowledge) and you know me
(relational knowledge).'
Brian Rosner
Known By God (Article)1.7K
Other Quotes from the Author & Topic
The apprehension of God's infinite knowledge should fill the Christian with adoration. The whole of my life stood open to His view from the beginning. He foresaw my every fall, my every sin, my every backsliding; yet, nevertheless, fixed His heart upon me. Oh, how the realization of this should bow me in wonder and worship before Him!
Richard Baxter called being known by God 'the full and final comfort of a believer' and J. I. Packer claims that there is 'unspeakable comfort' in it. According to C. K. Barrett, to be known by God 'is the all-important truth, for when God knows - [a] man, he acts on his behalf'.
Making Jesus' knowledge of a person the decisive
criterion of judgement is particularly disturbing: 'I never knew you.'
The verdict is highly personal, shatteringly brief, yet comprehensive,
and it places the decision fully out of the condemned's reach. What can
they do about not being known? Any appeal against this judgement
would be futile.
Whereas not being known by God (1) adds severity to dire warnings, being known by God (2) promotes humility and (3) supplies comfort and security.
Verse
15 responds with a rhetorical question that sets up a stunning assertion:
'Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget, I will not forget you!'
Isaiah 49:15 compares God's relationship with his people to that of a
mother and her child, and it characterises the bond in question as that
of a mother not forgetting, or remembering, her child. The figurative
nature of the language cautions against reading too much into this
verse. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that since 'to remember' here a
synonym of relational knowing, the verse may be read as affirming
God's gracious attention in a context of parental commitment and
affection, supplying more evidence for being known by God being
employed in a filial context.Known By God (Article)
the apostle affirms in Romans 8:29 that 'those
God foreknew he also predestined'. As a synonym for
election in this verse, God's foreknowledge refers to the setting of his
love upon the elect in advance. Knowledge here carries the sense of
intimate relationship, as in the famous euphemism for sexual
intercourse in Genesis 4:1, 'Adam knew Eve.'Known By God (Article)
Contextual clues support linking our understanding
of being known by God to three related notions: (1) belonging to God;
(2) being loved or chosen by God; and (3) being a child or son of God.Known By God (Article)
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