The heretical position of open theism

Open theism is a theological perspective that posits that God does not possess exhaustive foreknowledge of the future choices and actions of free-willed beings. However, from a Christian perspective rooted in Scripture, there are compelling reasons to refute this view and affirm that God is absolutely sovereign and omniscient over all things.

1. God's Omniscience:

Throughout the Bible, we see evidence of God's omniscience, His complete knowledge of all things. Psalm 147:5 declares, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit." This verse emphasizes the limitless knowledge and understanding of God, indicating that He knows all things, including the future.

2. God's Foreknowledge:

Numerous passages in Scripture affirm God's ability to foreknow future events. For instance, Isaiah 46:10 states, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come." This verse clearly indicates that God has knowledge of future events, even from ancient times.

3. Prophecy and Fulfillment:

The Bible is filled with prophecies that were made in advance and subsequently fulfilled. For example, Isaiah 53 provides a detailed prophecy about the suffering and death of the Messiah, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. These prophecies demonstrate God's foreknowledge and His ability to bring about His purposes in history.

4. God's Sovereignty:

The sovereignty of God is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. Psalm 103:19 states, "The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." This verse affirms that God's rule extends over all things, including the future. If God lacks exhaustive foreknowledge, His sovereignty would be limited, and His ability to bring about His plans and purposes would be compromised.

5. God's Interactions with Free Will:

Open theism argues that God's knowledge is limited because He allows genuine human free will. However, Scripture affirms that God's sovereignty and human free will coexist. For example, Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, yet Genesis 50:20 reveals that God intended it for good. God's sovereignty encompasses the decisions and actions of free-willed beings, working all things together for His purposes.

6. God's Unchanging Nature:

Malachi 3:6 declares, "I the LORD do not change." God's unchanging nature includes His knowledge. If God's knowledge were limited, it would imply that He is capable of change, which contradicts His unchanging character. God's omniscience and His unchanging nature go hand in hand.

In conclusion, from a Christian perspective, the belief in God's absolute sovereignty and omniscience is grounded in Scripture. God's omniscience, foreknowledge, and sovereign rule over all things are consistently affirmed throughout the Bible. While it is important to engage in respectful dialogue, it is crucial to hold fast to the biblical teachings that affirm God's complete knowledge and absolute sovereignty over all things.