Part IV - The Omniscience of God

God is Omniscient: A God Who Knows Everything

Another important attribute of God is His omniscience, meaning that He knows all things. Arthur W. Pink, in his classic The Attributes of God, wrote about God’s omniscience, explaining:

God is omniscient. He knows everything: everything possible, everything actual; all events and all creatures, of the past, the present, and the future. He is perfectly acquainted with every detail in the life of every being in heaven, in earth, and in hell….  Nothing escapes His notice, nothing can be hidden from Him, nothing is forgotten by Him…. His knowledge is perfect. He never errs, never changes, never overlooks anything.

As is the case with all of God’s attributes, we cannot comprehend a God who knows all things. We cannot fathom a God who listens to millions of prayers just as easily as He tends to one. The same God who promises to keep a running inventory of the hairs atop each person’s head does not even allow an insignificant sparrow to fall to the ground apart from his will (Luke 12:6-7).

His omniscience is beyond us. As the Psalmist declared, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it” (Psalm 139:6). 

God not only sees your deeds and hears your words; He knows your thoughts. None of your deeds are kept in secret. This attribute of omniscience typically evokes strong emotions in people. Depending upon the condition of each person’s heart, the omniscience of God may either a source of great fear or a source of great comfort.

If you are attempting to hide your sins from God, you may be haunted by the promise that “your sin will find you out” (Num 32:23). Perhaps you are fearful, because “the eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Prov 15:3). 

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Heb 4:13).

On the other hand, you may be comforted by the knowledge that God cannot be surprised by your circumstances. Like King David, you may rejoice in the knowledge that “all the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). You can rest in the knowledge that God knows your future, and He has promised that you need not fear. You can have peace when your heart condemns you, because Scripture says, “God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything” (1 John 3:20).

You will not find a more steadfast friend than the Lord. He has seen your most vicious deeds; He has heard your most vile slander; He has felt the arrows of your angry thoughts; and still the Lord maintains His affections for you. You repeatedly stumble, but He will not tire of lifting you up.

For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jer 29:11).