When the Bible Says 'Foreknow,' Does it Mean 'Forelove?'
J.C. Thibodaux
Attempted Redefinition
Some Christians who hold to the theology of John Calvin take issue with election being based on God's foreknowledge. A common argument against it used goes like so:
Calvinist Argument:
"'To foreknow' in the Biblical context does not carry with it the implication of mere prescience (cognitive knowledge of the future); for while God knows all things, unless it were a divine act of His sovereign grace, there would be nothing good for Him to foreknow. Election is from God's choice solely, and is not based on anything that men could do, for all men are totally unable to conform to the will of God, and therefore unable to meet any possible conditions to being elected. The term 'to know' in the Biblical context carries with it the implication of deep intimacy and love. A good example of this use of the word is found in Genesis:
"And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived and bare Cain..."
Genesis 4:1 (see also: Genesis 4:17, 25, 1 Samuel 1:19)
To know someone in this sense is to have a deep, intimate, and loving acquaintance with that person. It therefore stands to reason that those whom God foreknows are not the ones He 'foreknows as believing,' but whom He fore-loves. Keep in mind also that it does not say that God foreknows things (i.e. that such and such person will believe), but that He foreknows people. As far as we or our future actions are concerned then, election a is unconditional, not being based upon any foreseen future events about us, but based on God fore-loving His elect from eternity past."
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