Interesting theological question-
The difference between what God foreknew and who He foreknew is a matter of interpretation and theological debate. The Greek word for "foreknew" is "προέγνω" (proegnō), which means "to know beforehand."
In the context of Romans 8:29, the phrase "those whom He foreknew" refers to a group of people whom God predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.
The question is whether God's foreknowledge refers to His knowledge of future events or His intimate knowledge of individuals.
Some argue that God's foreknowledge is based on His knowledge of future events, specifically, His knowledge of who will respond positively to the gospel.
This view is known as the prescient view. Others argue that God's foreknowledge is based on His intimate knowledge of individuals, specifically, His decision to set His love upon them. This view is known as the Augustinian or Calvinistic view.
The prescient view suggests that the ultimate deciding factor in our salvation is us, and God chooses us for salvation only after knowing how we will respond to His gospel. The Augustinian view, on the other hand, makes the Lord the final, decisive agent in salvation, and His choice establishes who will believe and who will not.
In conclusion, the difference between what God foreknew and who He foreknew is a matter of interpretation and theological debate. The interpretation hinges on whether God's foreknowledge refers to His knowledge of future events or His intimate knowledge of individuals.
Correct?
The difference between what God foreknew and who He foreknew is a matter of interpretation and theological debate. The Greek word for "foreknew" is "προέγνω" (proegnō), which means "to know beforehand."
In the context of Romans 8:29, the phrase "those whom He foreknew" refers to a group of people whom God predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.
The question is whether God's foreknowledge refers to His knowledge of future events or His intimate knowledge of individuals.
Some argue that God's foreknowledge is based on His knowledge of future events, specifically, His knowledge of who will respond positively to the gospel.
This view is known as the prescient view. Others argue that God's foreknowledge is based on His intimate knowledge of individuals, specifically, His decision to set His love upon them. This view is known as the Augustinian or Calvinistic view.
The prescient view suggests that the ultimate deciding factor in our salvation is us, and God chooses us for salvation only after knowing how we will respond to His gospel. The Augustinian view, on the other hand, makes the Lord the final, decisive agent in salvation, and His choice establishes who will believe and who will not.
In conclusion, the difference between what God foreknew and who He foreknew is a matter of interpretation and theological debate. The interpretation hinges on whether God's foreknowledge refers to His knowledge of future events or His intimate knowledge of individuals.
Correct?
Either God's foreknowledge derives from His omniscience or it doesn't. If it doesn't, then we are left with option number 2. Or, we go with option 3 which is both options 1 and 2 are partially correct. His foreknowledge is His intimate knowledge of believers and knowing who are believers is derived from His omniscience.