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"Foreordained before the foundation of the world"

Text: 1 Peter 1:20

THE TEACHING OF FOREORDINATION

The doctrine of “foreknowledge” is taught by the Apostle Peter (1 Peter 1:2). The word “foreordination” is actually another way of explaining “foreknowledge”.

“He indeed was foreordained
before the foundation of the world,
but was manifest in these last times for you.”
1 Peter 1:20

1. Foreknowledge

a) Peter believed in an omniscient God.

b) This would be consistent with the Being of God.

c) A God without omniscience would not be much of a deity.

d) In omniscience, God would have foreknown all things.

2. Foreordination

a) This word is actually the same word as “foreknowledge” (Greek “prognosis”).

b) The translators sought to strengthen the idea of “foreknowledge” with this word “foreordination”.

c) The nuances would include:

i) Choose

ii) Select

iii) Predetermine

d) These nuances are correct because the form is what we call a participle.

i) There is a verbal aspect to “foreknowledge”.

ii) Hence the word was translated “foreordained”.

3. “Before the foundation of the world”

a) When did God know?

The answer: He has always known.

b) What is the meaning of “before the foundation of the world?”

As human beings, we cannot fathom things without a beginning. We have finite minds.

4. “But was manifest”

a) The plan of God was obviously not just foreknown.

b) It must also have been planned together with foreknowledge.

c) The plan of redemption by God needs to be made manifest or we would not be able to comprehend it.

5. “In these last times for you”

a) Peter’s idea of “last times”.

i) It began with the First Coming of Jesus (Advent).

ii) It will conclude when the Lord Jesus returns for us.

b) “For you”

i) It was made applicable to the readers.

ii) It applies to us as well.