Journal: Chafer Theological Seminary Journal
Volume: CTSJ 09:1 (Spring 2003)
Article: The Meaning Of ΠΡΟΓΙΝΩΣΚΩ (“To Foreknow”)
Author: Thomas R. Edgar

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CTSJ 9:1 (Spring 03) p. 43

The Meaning Of ΠΡΟΓΙΝΩΣΚΩ
(“To Foreknow”)

Thomas R. Edgar

Introduction

Foreknow προγινώσκω (transliterated proginōskō) may be the most significant term in a key New Testament soteriological passage, Romans 8:28–30.1 In Warfield’s opinion, foreknowledge “lies at the root of the whole process.”2 Foreknowledge is also a frequent topic of discussion in theological periodicals.3 Recent turmoil provoked by the Openness of God theology is primarily due to its proponents’ denial of God’s omniscience, specifically foreknowledge.4 As Vance observes, those who deny God’s absolute omniscience commonly do so based on their view of foreknowledge.5

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The discussion regarding foreknowledge is more philosophical than exegetical.6 In a book just published, Boyd, the only one of four writers who uses Scripture, is criticized for focusing on biblical passages rather than on philosophy.7 Since Augustine’s day, Christian theologians have primarily argued this issue on a philosophical basis. However, humans know nothing about God’s foreknowledge aside from the information revealed in Scripture. Boyd’s problem is not too much emphasis on Scripture and philosophical naiveté, as Craig charges.8 Rather, it is exegetical naiveté coupled with flaws in logic. This centuries-old discussion is not unresolved because of too great a focus on Scripture, but because of a lack of objective, non-dogmatic focus on Scripture.

This present article is a study of the word foreknow (proginōskō, including the noun foreknowledge, prognōsis) to

CTSJ 9:1 (Spring 03) p. 45

determine its meaning and basic implications. Conclusions of previously done studies range from the opinion that foreknowledge is strictly prescience (forethought) to the view that it has a deterministic nuance equivalent to predestination.9

The Basic Sense Of Foreknowledge Is C...

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