Providence

This we believe

about

6. Providence

Job 1-2:10

The truth of providence

We want to underline the truth that GOD CONTROLS EVERYTHING

3 key verses
• Daniel 4:35
• Psalm 135:6
• Ephesians 1:11

4 reasons why this should not surprise us
• God made everything – should we therefore be surprised that he also controls it?
• God has perfect foreknowledge (Acts 15:18; 1 Peter 1:11-12), so there is no
eventuality that ‘takes Him by surprise’
• God is omnipotent (all powerful – Psalm 115:3) – nothing can break from His control
• God is free (Daniel 4:35). There is nothing within Himself to prevent Him from doing all
His will


Two Lessons to learn:
1. God controls everything – so ‘chance’ is ruled out (Proverbs 19:21; 21:1)
2. God controls everything – so ‘fate’ is ruled out (Psalm 103:9)

Objections to the truth of providence

I. “If God controls everything, then I am not responsible for what I do.”
We do our own will. But such is God’s sovereignty that He is able to let us do as we
please, and yet render certain what we will do that he has predestined we should do.
(Genesis 45:3-8; 50:20; Acts 4:24-28)

II. “If God controls everything, then things will turn out the same no matter what
I do.”
Our actions are not unimportant, but exceedingly important. God not only ordains the
end (d), but also means: (a), (b) and (c) which lead to (d). Yet those actions are free -
as we have seen.

III. “If God controls everything, then that makes Him the author of sin!”
God has nothing to do with sin (James 1:13; Isaiah 6:3). We must face the fact that
the responsibility for sin lies with us, although even our wicked acts bring God’s
purposes to pass (Acts 4:24-28). But in proclaiming God’s holiness, we must never play
down His total and complete sovereignty (Isaiah 45:7)

IV. “If God controls everything, how do you account for the sins of the righteous,
and the prosperity of the wicked?”
Sin still remains in a believer’s ‘members’ until the resurrection day (Romans 7:14-25).
Other men and women are in open rebellion against God (Romans 1:18-32) – but all
will be rectified at the Judgment (Romans 2:1-16)

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