Topical Bible: The Providence of God: The Wicked Made to Promote the Designs

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The providence of God is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing God's sovereign control over all creation and history. Within this framework, the concept that even the wicked are used to fulfill God's divine purposes is a profound testament to His omnipotence and wisdom. This entry explores how Scripture illustrates the role of the wicked in advancing God's designs, demonstrating that nothing is outside His sovereign will.

Biblical Examples

1. Joseph and His Brothers: One of the most striking examples of God using the wicked to fulfill His purposes is found in the account of Joseph. His brothers, driven by jealousy, sold him into slavery. However, this act of wickedness was used by God to position Joseph in Egypt, where he would eventually save many lives during a severe famine. Joseph himself acknowledges this divine orchestration in Genesis 50:20 : "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people."

2. Pharaoh's Hardened Heart: In the narrative of the Exodus, Pharaoh's heart is repeatedly hardened, leading him to resist God's command to let the Israelites go. This obstinacy, while wicked, serves to display God's power and glory through the plagues and the eventual deliverance of His people. As stated in Exodus 9:16 , "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

3. The Crucifixion of Christ: The most profound instance of God using the wicked to achieve His purposes is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The betrayal by Judas, the false accusations by religious leaders, and the Roman execution were all acts of wickedness. Yet, they were instrumental in God's redemptive plan for humanity. Acts 2:23 declares, "He was handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross."

Theological Implications

The use of the wicked in God's providential plan underscores several key theological truths:

· Sovereignty: God's sovereignty is absolute, extending over all actions, including those of the wicked. He is able to bring about His purposes regardless of human intentions.

· Good from Evil: God has the unique ability to bring good out of evil. What humans intend for harm, God can transform into a means of blessing and fulfillment of His divine will.

· Moral Responsibility: While God uses the wicked to accomplish His purposes, this does not absolve them of moral responsibility. Scripture consistently holds individuals accountable for their actions, even as it affirms God's overarching plan.

· Mystery of Providence: The interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will remains a profound mystery. Believers are called to trust in God's wisdom and goodness, even when His ways are beyond human understanding.

Scriptural Reflections

The Scriptures provide numerous reflections on the theme of God's providence and the role of the wicked:

· Proverbs 16:4 states, "The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster."
· Isaiah 10:5-7 describes how God uses Assyria as an instrument of judgment, yet holds them accountable for their arrogance and cruelty.
· Romans 8:28 offers reassurance to believers: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."

In conclusion, the providence of God, as demonstrated through the use of the wicked to promote His designs, reveals His supreme authority and the intricate tapestry of His redemptive plan. Through these acts, God's glory is magnified, and His purposes are ultimately fulfilled.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 10:5-12
O Assyrian, the rod of my anger, and the staff in their hand is my indignation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 3:17,18
And now, brothers, I know that through ignorance you did it, as did also your rulers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God's Providence
... foolish, when he saw the prosperity of the wicked; but as ... where the wrath of man
has been made to praise ... of all orders in creation on God's Providence for food ...
/.../chapter vi gods providence.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... But now observe how God was secretly working and over-ruling their wicked actions ...
Providence so ordered it that these Ishmaelites passed by just in time ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

Purposes of God.
... under the government and universal providence of God ... God knows infallibly how every
creature will act ... arrangements accordingly, to overrule the wicked actions of ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlvi purposes of god.htm

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... of some to "rise up against the wicked," and join ... can sufficiently admire the wisdom
of Divine Providence, in the ... both to destroy our peace with God by setting ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 52 who will rise.htm

God's Controversy with Man. Rev. Charles Prest.
... who are now enemies to Him by wicked works, being ... There is a national as well as
an individual providence. In the ancient government of God over the nations of ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/gods controversy with man rev.htm

The Progress of the Gospel
... of the wicked, but that the wicked may turn ... the earth, and apparently forsaken of
God, are still preserved by this wonderful Providence, unaffected by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxii the progress of.htm

Though in Order to Establish this Suitable Difference Between the ...
... and impoverished, and made a prey to the covetousness and ambition of the wicked;
and sometimes most ... In all which affairs the providence of God seems not ...
/.../iv proposition iv though in.htm

God Desires and Seeks the Salvation of all Men.
... great dispensation of his natural providence, as well ... the wicked, but that the wicked
turn from ... why theologians have concluded that God designs the salvation ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter i god desires and.htm

Fourthly; all the [Credenda, Or] Doctrines, which the True, Simple ...
... the example of the punishment of wicked and incorrigible ... the clear Christian doctrine
concerning providence, concerning God's perpetually governing ...
/.../xiii proposition xiii fourthly all.htm

Covenant Duties.
... nation be prosperous in which the wicked walk on ... government of mankind in things
civil, God has been ... of magistracy; and He himself, in his providence, calls to ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm