The concept of the providence of God refers to His divine guidance and care over all creation. It is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing God's sovereignty and His active role in the world. The all-pervading nature of God's providence suggests that there is no aspect of the universe or human life that is outside His control or concern.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous passages that illustrate the all-encompassing nature of God's providence. In Colossians 1:17, it is stated, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This verse underscores the belief that God is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer of the universe. His providence ensures that all things continue to exist and function according to His will.

Psalm 103:19 declares, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all." This verse affirms God's supreme authority and governance over all creation, indicating that His providence extends to every corner of the universe.

God's Care for Creation

The providence of God is evident in His care for the natural world. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus teaches, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This passage highlights God's provision for even the smallest creatures, demonstrating His meticulous care for all aspects of creation.

Similarly, in Job 38-39, God speaks of His intimate knowledge and control over the natural world, from the formation of the earth to the behavior of wild animals. These chapters reveal the depth and breadth of God's providential care.

Providence in Human Affairs

God's providence is also evident in human history and individual lives. Proverbs 16:9 states, "A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This verse illustrates the belief that while humans may make plans, it is ultimately God who directs their paths, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled.

The account of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 is a profound example of God's providence in human affairs. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rises to a position of power in Egypt, ultimately saving his family from famine. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph acknowledges God's hand in his life, saying, "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."

Providence and Redemption

The providence of God is intricately linked to His redemptive plan for humanity. Ephesians 1:11 states, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." This verse emphasizes that God's providential care is directed towards the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes, culminating in the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:28 further assures believers of God's providential work in their lives: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This promise provides comfort and assurance that God's providence is at work, even in the midst of trials and suffering.

Conclusion

The all-pervading providence of God is a foundational doctrine that affirms His sovereignty, care, and purpose in all things. Through His providence, God sustains creation, guides human history, and accomplishes His redemptive plan, assuring believers of His constant presence and unfailing love.Psalm 139:1-5
O lord, you have searched me, and known me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Unity of Revelation. 1 "Known unto God are all his Works from ...
... Until such development is made by God himself, either ... by the course of his providence,
men's apprehension ... Jews before our Lord's advent (all carnal prejudices ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvi the unity of.htm

The Failure of Leibnitz not a Ground of Despair.
... ideal cannot be shown to be connected by a logical dependency, it does not follow,
that the actual creation and providence of God, that all his works ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/section ii the failure of.htm

Almighty.
... sinners to fortune and fate; and the Basmotheans, who deny providence and say ... I.
27: "Pythagoras thought that God was the soul pervading all nature." The ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture viii almighty.htm

Pretended Symbolical Explanations.
... all time (phusis aionos), from whom all have sprung, and by whom all exist; or ... arranged
in perfect order, of any service apart from the providence of God. ...
/.../a plea for the christians/chapter xxii pretended symbolical explanations.htm

The Dispensation of the Divine Favours Reconciled with the ...
... word, but also against the manifest arrangements and dispensations of his providence. ...
that such is the overflowing goodness of God, that all were elected ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter v the dispensation of.htm

Philosophy Conveys Only an Imperfect Knowledge of God.
... and teach, in whom the action of Providence is conspicuously ... either by instruction,
or government, or administration, God wishes to ... But He wishes at all times. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvii philosophy conveys only an.htm

The Child in the Midst.
... to us swallows up all our imperfections, all our defects, all our evils; for ... between
to keep up a justly failing belief, but one providence of God; and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the child in the midst.htm

On the Other Hand, the Sacred Doctrine Teaches that He who is the ...
... his will, as the common Preserver of all things ... to the uncreated Essence, this Word
of God exists as ... He is the Providence which rules the universe; the guardian ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xii on the other.htm

Growth in Grace.
... and when we find an increasing harmony in the action of all our powers ... in accepting,
and resting in, the whole will and providence of God, however afflictive ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xxii growth in grace.htm

Paul at Athens
... neutralises God's design in creation and providence is sin ... as it were, in the ocean
of God, encompassed by ... an atmosphere, and"highest thought of all, and not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul at athens.htm

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Providence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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