Topical Bible: The Providence of God is Exercised in Directing all Events

Bible > Topical > The Providence of God is Exercised in Directing all Events

◄ The Providence of God is Exercised in Directing all Events ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of divine providence is central to understanding how God interacts with His creation, orchestrating all events according to His sovereign will. This doctrine asserts that God is actively involved in the world, guiding and directing the course of history and the lives of individuals to fulfill His purposes.

Scriptural Foundation

The Bible provides numerous passages that affirm God's providential control over all events. In Isaiah 46:9-10 , God declares, "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.’" This passage underscores God's omniscience and omnipotence, affirming that His plans are unchangeable and certain to be fulfilled.

In the New Testament, 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 highlights the comprehensive nature of God's providence, indicating that all events are orchestrated according to His divine plan.

Historical and Personal Events

God's providence is evident in both historical and personal contexts. In the account of Joseph, found in Genesis 50:20 , Joseph tells his brothers, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This narrative illustrates how God can use even the malicious intentions of individuals to bring about His redemptive purposes.

Similarly, in the Book of Esther, God's providence is seen in the preservation of the Jewish people through the courageous actions of Esther and Mordecai. Although God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the text, His guiding hand is evident throughout the events that lead to the deliverance of His people.

Natural Events

God's providence extends to the natural world as well. In Matthew 10:29-31 , Jesus teaches, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." This passage reassures believers of God's intimate involvement in the details of creation, emphasizing His care and concern for all aspects of life.

Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty

While God's providence affirms His control over all events, it does not negate human responsibility. The Bible maintains a balance between divine sovereignty and human agency. In Philippians 2:12-13 , Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This passage illustrates the cooperation between human effort and divine action, where believers are called to actively pursue their faith while recognizing that it is God who empowers and directs their actions.

Comfort and Assurance

The doctrine of God's providence offers profound comfort and assurance to believers. Romans 8:28 promises, "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 assurance allows Christians to trust in God's perfect plan, even amidst trials and uncertainties, knowing that He is working all things for their ultimate good and His glory.

In summary, the providence of God in directing all events is a foundational biblical truth that affirms His sovereign control, wisdom, and love in guiding the course of history and the lives of His people. Through His providence, God accomplishes His divine purposes, ensuring that His will is ultimately fulfilled.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 7:14
In the morning therefore you shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD takes shall come according to the families thereof; and the family which the LORD shall take shall come by households; and the household which the LORD shall take shall come man by man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 6:7-10,12
Now therefore make a new cart, and take two milk cows, on which there has come no yoke, and tie the cows to the cart, and bring their calves home from them:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 44:7
And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them show to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 1:26
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The World, Created by God, Still Cherished and Protected by Him. ...
... some general agency on which the power of motion depends, exercised in preserving ...
fortuitous, he will have no doubt that the Providence of God overruled it ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 the world created.htm

Recapitulation of Former Exhortations. ...
... disobedience taken away His favor toward him, and that He still exercised His
Providence and care ... So that God is at the same time a Judge, a Physician, and ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily vii recapitulation of former.htm

This HomilyIs Intended to Shew that the Fear of Magistrates is ...
... Whilst he had not yet exercised his power over them ... those whom they assailed, as
well as His own providence. ... out, "Ye servants of the most high God, come forth ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily vi this homily is.htm

Latitudinarian Churchmanship.
... a very important element in directing the religious ... the right of private judgment
should be exercised. ... of blood there is no remission.' God's providence may be ...
/.../chapter iv latitudinarian churchmanship.htm

Latitudinarian Churchmanship.
... taken a very distinguished part in the Roman controversy, directing his special ... Hales,
Esq., to whose pious endeavour the good providence of God has given ...
/.../chapter v latitudinarian churchmanship.htm

Calvin's Work.
... infralapsarianism and supralapsarianism: 'Adam fell, God' providence having so ... and
this right was exercised, with more ... a throne, because it fears God, the only ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 57 calvins work.htm

Paragraphs from Notable Speeches
... I believe in the overruling providence of God, and that ... your lips the truth implanted
by God in your ... For about a century this nation exercised a protectorate ...
/.../paragraphs from notable speeches.htm

Reprobation.
... that might thus, from his overruling providence, result to ... as irresistible a sovereignty
as that exercised by the ... occur, is as infallibly known to God, as the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xliv reprobation.htm

Ninth Tractate. Against those that Affirm the Creator of the ...
... how different is the governance exercised by the ... moves, by ways to be studied elsewhere,
towards God. Epicurus denies a Providence and recommends pleasure and ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/ninth tractate against those that.htm

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... This view of the decrees of God does not make ... Providence is not an occasional
interference, but a constant ... that a moral government is exercised over mankind ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm