Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the providence of God refers to His divine guidance and care over the universe and the affairs of humanity. It is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing God's sovereignty, wisdom, and benevolence. The righteousness of God's providence underscores that His actions and plans are inherently just, moral, and aligned with His holy nature.Biblical Foundation The righteousness of God's providence is affirmed throughout Scripture. In Psalm 145:17, the psalmist declares, "The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds" . This verse encapsulates the belief that God's providential acts are not only sovereign but also inherently righteous and good. In the book of Genesis, the account of Joseph illustrates the righteous providence of God. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph later recognizes God's hand in his circumstances, 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" (Genesis 50:20). This narrative highlights how God's providence can transform human intentions and actions into outcomes that fulfill His righteous purposes. God's Sovereignty and Justice The righteousness of God's providence is closely linked to His sovereignty and justice. In Deuteronomy 32:4, Moses proclaims, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He" . This passage emphasizes that God's providential acts are executed with perfect justice and faithfulness, reflecting His unchanging nature. The prophet Isaiah also speaks to God's righteous providence, declaring, "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity; in My faithfulness I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them" (Isaiah 61:8). Here, God's providence is portrayed as an expression of His love for justice and His commitment to righteousness. Human Response to Divine Providence Believers are called to trust in the righteous providence of God, even when His ways are beyond human understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" . This trust is rooted in the assurance that God's providential care is both righteous and purposeful. The New Testament reinforces this trust in God's righteous providence. In Romans 8:28, the Apostle Paul writes, "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 verse reassures believers that God's providential actions are directed toward their ultimate good, in accordance with His righteous will. The Righteousness of God's Plans God's providence is not only righteous in its execution but also in its ultimate goals. 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 passage highlights that God's providential plans are crafted with wisdom and righteousness, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled in accordance with His perfect will. The righteousness of God's providence is further affirmed in the eschatological vision of Revelation, where God's ultimate justice and righteousness are fully realized. Revelation 15:3-4 proclaims, "Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed" . This vision assures believers that God's providential rule will culminate in the full manifestation of His righteousness and justice. In summary, the providence of God is inherently righteous, reflecting His holy nature and perfect justice. Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to trust in God's providential care, confident that His plans and actions are directed toward their ultimate good and His glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 145:17The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 4:37 Library The Providence of God and his Government of all Things... On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ... On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God God's Providence God Our Guide. The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ... Sermon xxvii. The Reward of the Righteous Basilides' Idea of Martyrdom Refuted. Of Diocletian, who Ignobly Abdicated the Imperial Throne, and was ... Resources What is divine providence? | GotQuestions.orgIs it true that everything happens for a reason? | GotQuestions.org What is the all-seeing eye? | GotQuestions.org Providence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Providence of God is all Pervading The Providence of God is Ever Watchful The Providence of God is Exercised in Bringing his Words to Pass The Providence of God is Exercised in Defeating Wicked Designs The Providence of God is Exercised in Delivering Saints The Providence of God is Exercised in Determining the Period of Human Life The Providence of God is Exercised in Directing all Events The Providence of God is Exercised in Leading Saints The Providence of God is Exercised in Ordaining the Conditions and Circumstances of Men The Providence of God is Exercised in Ordering the Minutest Matters The Providence of God is Exercised in Ordering the Ways of Men The Providence of God is Exercised in Overruling Wicked Designs for Good The Providence of God is Exercised in Preserving his Creatures The Providence of God is Exercised in Preserving the Course of Nature The Providence of God is Exercised in Prospering Saints The Providence of God is Exercised in Protecting Saints The Providence of God is Exercised in Providing for his Creatures The Providence of God is Exercised in Ruling the Elements The Providence of God is Exercised in The Special Preservation of Saints The Providence of God is his Care Over his Works The Providence of God is Righteous The Providence of God: All Things are Ordered By for Good to Saints The Providence of God: All Things are Ordered By for his Glory The Providence of God: Cannot be Defeated The Providence of God: Connected With the Use of Means The Providence of God: Danger of Denying The Providence of God: Man's Efforts are Vain Without The Providence of God: Result of Depending Upon The Providence of God: Saints should Commit Their Works To The Providence of God: Saints should Encourage Themselves The Providence of God: Saints should Have Full Confidence In The Providence of God: Saints should Pray in Dependence Upon The Providence of God: Saints should Pray to be Guided By The Providence of God: Saints should Trust In The Providence of God: Sometimes Dark and Mysterious The Providence of God: The Wicked Made to Promote the Designs The Providence of God: To be Acknowledged in Adversity The Providence of God: To be Acknowledged in all Things The Providence of God: To be Acknowledged in Our Daily Support The Providence of God: To be Acknowledged in Prosperity The Providence of God: To be Acknowledged in Public Calamities Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |