Exam 3 - part 4 Flashcards
Millard Erickson on the providence of God and miracles.
What is the definition of God’s providence?
God’s continuing preservation of His creation’s existence, guiding it to His intended purposes.
Where is it common to find the doctrine of providence discussed in theology?
General revelation and the arguments of natural theology (history and science).
Define the preservation aspect of God’s providence.
God’s preservation is His maintaining of creation in existence by protecting it from harm and providing for its needs.
What are four Bible passages that emphasize God’s preservation?
Neh. 9:6, Col. 1:17, Heb. 1:3, Ps. 104
How does God’s preservation relate to danger or trial that a believer might experience?
The believer will not be spared from it, but will be preserved through it. It will not prevail over the believer.
What did Karl Heim say which is a counter idea for the Biblical view of God’s preservation?
Continuous creation - The universe continually ceases to be and “God creates the universe anew in each instant of time” (Erickson, p. 362). Biblically, the major flaw with this is it makes God’s working direct, and He doesn’t use His creation to achieve His ends.
What is the government of God?
God’s “activity in the universe so that all its events fulfill His plan for it” (Erickson, p. 365).
Why do the animals instinctively obey God’s command?
They are incapable of conscious choice.
How does Isa. 10:5-12 show God’s involvement in human history and the destiny of the nations?
God “uses Assyria to accomplish His purposes with Israel and then brings destruction on Assyria” (Erickson, p. 365).
What is one powerful indication of God’s sovereign control of all circumstances of life in Exod. 21:13?
If God permits the accidental killing of a person by another, then the murderer may escape to a city of refuge.
If God does not cause sin or tempt people, how does sin relate to God’s governance?
(1) God can prevent it, but (2) does not always. (3) God can direct it so that it results in good, such as the story of Joseph, and Jesus’ crucifixion. (4) God can limit the extents of it, like He does in His interactions with Satan in Job’s story.
What is the dilemma thoughtful Christians face regarding prayer?
There is a question whether prayer accomplishes anything if God’s plan is fixed, or if His plan can be altered by prayer.
How does Erickson suggest that the Scriptural teaching of God’s fixed plan, and the command for believers to pray relate to each other?
God seems to partner with humans. Humans must pray in order for God’s purpose to be revealed. “It is the means by which He accomplishes His end” (Erickson, p. 378).
How are we to pray?
Persistently and in line with the will of God.
What are the three Biblical purposes of miracles?
- To give glory to God.
- To establish the supernatural basis of an accompanying revelation (Luke: 5:24-26 – a sign that Jesus can forgive sins).
- For the benefit, healing, or relief of people (Matt. 14:14), and never for selfish displays of shock and awe.
