Providence and Predestination Flashcards
(Def) Divine Providence
God’s sovereign control and direction of events in the world.
Implication 1
God has a good and wise plan for his creation
Implication 2
God’s plan was formulated in eternity (prior to creation)
History just is the unfolding of God’s plan.
Implication 3
God’s plan is comprehensive.
It concerns every event within creation.
Implication 4
God’s plan includes the free will choices of his creatures -both good and evil.
Implication 5
God’s plan is not dependent on contingencies in the creation beyond his control.
Implication 6
God’s plan originates ultimately and entirely in his own free decree.
Implication 7
God’s plan is effectual and infallible.
Every event occurs in accordance with his plan.
Implication 8
God’s plan includes the ends and means.
It is not fatalistic.
Implication 9
God’s plan includes the sins of his creatures, but does not entail that God is sinful.
Implication 10
God’s plan is directed toward the ultimate end of his own glory.
Objection 1
“Makes God the author of evil”
3 Distinctions:
- Primary (ultimate) v. Secondary (proximate) causes
- Divine v. Human intention (Gen 50:20, Is 10)
- Responsibility v. Culpability
Objection 2
“Implies that God’s will is for us to sin, to break his own moral rules.”
God’s preceptive (revealed) v. decretive (secret) will. Deut 29:29.
God’s preceptive will
Revealed - God’s perfect moral character
God’s decretive will
Secret - God’s perfect sovereign plan
