What is the permissive will of God?

Definition of the Permissive Will of God

The term “permissive will of God” refers to those events and actions that God allows, even though they may not reflect His moral desires or prescriptive commands. This concept acknowledges that while God is sovereign over all creation (Psalm 115:3: “Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases”), He sometimes permits human choices and their consequences to unfold, ultimately weaving these into His greater plan and purpose.

In this understanding, permissive will contrasts with what theologians often call God’s “decretive will,” in which He sovereignly ordains certain events (e.g., the creation of the universe), and His “prescriptive will,” which outlines His moral commands (e.g., “You shall not steal”). The “permissive” aspect recognizes that God, without approving of sin, allows free moral agents to make choices that sometimes fall short of His holiness, yet these are never outside His overarching plan.

Biblical Foundation

Throughout Scripture, the permissive will of God appears in narratives where individuals or nations act in a way contrary to His righteous instructions, while God still oversees outcomes for His ultimate glory and purpose.

• One key verse often referenced is Genesis 50:20: “You intended evil against me, but God intended it for good.” Joseph’s brothers committed wrongdoing in selling him into slavery, yet God permitted it to fulfill a larger plan—preserving many lives.

• Romans 8:28 states: “We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.” Even in human failings or suffering brought on by sin, God’s permissive will does not bypass His power to redeem every situation for the good of His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

• In Acts 14:16, Paul affirms how God “allowed all nations to go their own way,” illustrating divine permission of human freedom—even if that path led to disobedience—while remaining sovereign over history.

Examples in Scripture

1. King Saul’s Reign

God’s people demanded a king “to be like all the other nations” (cf. 1 Samuel 8). Scripture shows that the request itself was against God’s desire for Israel’s unique theocracy. Yet, God permitted it. He then used Saul’s reign to teach Israel dependence on Him. Although Saul’s disobedience brought judgment (1 Samuel 15), the entire episode still forwarded the line of divine kingship that would ultimately lead to David and, in time, the Messiah.

2. Israel’s Wilderness Wanderings

Despite the Israelites seeing miraculous deliverance, they repeatedly grumbled and doubted God’s guidance. God permitted their wandering for forty years, but He still safeguarded them, provided manna, and fulfilled His covenant promise by eventually bringing them into Canaan (Numbers 14).

3. Suffering and Job’s Trials

Job’s hardships occurred under God’s permission. Though Satan was the instigator, God had full authority to limit his actions (Job 1–2). Job’s story illuminates that while God may permit suffering, He remains intimately aware and works ultimately for His higher purpose—even bringing Job deeper understanding and blessing.

Distinction from Decretive and Prescriptive Will

- Decretive Will (Sovereign Will): Concerns what God definitively ordains. For instance, the creation of the world and Christ’s resurrection were not merely allowed by God; they were ordained. Scripture, verified by historical and manuscript evidence, demonstrates no power could thwart these events.

- Prescriptive Will (Moral Will): Comprises God’s commandments for consistent holy living. Examples include the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and Christ’s instructions for His followers (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5–7). Failure to obey these commands constitutes sin.

- Permissive Will: Falls between these categories. God allows certain events and behaviors without endorsing them. He weaves these actions into His redemptive narrative, as testified by numerous biblical accounts confirmed by archaeological and textual discoveries (such as the records of ancient Israel residing in Canaan that align with biblical chronology).

Purpose and Significance

The permissive will of God serves distinct purposes:

1. Highlighting Human Responsibility

God’s creation involves free will—people can choose righteousness or rebellion. The outcome is that individuals are morally accountable. Archaeological confirmations of cities like Nineveh and evidence of their cultural turnarounds underscore the biblical theme of God permitting human choices yet calling for repentance (Jonah 3).

2. Demonstrating Grace and Forgiveness

Even when individuals or nations stray from biblical directives, Scripture repeatedly shows God’s willingness to forgive upon genuine repentance. This underscores that God’s love can (and does) redeem the worst of situations.

3. Fulfilling Greater Good

Though certain events appear inexplicable, Scripture affirms that God incorporates them into a larger redemptive tapestry. Historical records, such as the survival of the Jewish people against overwhelming odds—most prominently recounted in the book of Esther—bear witness to God’s overarching plan despite human failings.

Practical Implications

1. Encouragement in Trials

Recognizing God’s permissive will helps believers trust that sufferings or trials occur under His watchful sovereignty. Instead of seeing pain as random, faith recognizes that nothing escapes God’s notice or redemptive capacity.

2. Understanding God’s Mercy

God often delays judgment, permitting individuals the opportunity to repent. This stance provides an explanation for why evil exists for a time: God’s patience leads to redemption rather than immediate condemnation (2 Peter 3:9, paraphrased).

3. Growth in Obedience

By perceiving that God can use even failings to teach, refine, and sanctify, believers gain hope and motivation to repent quickly, trusting that He restores and transforms.

4. Evangelistic Perspective

When nonbelievers witness personal failures or moral evils, a believer may point to the biblical assurance that evil and suffering can ultimately serve a higher redemptive purpose. Ancient manuscripts of the New Testament consistently testify to the resurrection of Christ, reminding us that God’s ultimate demonstration of sovereignty over sin and death is found there.

Challenges and Clarifications

- Misconception of Passive Endorsement: Permitting sin is never the same as endorsing it. The repeated calls to repent in Scripture (Mark 1:15) underline that God’s tolerance is not approval but an extension of mercy.

- Tension With God’s Sovereignty: Some question if God’s permissive will undermines His sovereign control. Yet the biblical example of the cross—the greatest act of evil (the crucifixion of the sinless Christ) used for the ultimate good—resolves this tension. God’s sovereignty stands, even amid the darkest acts, ensuring that His design prevails.

- Human Free Will vs. Divine Plan: Philosophers and behavioral scientists continue to deliberate how human autonomy fits God’s foreknowledge. However, leading manuscript scholars confirm that the biblical account consistently upholds both human freedom and God’s omniscient oversight, with historical and textual studies validating the unity of these biblical teachings.

Conclusion

The permissive will of God underscores His ability to allow human decisions—even wrong ones—while still directing history toward His predestined conclusion. It arises from His sovereign control, love, and knowledge that every choice, including those contrary to His moral will, can be integrated into His perfect plan.

Understanding this doctrine increases reverence, trust, and gratitude for His patient forbearance. It reminds believers that, although He does not sanction wrongdoing, He can redeem lives and circumstances through His limitless power and grace. As Scripture consistently reveals, believers find hope in knowing the Author of creation weaves all events—both those in alignment with His commands and those allowed by His permissive will—into an unfolding narrative that fulfills His eternal purpose.