The concept of "decides" in the Bible often relates to the exercise of judgment, choice, and the will of God. Throughout Scripture, decisions are pivotal moments that reflect obedience, faith, and the unfolding of God's divine plan. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals and groups making decisions that align with or oppose God's will, highlighting the importance of discernment and reliance on divine guidance.

Divine Decisions

God's decisions are central to the biblical narrative, demonstrating His sovereignty and ultimate authority over creation. In Genesis 1:31, God decides that His creation is "very good," reflecting His perfect judgment. God's decisions are often communicated through His covenants, laws, and prophetic declarations. For instance, in Exodus 3:7-10, God decides to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, revealing His compassion and faithfulness to His promises.

Human Decisions

Human decisions in the Bible often reveal the heart's alignment with or rebellion against God. In Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses presents the Israelites with a choice: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live." This decision underscores the importance of choosing obedience to God's commandments as a path to life and blessing.

The account of Joshua is another example, where he challenges the Israelites to decide whom they will serve. Joshua 24:15 states, "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua's decision reflects a commitment to faithfulness and sets a standard for the nation.

Decisions of Faith

Decisions of faith are often highlighted in the New Testament, where individuals choose to follow Christ despite challenges and persecution. In Matthew 4:19-20, Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Their immediate decision to leave their nets and follow Him exemplifies a decisive act of faith and trust in Jesus' call.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of decision-making in the Christian life. In Romans 12:2, he urges believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This passage highlights the need for discernment and the renewal of the mind to make decisions that align with God's will.

Consequences of Decisions

The Bible illustrates that decisions have consequences, both positive and negative. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve's decision to eat from the forbidden tree results in the fall of humanity, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of disobedience. Conversely, in the Book of Ruth, Ruth's decision to stay with Naomi and embrace the God of Israel leads to her becoming an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.

Seeking God's Guidance

Scripture encourages believers to seek God's guidance in decision-making. 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 passage underscores the importance of relying on God's wisdom rather than human understanding.

James 1:5 further assures believers, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him." This promise encourages Christians to seek divine wisdom in making decisions, trusting in God's generous provision of guidance.

In summary, the concept of "decides" in the Bible encompasses divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the pursuit of wisdom and discernment. Decisions are integral to the biblical narrative, reflecting the ongoing relationship between God and His people.6504. parad -- to divide
... root Definition to divide NASB Word Usage decides (1), dispersed (1), divided (1),
go apart (1), joint (1), parted (1), parts (1), scattered (2), separate (1 ...
/hebrew/6504.htm - 6k

Wesley Decides to Marry
... Chapter 9. Wesley's Marriage; Dealings with Cornwall Smugglers; His Illness
and Recovery Wesley Decides to Marry. Friday, February ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley decides to marry.htm

victor "Decides" that Oblations Should be Offered up for those who ...
... Book II. Chapter 15 [XI.]"Victor "Decides" That Oblations Should Be Offered
Up for Those Who Die Unbaptized. Still he chafes with ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 15 xi victor decides that.htm

Jesus Decides How He Will do his Work
... THE NEW TESTAMENT JESUS DECIDES HOW HE WILL DO HIS WORK. At this time Jesus came
from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus decides how he will.htm

Resolves to Go to College. Friends Oppose. Wife Decides It. Hard ...
... Resolves to Go to College. Friends Oppose. Wife Decides It. Hard Living and Hard
Work. ... Friends Oppose. Wife Decides It. Hard Living and Hard Work. ...
/.../chapter viii resolves to go.htm

Christian Casuistry.
... defilement? The apostle decides this with his usual inspired wisdom. He
decides that the marriage-bond is sacred still. Diversities ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xiii christian casuistry.htm

Book Five a Year of Decision. ...
... He decides to flee from his known troubles at Carthage to troubles yet unknown at
Rome. ... Augustine decides to become a Christian catechumen. CHAPTER I. ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book five a year of.htm

The Way the Sail is Set.
... But one way blows the wind. An old sea-captain made reply (His locks with salt-spray
wet): "'Tis not the wind decides the course; 'Tis way the sails are set.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/the way the sail is.htm

We must not Lie, Even for the Sake of Moderation. The Praise of ...
... No doubt on the side of falsehood, if you prove arrogance to exist on the side of
truth." And so he decides, and rightly decides, that humility should rather ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 38 xxxiv we must not.htm

Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ...
... it is written: "God stood in the congregation of gods, and decideth among the gods."
[3652] So then when He sits He judges, when He stands He decides, and He ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle lxiii limenius bishop of.htm

The Holy Scriptures.
... One man whose heart is full of hatred against a neighbor decides no man can love
his enemy, therefore this command does not mean what it says, so he will go on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter ii the holy scriptures.htm

Decides (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Decides (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 15:15 The king's
servants said to the king, "Behold, your servants are ...
/d/decides.htm - 6k

Kedar (11 Occurrences)
... There Kedar is mentioned along with the Arabs and Nebaioth, which decides its identity
with Kedar of the Old Testament, and there is found also an account of ...
/k/kedar.htm - 13k

Decideth (1 Occurrence)

/d/decideth.htm - 6k

Daysman (1 Occurrence)
... King James Version (Job 9:33) the word means an arbitrator, umpire, referee; one
who stands in a judicial capacity between two parties, and decides upon the ...
/d/daysman.htm - 9k

Beatitudes
... One set of scholars decides in favor of Matt hew, and accounts for Luke's deviation
from the Matthean version by ascribing to him, on very insufficient grounds ...
/b/beatitudes.htm - 16k

Conscience (36 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The faculty, power, or inward principle which decides as to the character
of one's own actions, purposes, and affections, warning against and ...
/c/conscience.htm - 37k

Spirituality
... Spirit. The affections present motives, the intellect estimates their
worthiness, the will decides upon the course of action. When ...
/s/spirituality.htm - 9k

Settler (8 Occurrences)
... of New England. 3. (n.) That which settles or finishes; hence, a blow,
etc., which settles or decides a contest. 4. (n.) A vessel ...
/s/settler.htm - 9k

Guilt (180 Occurrences)
... II. In the New Testament. 1. With Jesus: Here as elsewhere Jesus came to fulfill.
With Him it is the inner attitude of the soul that decides. ...
/g/guilt.htm - 46k

Decided (54 Occurrences)

/d/decided.htm - 22k

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