Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the decrees and purposes of God is foundational to understanding the nature of God and His sovereign will as revealed in the Bible. These decrees are the eternal plans and purposes of God, by which He has foreordained everything that comes to pass. They are rooted in His omniscience, omnipotence, and perfect wisdom, reflecting His ultimate authority over creation.Biblical Basis The Bible affirms that God's decrees are eternal and unchangeable. In Isaiah 46:9-10 , God declares, "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.’" This passage underscores God's sovereign ability to declare and bring about His purposes. In Ephesians 1:11 , the Apostle Paul writes, "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 verse highlights the concept of predestination and God's active role in orchestrating all events according to His divine will. Nature of God's Decrees God's decrees are comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of creation and history. They include the creation of the world, the fall of man, the plan of redemption through Jesus Christ, and the ultimate consummation of all things. Psalm 33:11 states, "The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations." This indicates the eternal nature of God's plans and their relevance across all ages. The decrees of God are also characterized by their wisdom and goodness. Romans 8:28 assures believers, "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 provides comfort and assurance that God's purposes are ultimately for the good of His people, even when circumstances seem adverse. Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty While God's decrees are sovereign and unchangeable, the Bible also affirms human responsibility. The interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will is a profound mystery. Proverbs 16:9 states, "A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This suggests that while humans make plans, it is ultimately God who directs the outcome. The account of Joseph in Genesis illustrates this balance. Joseph's brothers intended harm by selling him into slavery, yet God used their actions to bring about a greater purpose. In Genesis 50:20 , Joseph tells his brothers, "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." The Purpose of God's Decrees The ultimate purpose of God's decrees is His own glory. Ephesians 1:12 states, "in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory." God's plans and purposes are designed to reveal His character, power, and grace, leading to the worship and adoration of His name. Furthermore, God's decrees serve to bring about the redemption and sanctification of His people. In 2 Timothy 1:9 , Paul writes, "He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began." This emphasizes that God's redemptive plan was established before the foundation of the world, highlighting His eternal purpose in Christ. Conclusion The decrees and purposes of God are central to the biblical narrative, revealing His sovereignty, wisdom, and goodness. They assure believers of God's control over all things and His commitment to His redemptive plan. Through understanding these decrees, Christians are called to trust in God's providence and align their lives with His divine purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows them that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Decrees of God. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. Of Predestination God's Sovereignty and Prayer Hezekiah, the Praying King Fellowship with God God's Providence The Unchangeableness of God For Wisdom. The Doctrine of God Resources When was before the foundation of the world? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF)? | GotQuestions.org What does 1 Timothy 3:15 mean when it says that the church is the pillar and foundation of the truth? | GotQuestions.org Foundation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Foundation: Decrees and Purposes of God Foundation: Doctrines of the Apostles Foundation: Figuratively Applied to Kingdoms Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Earth Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Heavens Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Mountains Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Ocean Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The World Foundation: First Principles of the Gospel Foundation: Joined Together by Corner Stones Foundation: Security Afforded By Foundation: Security of Saints' Inheritance Foundation: The Lowest Part of a Building, and on Which It Rests Related Terms Foundation-stone (1 Occurrence) |
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