The Counsels and Purposes of God: Shall be Performed
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The concept of the counsels and purposes of God being performed is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the sovereignty, wisdom, and faithfulness of God. This theme underscores the belief that God's plans are unchangeable and will inevitably come to fruition, regardless of human actions or circumstances.

Divine Sovereignty and Wisdom

The Bible affirms that God's purposes are established from eternity and are executed with perfect wisdom. Isaiah 46:10 declares, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’" This passage highlights God's omniscience and omnipotence, emphasizing that His plans are not subject to change or thwarting by any force.

Immutable Decrees

God's decrees are immutable, meaning they cannot be altered or annulled. In Job 42:2, Job acknowledges, "I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted." This acknowledgment of God's unassailable will is echoed throughout Scripture, reinforcing the belief that God's purposes are fixed and certain.

Fulfillment Through Christ

The New Testament reveals that the fulfillment of God's purposes is ultimately realized in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:9-10 states, "And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." This passage illustrates that God's eternal plan centers on the redemptive work of Christ, bringing unity and restoration to all creation.

Human Responsibility and Divine Purpose

While God's purposes are sovereign, Scripture also teaches human responsibility. Proverbs 19:21 notes, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." This verse suggests that while humans may devise their own plans, it is ultimately God's purpose that will be accomplished. This interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency is a profound mystery, yet it assures believers that God's will is ultimately good and just.

Historical Fulfillment

Throughout biblical history, God's purposes have been demonstrated in the unfolding of events. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the establishment of the Davidic kingdom, and the return from Babylonian exile are all instances where God's purposes were fulfilled despite opposition and apparent setbacks. These historical fulfillments serve as testimonies to God's faithfulness and the certainty of His plans.

Assurance for Believers

For believers, the assurance that God's purposes will be performed provides comfort and hope. Romans 8:28 affirms, "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 promise assures believers that, regardless of present circumstances, God's overarching plan is for their ultimate good and His glory.

Eschatological Fulfillment

The Bible also points to the eschatological fulfillment of God's purposes, where His ultimate plan for creation will be realized. Revelation 21:6 proclaims, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life." This vision of the new creation underscores the certainty that God's purposes will culminate in the restoration and renewal of all things.

In summary, the biblical teaching that the counsels and purposes of God shall be performed is a testament to His sovereign will, wisdom, and faithfulness. It assures believers of the certainty of God's plans and provides a foundation for trust and hope in His divine providence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 14:24
The LORD of hosts has sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 46:11
Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executes my counsel from a far country: yes, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... justification, a fruit itself of the Divine counsels, is bestowed ... The law of God
is the rule according to which ... and that is illustrated by his purposes revealed ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

Psalm IX.
... wasted by the word of truth, evil counsels are laid ... But all highest purposes are
the gates of the daughter ... our Lord Jesus Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ix.htm

The Judgment Upon Zacharias
... followed by those who listen to your counsels"this is a ... and to be as good as dead
for all practical purposes. ... because he hath not believed on the Son of God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the judgment upon zacharias.htm

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... None of his purposes, therefore, can be defeated, because the ... not be assisted by
the prayers and counsels of those ... up, in the righteous judgment of God, to a ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm

Of the Religion of Mahomet.
... is delivered, we discover, I think, two purposes that pervade ... "God is minded," says
he, speaking of this very ... them with security, he enters upon new counsels. ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section iii of the religion.htm

Light through Darkness.
... men are inadequate to enter into the counsels of the ... fully the working out of His
purposes, yet often ... in the Bible, the expression "kingdom of God" is employed ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /19 light through darkness.htm

Light through Darkness
... men are inadequate to enter into the counsels of the ... fully the working out of His
purposes, yet often ... in the Bible, the expression "kingdom of God" is employed ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 19 light through darkness.htm

Of the Union of Our Will with God's in the Inspirations which are ...
... GOD, SIGNIFIED UNTO US BY HIS COMMANDMENTS, COUNSELS AND INSPIRATIONS. ... OF THE UNION
OF OUR WILL WITH GOD'S IN THE ... for he cares not how many purposes, plans and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xi of the union 2.htm

Gifts no Certain Evidence of Grace.
... God's counsels are always before him. ... Gifts, under the influence his holy purposes. ...
To be thus used of God gives no title to his favor. "When God had performed ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xiv gifts no certain.htm

The Apocalypse.
... of God and in harmony with his counsels of eternal ... 1522), but afterward he utilized
for polemic purposes (in a ... holy, and then the work of God is accomplished. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 101 the apocalypse.htm

Resources
What are the biblical principles for solid decision-making? | GotQuestions.org

What is the rhema word? | GotQuestions.org

Why is seeking God important? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Counsels

The Counsels and Purposes of God are Eternal

The Counsels and Purposes of God are Faithfulness and Truth

The Counsels and Purposes of God are Great

The Counsels and Purposes of God are Immutable

The Counsels and Purposes of God are Sovereign

The Counsels and Purposes of God are Wonderful

The Counsels and Purposes of God: Attend To

The Counsels and Purposes of God: None Can Disannul

The Counsels and Purposes of God: Saints Called and Save According To

The Counsels and Purposes of God: Secret not to be Searched Into

The Counsels and Purposes of God: Shall be Performed

The Counsels and Purposes of God: should be Declared by Ministers

The Counsels and Purposes of God: The Sufferings and Death of Christ Were According To

The Counsels and Purposes of God: The Union of all Saints in Christ, is According To

The Counsels and Purposes of God: The Wicked: Despise

The Counsels and Purposes of God: The Wicked: Reject

The Counsels and Purposes of God: The Wicked: Understand Not

The Counsels and Purposes of God: The Works of God According To

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The Counsels and Purposes of God: Secret not to be Searched Into
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