Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the counsels and purposes of God are central to understanding His divine will and the unfolding of His plan for creation. The Scriptures reveal that while God's purposes are perfect and righteous, the wicked often stand in opposition, despising His counsel and rejecting His authority.Despising God's Counsel The Bible frequently addresses the attitude of the wicked towards God's counsel. In Proverbs 1:7, it is written, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." Here, the term "fools" is often synonymous with the wicked, indicating a willful rejection of divine wisdom and instruction. This rejection is not merely intellectual but moral, as it involves a conscious decision to turn away from God's revealed truth. Psalm 107:11 further illustrates this point: "because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High." This verse highlights the rebellious nature of the wicked, who not only ignore God's words but actively scorn His guidance. Such an attitude is indicative of a heart hardened against the divine will, leading to spiritual blindness and eventual judgment. Consequences of Despising God's Counsel The Scriptures are clear about the consequences faced by those who despise God's counsel. Proverbs 1:24-26 warns, "Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel and wanted none of my correction, in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you." This passage underscores the principle that rejecting God's wisdom leads to ruin and disaster, as divine protection and guidance are withdrawn. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul echoes this theme in Romans 1:28, stating, "Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done." The rejection of God's counsel results in a moral and spiritual decline, as individuals are left to their own devices, leading to further wickedness and estrangement from God. God's Sovereign Purposes Despite the wicked's disdain for His counsel, God's purposes remain unthwarted. Job 42:2 declares, "I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted." God's sovereignty ensures that His divine plan will ultimately prevail, regardless of human rebellion. The wicked may despise His counsel, but they cannot alter His eternal purposes. In Isaiah 46:10, God proclaims, "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 assurance of God's unchanging purpose provides comfort to the faithful, affirming that His will is both inevitable and good. Call to Repentance While the wicked may despise God's counsel, the Bible consistently extends a call to repentance. In Ezekiel 18:23, God asks, "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn't I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?" This rhetorical question reveals God's desire for the wicked to turn from their rebellion and embrace His counsel, leading to life and restoration. The invitation to repentance is a testament to God's mercy and grace, offering hope even to those who have long despised His counsel. Through repentance and faith, the wicked can be reconciled to God, aligning themselves with His purposes and experiencing the fullness of His blessings. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 5:19That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it! Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Characters Will be Disclosed, and Justice Awarded. The Investigative Judgment. Facing Life's Record A Treatise of the Fear of God; The End On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744) Difficulties and Objections The Sorrowful Man's Question No Compromise Preface by David Lewis. Resources What is the value of pastoral counseling? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gad the seer? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to have a personal relationship with God? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics 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 Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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