The concept of the greatness of God's counsels and purposes is a profound theme woven throughout the biblical narrative. It reflects the divine wisdom, sovereignty, and intentionality with which God orchestrates the unfolding of history and the lives of individuals. This entry explores the biblical foundation for understanding the greatness of God's counsels and purposes, highlighting key scriptural passages and theological insights.

Biblical Foundation

1. Divine Wisdom and Knowledge: The Bible frequently emphasizes the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, which surpasses human understanding. In Isaiah 55:8-9, the Lord declares, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." This passage underscores the transcendence of God's plans and purposes, which are rooted in His infinite wisdom.

2. Sovereignty and Control: God's sovereignty is a central theme in Scripture, affirming that He is in control of all things. Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail." This verse highlights the ultimate authority of God's purposes over human intentions, affirming that His plans are unassailable and will come to fruition.

3. Eternal Purposes: The purposes of God are not only great but eternal. Ephesians 1:11 reveals that "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 passage speaks to the eternal nature of God's purposes, which are established before the foundation of the world and are being worked out in accordance with His divine will.

4. Redemptive Plan: Central to the greatness of God's purposes is His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Romans 8:28 assures believers that "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 reflects the overarching purpose of God to bring about redemption and restoration through Christ, demonstrating His ability to work all circumstances for the ultimate good of His people.

5. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The fulfillment of biblical prophecy is a testament to the greatness of God's counsels. Isaiah 46:10 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 declaration affirms that God's purposes are not only great but certain, as evidenced by the fulfillment of His prophetic word throughout history.

Theological Insights

1. God's Immutability: The greatness of God's purposes is rooted in His unchanging nature. Malachi 3:6 states, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." God's immutable character ensures that His purposes remain steadfast and reliable, providing assurance to believers of His unwavering commitment to His promises.

2. Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty: While God's purposes are great and sovereign, Scripture also affirms human responsibility. Philippians 2:12-13 encourages believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This passage highlights the mysterious interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency, where God's purposes are accomplished through the willing participation of His people.

3. The Mystery of God's Will: The greatness of God's counsels often involves elements of mystery that are beyond human comprehension. Romans 11:33 exclaims, "O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!" This acknowledgment of mystery invites believers to trust in God's wisdom, even when His purposes are not fully understood.

4. The Assurance of God's Faithfulness: The greatness of God's purposes provides assurance of His faithfulness to His people. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This assurance encourages believers to rely on God's steadfast love and faithfulness as they navigate the complexities of life.

In summary, the greatness of the counsels and purposes of God is a foundational truth that permeates the biblical narrative, offering believers a profound understanding of God's wisdom, sovereignty, and redemptive plan. Through the lens of Scripture, we are invited to marvel at the depth of God's purposes and to trust in His unfailing faithfulness.Jeremiah 32:19
Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for your eyes are open on all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... justification, a fruit itself of the Divine counsels, is bestowed ... others of their
race redeemed to God, that glory ... As in every case the purposes of God harmonize ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

Of Predestination
... If we should speak properly, there are not counsels and purposes in God ... we have many
thoughts, about many things, so we cannot well conceive of God but in ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xv of predestination.htm

The Origin of Evil.
... in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God ... The
law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /29 the origin of evil.htm

The Origin of Evil
... Christ the Word, the Only Begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father ... in all
the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 29 the origin of.htm

The Lord Reigneth
... I. Great and marvellous is this L ORD God Omnipotent in His Kingdom of Universal
Providence ! ... He directs and overrules the counsels and purposes of men, so ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxvi the lord reigneth.htm

Of the Decrees of God.
... But it is not so with God. ... But with him there is neither succession of counsels and
purposes, nor yet plurality, but, as with one opening of his eye, he ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xiv of the decrees.htm

The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
... Jew, Gentile, and the Church of God are distinguished; and each has its own proper
place. ... All the counsels and purposes of God have Christ for their centre ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh and last vision.htm

The Established Christian Urged to Exert Himself for Purposes of ...
... Are your counsels heard with attention? ... that your charity may be directed to the
best purposes, let me ... may call for the consideration of those whom God has in ...
/.../chapter xxviii the established christian.htm

Praying Men at a Premium
... that He must have to accomplish His purposes and to ... permits him to share the secrets
of God's counsels, while the ... is a model and an example to God's people in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/vi praying men at a.htm

Of the Sweetness of the Commandment which God Has Given us of ...
... of this commandment grow all the counsels, exhortations, inspirations ... God at the
Day of Judgment will imprint ... this object which the understanding purposes to it ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter i of the sweetness.htm

What is the value of pastoral counseling? | GotQuestions.org

Who 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