Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Will of God" is central to Christian theology and encompasses God's desires, purposes, and plans for His creation. It is a multifaceted theme that appears throughout the Bible, reflecting God's sovereign authority, moral directives, and redemptive intentions.Sovereign Will The sovereign will of God refers to His ultimate control and authority over all things. This aspect of God's will is immutable and encompasses His eternal plans and purposes. Scripture affirms that God's sovereign will is accomplished regardless of human actions. In Isaiah 46:10, God 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 demonstrates that God's sovereign will is comprehensive and unthwartable. Moral Will God's moral will is revealed through His commandments and teachings, which guide human behavior and decision-making. This aspect of God's will is expressed in His desire for humanity to live in accordance with His righteous standards. The moral will of God is encapsulated in passages such as Micah 6:8, which states, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" The moral will of God calls believers to live lives of holiness and obedience. Permissive Will The permissive will of God acknowledges human free will and the reality of sin in the world. While God does not desire sin or evil, He permits certain actions to occur within the framework of His sovereign plan. This is evident in the account of Joseph, where his brothers' malicious actions were used by God for 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." Redemptive Will The redemptive will of God is His desire to bring salvation and reconciliation to humanity through Jesus Christ. This aspect of God's will is central to the gospel message and is expressed in passages such as 1 Timothy 2:3-4, which states, "This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." The redemptive will of God underscores His love and grace, offering eternal life to those who believe in Christ. Discerning God's Will Believers are encouraged to seek and discern God's will in their lives through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:2 exhorts, "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 transformation involves aligning one's thoughts and actions with God's revealed will, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. Challenges in Understanding God's Will Understanding the will of God can be challenging due to the complexity of human circumstances and the limitations of human understanding. 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 calls for a reliance on God's wisdom and a trust in His providential care, even when His will is not immediately clear. In summary, the will of God encompasses His sovereign, moral, permissive, and redemptive purposes. It is a profound and dynamic concept that invites believers to live in obedience, seek His guidance, and trust in His ultimate plan for creation. Topical Bible Verses 1 Thessalonians 5:18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Topicalbible.org 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 1 Thessalonians 4:3 2 Peter 3:9 Greek 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... "Faith is knowing what is ; therefore, we hold faith to be the knowledge of God's will toward us" (John Calvin, as quoted by R. McAfee Brown in ). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k 4396. prophetes -- a prophet (an interpreter or forth-teller of ... 5428. phronesis -- understanding, practical wisdom 4994. sophronizo -- to recall one to his senses, admonish 2819. kleros -- a lot 3340. metanoeo -- to change one's mind or purpose 1938. epithumetes -- one who desires 4819. sumbaino -- to come together, ie (of events) to come to pass 2107. eudokia -- good pleasure 2319. theostuges -- hating God Strong's Hebrew 177b. Uel -- "will of God," a Judean... 177a, 177b. Uel. 178 . "will of God," a Judean. Transliteration: Uel Short Definition: Uel. Word Origin of uncertain derivation ... /hebrew/177b.htm - 5k 3416. Yirpeel -- "God will heal," a place in Benjamin 3478. Yisrael -- "God strives," another name of Jacob and his desc ... 3458. Yishmael -- "God hears," the name of several Israelites 3168. Yechezqel -- "God strengthens," two Israelites 3183. Yachtseel -- "God apportions," a son of Naphtali 3157. Yizreel -- "God sows," two Israelites, also two cities in ... 455. Elyachba -- "God hides," one of David's leaders 3171. Yechiel -- "may God live," the name of a number of Isr. 475. Elyashib -- "God restores," the name of several Israelites Library The Will of God Appendix 1 the Will of God How to Understand God's Will. The Will of God is the Higher Cause of all Corporeal Change. This ... The Relation of the Will of God to Sanctification How to Know the Will of God On the Will of God Whether There is Will in God? The Will of God, which is Always Good, is Sometimes Fulfilled ... What is God's Will? Resources Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org When will the Resurrection take place? | GotQuestions.org Will: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Will of God, the Supreme Rule of Duty Will: A Testament in Force Only After Death Will: A Testament of Jehoshaphat Will: A Testament: May not be Annulled Will: The Mental Faculty: Freedom of, Recognized by God Related Terms Free-will-offering (9 Occurrences) Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) |
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