1689 5.2

5.2. Of Divine Providence

Although in relation to the foreknowledge and Decree of God, the first cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly; so that there is not any thing, befalls any by chance, or without his Providence; yet by the same Providence he ordereth them to fall out, according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.

Proof texts

• Acts 2:23 — [23] this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
• Proverbs 16:33 — [33] The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.
• Genesis 8:22 — [22] While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited Acts 2:23 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 3 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q11 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q12 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q11 · WSC Q12 · WLC Q18 · WLC Q19 · WLC Q20 · WCF 5.1 · HC Q26 · HC Q27 · HC Q28 · BC 3.1 · BC 3.2 · SD 5.1