1689 5.5

5.5. Of Divine Providence

The most wise, righteous, and gracious God, doth oftentimes, leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations, and the corruptions of their own heart, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption, and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled; and to raise them to a more close, and constant dependence for their support, upon himself; and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for other just and holy ends.

Proof texts

• 2 Chronicles 32:25, 26, 31 — [25] But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem. [26] But Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah. [31] And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.
• 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 — [7] So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. [8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
• Romans 8:28 — [28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 2 Chronicles 32:25, 26, 31 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