Study Reformed

5.1. Of Providence

God the great Creator of all things, doth uphold, direct, dispose and govern all creatures, actions and things from the greatest even to the least by his most wise and holy providence, according to his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will, to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness and mercy.

Proof texts

Heb. 1:3 — [3] He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Dan. 4:34, 35 — [34] At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; [35] all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
Ps. 135:6 — [6] Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.
Acts 17:25, 26, 28 — [25] nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. [26] And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, [28] for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’
Job 38–41
Matt. 10:29, 30, 31 — [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. [30] But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Prov. 15:3 — [3] The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Ps. 104:24 — [24] O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Ps. 145:17 — [17] The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
Acts 15:18 — [18] known from of old.’
Ps. 94:8, 9, 10, 11 — [8] Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise? [9] He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? [10] He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge — [11] the LORD — knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.
Eph. 1:11 — [11] In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
Ps. 33:10, 11 — [10] The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. [11] The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
Isa. 63:14 — [14] Like livestock that go down into the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. So you led your people, to make for yourself a glorious name.
Eph. 3:10 — [10] so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Rom. 9:17 — [17] For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
Gen. 45:7 — [7] And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors.
Ps. 145:7 — [7] They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Heb. 1:3 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
18 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 5.1

5.2. Of Providence

Although in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly; 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.
Gen. 8:22 — [22] While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
Jer. 31:35 — [35] Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar — the LORD of hosts is his name:
Exod. 21:13 with Deut. 19:5
1 Kings 22:28, 34 — [28] And Micaiah said, “If you return in peace, the LORD has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Hear, all you peoples!” [34] But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”
Isa. 10:6, 7 — [6] Against a godless nation I send him, and against the people of my wrath I command him, to take spoil and seize plunder, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. [7] But he does not so intend, and his heart does not so think; but it is in his heart to destroy, and to cut off nations not a few;

For discussion

The Assembly cited Acts 2:23 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 5.1 · 1689 5.1

5.3. Of Providence

God in his ordinary providence maketh use of means, yet is free to work without, above, and against them at his pleasure.

Proof texts

Acts 27:31, 44 — [31] Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” [44] and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.
Isa. 55:10, 11 — [10] “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, [11] so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Hos. 2:21, 22 — [21] “And in that day I will answer, declares the LORD, I will answer the heavens, and they shall answer the earth, [22] and the earth shall answer the grain, the wine, and the oil, and they shall answer Jezreel,
Hos. 1:7 — [7] But I will have mercy on the house of Judah, and I will save them by the LORD their God. I will not save them by bow or by sword or by war or by horses or by horsemen.”
Matt. 4:4 — [4] But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Job 34:20 — [20] In a moment they die; at midnight the people are shaken and pass away, and the mighty are taken away by no human hand.
Rom. 4:19, 20, 21 — [19] He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. [20] No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, [21] fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
2 Kings 6:6 — [6] Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float.
Dan. 3:27 — [27] And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Acts 27:31, 44 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 5.1 · 1689 5.1

5.4. Of Providence

The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God, so far manifest themselves in his providence, in that his determinate counsel extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all other sins of angels and men (and that not by a bare permission) which also he most wisely and powerfully boundeth, and otherwise ordereth and governeth in a manifold dispensation to his own most holy ends; yet so, as the sinfulness thereof proceedeth only from the creature, and not from God, who being most holy and righteous, neither is, nor can be the author or approver of sin.

Proof texts

Rom. 11:32, 33, 34 — [32] For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. [33] Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! [34] “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”
2 Sam. 24:1 with 1 Chron. 21:1
1 Kings 22:22, 23 — [22] And the LORD said to him, ‘By what means?’ And he said, ‘I will go out, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And he said, ‘You are to entice him, and you shall succeed; go out and do so.’ [23] Now therefore behold, the LORD has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; the LORD has declared disaster for you.”
1 Chron. 10:4, 13, 14 — [4] Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and mistreat me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. [13] So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. [14] He did not seek guidance from the LORD. Therefore the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse.
2 Sam. 16:10 — [10] But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”
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.
Acts 4:27, 28 — [27] for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, [28] to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.
Acts 14:16 — [16] In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.
Ps. 76:10 — [10] Surely the wrath of man shall praise you; the remnant of wrath you will put on like a belt.
2 Kings 19:28 — [28] Because you have raged against me and your complacency has come into my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will turn you back on the way by which you came.
Gen. 50:20 — [20] As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Isa. 10:6, 7, 12 — [6] Against a godless nation I send him, and against the people of my wrath I command him, to take spoil and seize plunder, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. [7] But he does not so intend, and his heart does not so think; but it is in his heart to destroy, and to cut off nations not a few; [12] When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, he will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes.
James 1:13, 14, 17 — [13] Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. [14] But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. [17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
1 John 2:16 — [16] For all that is in the world — the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life — is not from the Father but is from the world.
Ps. 50:21 — [21] These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.

For discussion

The Assembly cited Rom. 11:32, 33, 34 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
15 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 5.1 · 1689 5.1

5.5. Of Providence

The most wise, righteous and gracious God doth oftentimes leave for a season his own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of their own hearts, 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 sundry other just and holy ends.

Proof texts

2 Chron. 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 Sam. 24:1 — [1] Again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”
2 Cor. 12:7, 8, 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.
Ps. 73 throughout
Ps. 77:1–12 — [1] I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. [2] In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. [3] When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah [4] You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. [5] I consider the days of old, the years long ago. [6] I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search: [7] “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? [8] Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? [9] Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah [10] Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” [11] I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. [12] I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. [13] Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? [14] You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. [15] You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah [16] When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. [17] The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. [18] The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. [19] Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. [20] You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Mark 14:66 to the end, with John 21:15, 16, 17

For discussion

The Assembly cited 2 Chron. 32:25, 26, 31 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
6 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 5.1 · 1689 5.1

5.6. Of Providence

As for those wicked and ungodly men, whom God as a righteous judge, for former sins, doth blind and harden, from them he not only withholdeth his grace, whereby they might have been enlightened in their understandings, and wrought upon in their hearts; but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had, and exposeth them to such objects, as their corruption makes occasions of sin; and withal gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan; whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the softening of others.

Proof texts

Rom. 1:24, 26, 28 — [24] Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, [26] For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; [28] And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
Rom. 11:7, 8 — [7] What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, [8] as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.”
Deut. 29:4 — [4] But to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear.
Matt. 13:12 — [12] For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Matt. 25:29 — [29] For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
Deut. 2:30 — [30] But Sihon the king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him, for the LORD your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that he might give him into your hand, as he is this day.
2 Kings 8:12, 13 — [12] And Hazael said, “Why does my lord weep?” He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the people of Israel. You will set on fire their fortresses, and you will kill their young men with the sword and dash in pieces their little ones and rip open their pregnant women.” [13] And Hazael said, “What is your servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing?” Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you are to be king over Syria.”
Ps. 81:11, 12 — [11] “But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. [12] So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.
2 Thess. 2:10, 11, 12 — [10] and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. [11] Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, [12] in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Exod. 7:3 with Exod. 8:15, 32
2 Cor. 2:15, 16 — [15] For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, [16] to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?
Isa. 8:14 — [14] And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
1 Pet. 2:7, 8 — [7] So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” [8] and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
Isa. 6:9, 10 with Acts 28:26, 27

For discussion

The Assembly cited Rom. 1:24, 26, 28 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
14 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 5.1 · 1689 5.1

5.7. Of Providence

As the providence of God doth in general reach to all creatures, so after a most special manner it taketh care of his Church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof.

Proof texts

1 Tim. 4:10 — [10] For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
Amos 9:8, 9 — [8] Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from the surface of the ground, except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” declares the LORD. [9] “For behold, I will command, and shake the house of Israel among all the nations as one shakes with a sieve, but no pebble shall fall to the earth.
Rom. 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.
Isa. 43:3, 4, 5, 14 — [3] For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. [4] Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. [5] Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. [14] Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I send to Babylon and bring them all down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice.

For discussion

The Assembly cited 1 Tim. 4:10 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
4 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
WCF 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
1689 5.1 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WCF 5.1 · 1689 5.1