WLC 18

Q18. What are God's works of providence?

God's works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures; ordering them, and all their actions, to his own glory.

Proof texts

• Ps. 145:17 — [17] The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.
• 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.
• Isa. 28:29 — [29] This also comes from the LORD of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.
• Heb. 1:8 — [8] But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
• Ps. 103:19 — [19] The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.
• Matt. 10:29-31 — [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.
• 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.
• Rom. 11:36 — [36] For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
• Isa. 43:14 — [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

1. The Assembly cited Ps. 145:17 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 9 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q12 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. HC Q26 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q12 · HC Q26 · HC Q27 · HC Q28 · BC 3.1 · BC 3.2