For unto us a
Child is born,
Unto us
a Son is given;
And the government
will be upon
His shoulder.
And His name
will be called,
Wonderful, Counselor,
Mighty God,
everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Sovereignty and Providence has no meaning without there be a government. One requires the other with God, otherwise, all would be construed in a haphazard manner. It can be certain that there is no haphazardness in the design of the universe and as an example, in man. Yes, there is sickness, death, etc, but this is not to be construed as being haphazard, rather, that God does not override our will. Upon examination, man's cells alone depict design and a designer, all works in perfect order causing a person to live. If not for Sin then man would be able to live forever, this too is Providentially provided for in the Person of Jesus Christ. Sin enter into the world by the decree of God, but in His economy, His government, His dispensation, He controls His creation. He Preserves that which He created. Providence must include government, as it does preservation. What is meant by government? Government includes the ideas of design and control. Allow some expansion on this thought; government, and Providence supposes that there be an end to be attained. If there be an end to be attained then the provident One must have within Himself the ability to direct towards the end to be achieved, and, the disposition to achieve the end. The word disposition is not to be assumed to be an emotional response, rather it is meant to be as defined, the arrangement; therefore, God in His Sovereignty and Providence has arranged and directs His creation to His desired end. There is a supreme end to be achieved, but this does not preclude that there be an indefinite number of subordinate ends also to be achieved. God, therefore, controls the sequence of all events, rendering the accomplishment of all His purposes.
The Scriptures plainly teach that this Providential government is universal, in that all creatures are included, including their actions. The external world is as well under the control of Providential care of God. This Providential care excludes both necessity and chance from the universe. Yes, there are those who contend with that statement and believe and teach that the universe is not so controlled and that the universe operates by chance. This is not what is actually found when one examines this world, the universe, and man. There is harmony and purpose, this is not haphazard, by some chance universe and man and all creatures are not so constructed. God's government is powerful as the Scriptures so clearly explain. It is in this universal manner that God embraces and accomplishes His purposes, making certain the accomplishment of His supreme purpose. We find that His design and government are wise, therefore it is to be found that the ends that God purposes is consistent with His wisdom, and that the means employed to achieve His purposes are wisely adapted to His creatures, and within His control suited to their nature, our nature, and within His purpose and government we are exercised. Next, God is Holy! His Providence is Holy, that is, there is nothing of the ends proposed that is adopted, the agency by which He accomplishes His ends that are not Holy. For His ends to be unholy, is inconsistent with a Holy God. God is the highest of moral standards, and those standards are revealed to man in His Word.
All the above are to be found and revealed in God's Word, the Holy Scriptures. That revelation should be enough, but it is not. There are those who demand and insist upon answers to questions, such as; How does God govern the world? What is the relation between His agency and the efficiency of second causes? How can God's absolute control be reconciled with the liberty of rational agents? Let us take note: these questions cannot be solved, but we must address those answers given by such as are philosophers, and theologians, that we find to be in conflict with Scripture, showing their fallacy because they do conflict with established facts. Before we take the time to consider these questions, it will be proper to present a brief outline of His relation to the world in argument, and in support of the truth of the Doctrine of Sovereignty and Providence.
As Christians we do not not want to have a notion of God and of Jesus Christ. We need not to allow hope to become so great a desire that it resides far from faith. We discussed this earlier that hope is part, an element of faith, but we decide which has the greater impact and effect upon us. Our faith is an assured faith, our hope is based upon our faith. It is true that much of what is written is deep, and sometimes hard to understand. But, we must become the "Ambassadors" of Christ, those who have the message of Reconciliation. We don't just absorb what is taught and preached, we take the time to examine, and pray allowing the Holy Spirit to direct us and guide into the truth. Not by some vision or revelation, rather, by the very Word of God. This can only be done if we do the work, and read the Bible, examine commentaries, ask the five question, who, what, when, where, why, and how. God in his economy directs, and guides, and accomplishes His purposes through us. But as the saying goes: "you cannot turn a parked car." Be a moving and living example of our faith, grow your faith, increase your knowledge, and rest upon our God for as Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29).
Behold! My Servant
whom I have chosen,
My Beloved in whom
My soul
is well pleased! I will
put My Spirit upon Him,
And He will declare justice
to the Gentiles.....
And in His name
Gentiles will trust.
Matthew 12:18, 21
May the Lord May Your Paths Straight
Richard L. Crumb
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