The Providence of God

Does God Still Participate in Earthly Life?

  • Some types of Godly intervention changed after the destruction of Jerusalem
    • Prophets et al (Daniel 9:24, 1 Corinthians 13:8 – 9)
    • Unclean spirits (Zechariah 13:2, Jude 6, Revelation 20:2 – 3)
    • Special leaders (Ephesians 4:11 – 16)
  • No mention is made that other promises would change (see specific handouts)
    • Prayer
    • Future home, judgment
    • Character development
    • Difficulties
    • Understanding
    • Importance
    • Success
    • Assistance
  • Are these promises for the faithful or for unbelievers also?
  • To what degree does God exert His control over the events on earth?
    • Absolute control denies free will.  Absolute free will denies intervention by God.
    • (Matthew 10:29 – 31)  Apart from the Father’s will, knowledge, concern?
    • (Proverbs 16:33)  Does God govern all events of apparent chance?
    • (Philippians 2:13)  Is this control or the result of the work of the Spirit?
    • (Psalm 103:19, Matthew 28:18)  God rules over all but there are many disobedient citizens.
    • (Matthew 5:45)  Some things are an outgrowth of Creation, some things are specific changes to the order set in motion at Creation.
    • (Romans 13:1 – 7)  God appoints government, not individual governors.
    • (Proverbs 21:1)  Does God manipulate all kings?
    • (Galatians 1:15 et al)  God has had (still has?) specific plans for specific people.  Does that principle extend to all people?
    • (2 Peter 3:9)  God desires eternal life with Him for all, but He will not get His wish.
    • (1 Samuel 2:9)  In what way will God guard the faithful and silence the wicked?
    • (Acts 17:28)  In what way do we live, move, and have our being in God?
    • (1 Peter 3:12)  What does it mean that God “hears” the prayers of the righteous?
  • Asserting the intervention of God in a specific event requires proof
    • (Matthew 9:6, 12:39)  The primary purpose of miracles was proof of the origin of promises (and other reasons, Matthew 14:14)
    • (Amos 3:7)  Surely the Lord God does nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
    • Many appropriate the endorsement of God on their opinions.
    • (2 Corinthians 4:7, John 17:20 – 26, et al)  The accomplishment of some promises is a continuing proof.
    • The accomplishment of some promises cannot be proven.
    • The required level of proof is that which unbelievers can understand (1 Corinthians 2:14)