Beckett explores the Reformed doctrines of predestination and divine providence, arguing that God has sovereignly ordained all things according to His eternal counsel and will, as affirmed in Ephesians 1:11 and Isaiah 46:9-11. She emphasizes that nothing occurs outside God's control—not even the smallest detail—and that human plans are ultimately subject to the Lord's direction (Proverbs 16:9, 16:33). The author concludes that genuine comfort and rest come through embracing God's immutable sovereign purpose and trusting Christ, even amid suffering and uncertainty, as expressed in the hymn "Whate'er my God ordains is right."
What does the Bible say about predestination?
The Bible teaches that predestination is God's eternal purpose whereby He chooses certain individuals for salvation according to His will (Ephesians 1:11).
The comfort of knowing that we are predestined provides an assurance that nothing in our lives occurs outside the sovereign plan of God. As Proverbs 16:9 affirms, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." This truth encourages believers to rest in God's providence, acknowledging His ultimate control over all circumstances.
Ephesians 1:11, Proverbs 16:9
How do we know God's providence is true?
God's providence is evident in Scripture, which states that nothing happens outside His will, including the smallest details (Isaiah 46:9-11).
Furthermore, Romans 11:33-36 highlights the depth of God's wisdom in executing His providential will. It reminds us that God’s judgments are unsearchable, and His ways are beyond our understanding. As believers, recognizing God's providence provides profound peace, assuring us that even in troubling times, God's hand is at work guiding our lives toward His ultimate purpose.
Isaiah 46:9-11, Romans 11:33-36
Why is trusting in God's plan important for Christians?
Trusting in God's plan reassures Christians that they are cared for and that everything helps to further God's glory (Romans 8:28).
Moreover, this trust allows Christians to release their anxieties and uncertainties. As expressed in the hymn referenced in the article, believers can find peace in the assurance that "He holds me that I shall not fall." By surrendering to God's guidance, Christians are encouraged to follow Him faithfully, even through difficult paths, knowing He is working all things for their good and His glory.
Romans 8:28
“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” - Ephesians 1:11
God’s eternal purpose in all things, His plan, we call predestination and His working or execution of His plan, which is after the counsel of His own will, we call providence. God has ordained and ordered all things that come to pass in time according to His own will and good pleasure and everything is for His glory. Nothing happens in our life that is outside the will of God, not even a hair falling.
I am sure we have doubted this at times, maybe in circumstances in times past, perhaps for some it is now in their circumstances and yet this is what the Scripture tells us. There is nothing more comforting to us in every circumstance than to embrace the Truth of the predestinating will of God with all our heart and to rest in His sovereign, unalterable purpose and His Divine providence, which brings it to pass. We cannot thwart the plan of God.
Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the LORD directeth his steps”
Proverbs 16:33 “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD”
Isaiah 46:9-11 “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it”
Romans 11:33-36 "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?”
We rest! We can only have true rest in Christ Jesus so as I sang this song online out of the Trinity Hymnal this morning I was reminded and comforted by the witness of the Spirit in my heart. The witness that points me to Christ always, the witness with my spirit that I am a child of God. I pray that you have the same witness in your heart.
Whate'er my God ordains is right:
Holy his will abideth;
I will be still whate'er he doth;
And follow where he guideth:
He is my God: though dark my road,
He holds me that I shall not fall:
Wherefore to him I leave it all.
Whate'er my God ordains is right:
He never will deceive me;
He leads me by the proper path;
I know he will not leave me:
I take, content, what he hath sent;
His hand can turn my griefs away,
And patiently I wait his day.
Whate'er my God ordains is right:
Though now this cup, in drinking,
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it, all unshrinking:
My God is true; each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.
Whate'er my God ordains is right:
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet am I not forsaken;
My Father's care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall:
And so to him I leave it all.
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