In his sermon "This is the Finger of God!", J.C. Ryle addresses the doctrine of divine providence, underscoring God's sovereign governance over all creation, including calamities like the cattle plague. He draws from various biblical examples to argue that such events are not mere natural occurrences but are orchestrated by God's will, citing Scripture such as Exodus 8:19 and Romans 8:28 to affirm that good and bad circumstances are under God's control and serve a greater purpose. Ryle emphasizes that to deny God's active involvement in the world is to misunderstand the nature of faith and belief in the biblical narrative. The sermon thus calls believers to recognize and accept God's providential hand in all aspects of life, reinforcing the importance of acknowledging His sovereignty in both good times and crises.
Key Quotes
“He who orders all things in heaven and earth... He it is who has sent this scourge upon us. It is the finger of God.”
“I cannot understand how anyone can be called a believer of the Bible who denies God's providence over his world.”
“This wonderfully designed world came together by chance and had no creator? If so, he is a very credulous person.”
“He who made the world at the beginning by the finger of creating wisdom will never cease to govern the world by the finger of his providence.”
The Bible teaches that God governs all things, orchestrating events according to His divine will.
The concept of God's providence is deeply embedded in Scripture. Throughout the biblical narrative, God is portrayed as the supreme ruler who orchestrates everything from the smallest details to the grand events of history. For instance, we see in Genesis 6:17 that it was God who sent the flood, and in Exodus 9:3, He sent the plague on the livestock of Egypt. These instances affirm God's active role in governance. As we read in Amos 3:6, the reality of evil events occurring under God's authority is a consistent theme. Thus, rejecting His providence undermines the very foundation of biblical faith, showcasing the belief that God remains as sovereign now as in biblical times.
Genesis 6:17, Exodus 9:3, Amos 3:6
The Bible affirms that disasters and calamities are within God's sovereign control, serving His purposes.
In Scripture, we are reminded repeatedly that God is sovereign over all calamities and disasters. For example, the plagues in Egypt were not random occurrences but were orchestrated by God as a demonstration of His power and authority. Ryle emphasizes that believing in God's creative power necessitates acknowledging His governance over creation. Disasters such as famines, plagues, and pestilences serve as instruments through which God accomplishes His divine purposes. The affirmation that 'this is the finger of God' underscores His continuous involvement in human affairs, guiding, directing, and sometimes chastising His creation to fulfill His ultimate sovereign will.
Exodus 8:19, Romans 8:28
Understanding God's sovereignty provides comfort and assurance that He is in control of all circumstances.
The sovereignty of God is a cornerstone of Christian faith, assuring believers that nothing happens without His consent or management. It instills peace in the midst of trials and encourages trust in God's plan. By recognizing that all events, including suffering and hardship, are under God's control, Christians can find strength and hope. Ryle emphasizes that God's finger is evident in every event—whether a blessing or a trial. When believers face calamities or challenges, their faith is fortified by knowing that an all-powerful God governs all things according to His wisdom and purpose. This foundational belief nurtures reliance on God and motivates a deeper relationship with Him.
Romans 8:28, Amos 3:6
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