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The author is Reformed/Calvinist, and as is typical for these kinds of teachers, uses his 1600 words to make seemingly endless assertions and presumptions. He teaches relatively basic concepts using terminology that requires advanced knowledge. He doesn't really explain anything, presuming that the reader already possesses this knowledge and agrees with it.
A missed flight. A delayed job offer. An unexpected illness. A chance conversation that alters the course of a life. Most Christians have experienced moments that prompted them to wonder whether God was somehow at work behind the scenes. Yet while many believers instinctively speak of God “opening doors,” “closing doors,” or “working things out,” few have reflected deeply on the biblical doctrine that underlies such language. The doctrine is providence, and it offers one of the most comprehensive and compelling accounts of God’s relationship to the world.
To speak of God’s providence is to confess that the God who created all things has not abandoned his creation. (Nearly every true Christian would agree.)
God Has Not Abandoned His Creation
Modern people often imagine God as a distant architect who created the universe and then left it to function according to impersonal laws. While few Christians would explicitly affirm such a view, many live as though God is only occasionally involved in the world, intervening through miracles while remaining largely absent from ordinary events. The doctrine of providence challenges this assumption at its root. (So our only two choices is that God walked away from His creation, or, that God is what, controlling?)
Scripture presents a God whose relationship to creation is continuous rather than merely historical. The God who called the universe into existence is the same God who sustains it from moment to moment. The writer of Hebrews declares that Christ is “upholding the universe by the word of his power” (Heb. 1:3), while Paul insists that “in him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17). These texts teach more than divine oversight; they teach divine preservation. Creation does not possess an independent existence apart from God. The universe is not a machine that can operate on its own. Every breath, every heartbeat, every natural process depends upon God’s sustaining power. (The author writes a paragraph no true Christian would disagree with.)
This means that God’s providence is not merely about extraordinary events. It encompasses ordinary existence itself. The rising of the sun, the changing of seasons, the growth of crops, and the preservation of life all testify to God’s continual activity in the world. (Again, any sort of true Christian would grant this to be true.)
Such a vision stands in sharp contrast to many contemporary assumptions. Modern societies often explain events primarily in terms of economics, politics, psychology, or natural processes. Scripture does not deny the reality of such causes. Yet it insists that behind and above all secondary causes stands the sovereign God who directs history toward its appointed end. History is not an aimless sequence of events. It is the unfolding of God’s purposes. (The author keeps using the word "sovereign" but never tells us what it is. He seems to think it's total control but never comes out and says this.)
This conviction does not eliminate mystery. God’s ways often remain hidden from us. We rarely perceive the full significance of present circumstances. Nevertheless, providence assures us that the apparent chaos of human history conceals a deeper order established by divine wisdom. (The author switches to more innocuous language, where the apparent disorder does not mean God is not at work. Such an idea is perfectly acceptable to most every Christian. But we don't think the author actually means to say this. He wants God's grip on everything, as if that gives assurance to us.)
Yet this immediately raises an important question. If God governs all things, ("If" indeed. Does God really do this in the manner suggested by the author? He has yet to demonstrate this, from the Bible. In fact, he's barely quoted the Bible.)
The story of Joseph provides a striking example. Joseph’s brothers acted wickedly when they sold him into slavery. Their actions were voluntary, sinful, and deserving of judgment. Yet years later Joseph could say to them, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20). Notice that Joseph does not say God merely used their evil after the fact. Rather, the same event involved two intentions: the brothers intended evil, while God intended good. Human agency and divine sovereignty operated simultaneously without contradiction. (Sigh... We are growing weary of trying to figure out the author's doctrines. He hasn't explained anything, really.)
The supreme biblical example, however, is found in the crucifixion of Christ. According to Acts 2:23, Jesus was delivered up according to the “definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” Yet those who crucified him remained fully responsible for their actions. The greatest act of human wickedness in history simultaneously fulfilled the sovereign purpose of God. (New tetminology...
Nowhere is this more evident than at the cross.
The Cross and the Christian Interpretation of Reality
The cross is not merely an event within God’s providence; it is the clearest revelation of how providence works. At Calvary, human rebellion, religious hypocrisy, political expediency, satanic opposition, and divine purpose all converged. From a merely human perspective, the crucifixion appeared to be the triumph of evil. The Messiah was rejected, condemned, and executed.
Yet what appeared to be a defeat was in fact the accomplishment of God’s eternal plan of redemption.
The cross reveals that God’s providence is neither simplistic nor superficial. (The author continues to make assertions that are little more than nonsense.)
The author uses the word "providence" and its variants nearly two dozen times, but never really defines it. He uses the term "sovereign" about a dozen times and does not actually define it either. The closest he comes is to describe it as the "providential rule of God," which of course uses an undefined word to define the word. Ugh.
Then he connects the two without explanation, all the while introducing additional new terminology without explanation.
We must deem this Bad Bible Teaching.
A missed flight. A delayed job offer. An unexpected illness. A chance conversation that alters the course of a life. Most Christians have experienced moments that prompted them to wonder whether God was somehow at work behind the scenes. Yet while many believers instinctively speak of God “opening doors,” “closing doors,” or “working things out,” few have reflected deeply on the biblical doctrine that underlies such language. The doctrine is providence, and it offers one of the most comprehensive and compelling accounts of God’s relationship to the world.
To speak of God’s providence is to confess that the God who created all things has not abandoned his creation. (Nearly every true Christian would agree.)
He continually sustains, governs, and directs all things according to his wise and holy purposes. (The author seems to be suggesting that God controls everything while doing his best to avoid using the word "control.")
Providence is therefore not a peripheral doctrine reserved for theologians. It is the Bible’s explanation of reality itself. (Ah, the Bible. Surely the author is going to us where in the Bible this is found?)
It answers some of the most fundamental questions Christians face: Is history moving toward a purpose? Are the events of our lives meaningful? How does God relate to the ordinary details of human existence? And how should believers interpret a world marked by both beauty and suffering? (Will the author answer these questions?)
The answers Scripture gives are both humbling and comforting. (Yes, yes, Scripture. Surely the author is going to us where in the Bible these answers are found?)
The answers Scripture gives are both humbling and comforting. (Yes, yes, Scripture. Surely the author is going to us where in the Bible these answers are found?)
We live in a world that is neither self-sustaining nor self-governing. Every moment of existence unfolds within the sphere of God’s sovereign rule. (The first use of the word "sovereign." Apparently it has something to do with providence. Will the author explain?)
God Has Not Abandoned His Creation
Modern people often imagine God as a distant architect who created the universe and then left it to function according to impersonal laws. While few Christians would explicitly affirm such a view, many live as though God is only occasionally involved in the world, intervening through miracles while remaining largely absent from ordinary events. The doctrine of providence challenges this assumption at its root. (So our only two choices is that God walked away from His creation, or, that God is what, controlling?)
Scripture presents a God whose relationship to creation is continuous rather than merely historical. The God who called the universe into existence is the same God who sustains it from moment to moment. The writer of Hebrews declares that Christ is “upholding the universe by the word of his power” (Heb. 1:3), while Paul insists that “in him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17). These texts teach more than divine oversight; they teach divine preservation. Creation does not possess an independent existence apart from God. The universe is not a machine that can operate on its own. Every breath, every heartbeat, every natural process depends upon God’s sustaining power. (The author writes a paragraph no true Christian would disagree with.)
This means that God’s providence is not merely about extraordinary events. It encompasses ordinary existence itself. The rising of the sun, the changing of seasons, the growth of crops, and the preservation of life all testify to God’s continual activity in the world. (Again, any sort of true Christian would grant this to be true.)
As the psalmist observes, creation itself depends upon God’s ongoing provision: when he gives food, creatures gather it; when he withdraws their breath, they perish (Ps. 104:27–30).
The Christian worldview therefore rejects every notion of a self-sufficient universe. The world exists because God created it, and it continues to exist because God sustains it. Creation is radically dependent upon its Creator.
Yet preservation alone does not fully capture the biblical doctrine of providence. (Oh, so there's more to providence...)
The Christian worldview therefore rejects every notion of a self-sufficient universe. The world exists because God created it, and it continues to exist because God sustains it. Creation is radically dependent upon its Creator.
Yet preservation alone does not fully capture the biblical doctrine of providence. (Oh, so there's more to providence...)
The God who sustains the world also governs it. (God sustains the universe and also governs it. Hmmm. Ok, got it. That's providence.)
The God Who Sustains Also Governs
If preservation emphasizes God’s relationship to the existence of creation, government emphasizes his relationship to its direction. Scripture consistently portrays God not merely as the one who keeps the world running but as the one who directs its course. (Is the author referring to God controlling everything?)
Paul’s sweeping declaration in Ephesians 1:11 stands at the heart of the biblical doctrine of providence: God “works all things according to the counsel of his will.” The scope of this statement is breathtaking. Not some things. Not merely spiritual things. All things. (Ok, so the author seems to think this verse describes God's complete control of everything. But "works all things" is not the same as "controls all things."
The God Who Sustains Also Governs
If preservation emphasizes God’s relationship to the existence of creation, government emphasizes his relationship to its direction. Scripture consistently portrays God not merely as the one who keeps the world running but as the one who directs its course. (Is the author referring to God controlling everything?)
Paul’s sweeping declaration in Ephesians 1:11 stands at the heart of the biblical doctrine of providence: God “works all things according to the counsel of his will.” The scope of this statement is breathtaking. Not some things. Not merely spiritual things. All things. (Ok, so the author seems to think this verse describes God's complete control of everything. But "works all things" is not the same as "controls all things."
Perhaps we ought to quote more than just a snippet of a verse:
Ep. 1:9-12 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment — to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
What do we discover?
- He revealed the mystery of His will to "us" [vs 9]
- The mystery was His purpose in sending Jesus [vs 9]
- This will will be put into effect when the time is fulfilled [vs 10]
- That time is when all creation is subjected to Jesus [vs 10]
- The "us" were predestined according to His plan [vs. 11]
- This plan works out exactly as He willed [vs 11]
- The "us" were the first believers, who were chosen for the purpose of His glory [vs 12]
Conclusion: His purpose was to predestine the first believers [likely these are the Jewish remnant] to be the first believers in Christ. This purpose worked out perfectly for His glory.)
The Bible repeatedly affirms this comprehensive sovereignty. (The second occurrence of the word, coupled with a modifier, but the author doesn't explain this new terminology. Apparently this is the "governing" part.
And where in the Bible is this repeatedly affirmed? Is it a secret?)
God raises up kings and removes them. He directs the affairs of nations. He governs the natural world. Even events that appear random to human observers fall under his sovereign authority. ("Sovereign" again, but with a new modifier, and again unexplained.
The author seems to beating around the bush. Is the comprehensive sovereign authority who rules and directs the course of creation a controller?)
Proverbs reminds us that “the lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33). (What does this have to do with sovereignty? Is the writer of Proverbs explaining God's complete and total control here? That would seem to be very odd from this verse.
It seems to us that the verse is simply telling us that when casting lots to make a decision, the actual result is the because the Lord made the decision.)
What appears accidental from a human perspective is never outside the providential rule of God. (New terminology. Now the author is combining providence and sovereignty. Is this the same as comprehensive sovereignty, or is it sovereign authority? Or maybe it's something else entirely?)
Such a vision stands in sharp contrast to many contemporary assumptions. Modern societies often explain events primarily in terms of economics, politics, psychology, or natural processes. Scripture does not deny the reality of such causes. Yet it insists that behind and above all secondary causes stands the sovereign God who directs history toward its appointed end. History is not an aimless sequence of events. It is the unfolding of God’s purposes. (The author keeps using the word "sovereign" but never tells us what it is. He seems to think it's total control but never comes out and says this.)
This conviction does not eliminate mystery. God’s ways often remain hidden from us. We rarely perceive the full significance of present circumstances. Nevertheless, providence assures us that the apparent chaos of human history conceals a deeper order established by divine wisdom. (The author switches to more innocuous language, where the apparent disorder does not mean God is not at work. Such an idea is perfectly acceptable to most every Christian. But we don't think the author actually means to say this. He wants God's grip on everything, as if that gives assurance to us.)
Yet this immediately raises an important question. If God governs all things, ("If" indeed. Does God really do this in the manner suggested by the author? He has yet to demonstrate this, from the Bible. In fact, he's barely quoted the Bible.)
what role do human decisions play? Are human beings genuinely responsible for their actions, or are they merely instruments of divine determination? (Good questions. Will the author answer them?)
Providence Through Human Actions and Ordinary Means
One of the most remarkable features of the biblical doctrine of providence is its refusal to choose between divine sovereignty (New terminology.)
Providence Through Human Actions and Ordinary Means
One of the most remarkable features of the biblical doctrine of providence is its refusal to choose between divine sovereignty (New terminology.)
and human responsibility. Scripture affirms both without embarrassment. (Where in Scripture? Is it a secret?)
Historically, theologians have described this relationship through the doctrine of concurrence. (Sigh...)
Historically, theologians have described this relationship through the doctrine of concurrence. (Sigh...)
God ordinarily accomplishes his purposes through secondary causes. (Unexplained terminology. Apparently this means that God does not do things directly, but rather uses circumstances to do things. But if God really controls everything, then are the "secondary causes" also caused by Him?
And where in the Bible do we find this information?)
Human beings make real choices. Their actions have genuine consequences. They remain morally accountable for what they do. (The author simply asserts these things as if they were true, when only a couple paragraphs ago he asked them as questions. But rather than answer, he just asserts them without discussion.)
Yet through and beneath these creaturely actions, God is accomplishing his own purposes. (Which suggests the distinction between secondary causes and, what, primary causes is artificial, since God's purpose happens exactly as He wants.)
The story of Joseph provides a striking example. Joseph’s brothers acted wickedly when they sold him into slavery. Their actions were voluntary, sinful, and deserving of judgment. Yet years later Joseph could say to them, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20). Notice that Joseph does not say God merely used their evil after the fact. Rather, the same event involved two intentions: the brothers intended evil, while God intended good. Human agency and divine sovereignty operated simultaneously without contradiction. (Sigh... We are growing weary of trying to figure out the author's doctrines. He hasn't explained anything, really.)
The supreme biblical example, however, is found in the crucifixion of Christ. According to Acts 2:23, Jesus was delivered up according to the “definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” Yet those who crucified him remained fully responsible for their actions. The greatest act of human wickedness in history simultaneously fulfilled the sovereign purpose of God. (New tetminology...
Did God cause these wicked men to crucify Jesus? What exactly is the author saying here?)
This doctrine protects Christians (Doctrines protect?)
This doctrine protects Christians (Doctrines protect?)
from two opposite errors. On one side lies fatalism, which denies meaningful human responsibility. (This actually seems to be what the author is teaching. Please explain...)
On the other lies the notion that God’s purposes are dependent upon human choices. (This is not the other side of the issue.)
Scripture rejects both. (Where? Is it a secret?)
God is sovereign, (Yes, yes. What does that mean?)
and human beings are responsible. (How?)
The mystery of how these truths coexist is profound, (Hmmm. Actually, the author's doctrine creates a problem for which he doesn't have an adequate work around, so he punts and proclaims it a mystery.)
but Scripture consistently affirms them together. (Where? Is it a secret?)
Nowhere is this more evident than at the cross.
The Cross and the Christian Interpretation of Reality
The cross is not merely an event within God’s providence; it is the clearest revelation of how providence works. At Calvary, human rebellion, religious hypocrisy, political expediency, satanic opposition, and divine purpose all converged. From a merely human perspective, the crucifixion appeared to be the triumph of evil. The Messiah was rejected, condemned, and executed.
Yet what appeared to be a defeat was in fact the accomplishment of God’s eternal plan of redemption.
The cross reveals that God’s providence is neither simplistic nor superficial. (The author continues to make assertions that are little more than nonsense.)
God’s sovereignty does not prevent evil from occurring. (Sovereignty seems to have its own will.)
Rather, he is so sovereign that he can accomplish his good purposes even through the sinful actions of his creatures without becoming the author of sin. (What? He simply denies that the God who works everything for His purposes did not govern the circumstances or the origin of evil. He needs to explain this.)
The very event that seemed to contradict God’s promises became the means through which those promises were fulfilled. (Is this a secondary means? It seems like a direct intervention into human affairs to us. God controlled every circumstance [including very specific prophecies], lining out every detail. To suggest that God merely used circumstance for his own means is a howler of a falsehood.)
This is why the cross serves as the interpretive center of the doctrine of providence. (Another nonsense statement.)
This is why the cross serves as the interpretive center of the doctrine of providence. (Another nonsense statement.)
It teaches believers that God’s purposes often unfold in ways that surpass human understanding. (Providence does this? It seems to us that everyone considers this to be true.
We have arrived at the end of our patience and will cease commenting.)
What appears to be loss may become gain. What appears to be defeat may become victory. What appears to be chaos may conceal a wisdom that only becomes visible in retrospect.
The Christian’s confidence in providence ultimately rests not upon an abstract doctrine but upon the crucified and risen Christ. The God who governed history for the salvation of his people at Calvary is the same God who governs history today.
Learning to Live in a Providential World
The doctrine of providence invites Christians to see reality differently. It teaches us to reject explanations rooted in luck, chance, or fate. It reminds us that history is not a collection of disconnected events but the arena of God’s sovereign activity. Most importantly, it teaches us to trust God even when his purposes remain hidden.
To be sure, providence does not eliminate mystery. Christians still experience suffering, disappointment, and unanswered questions. We are often unable to discern what God is doing in particular circumstances. Yet faith does not depend upon complete understanding. Faith rests upon confidence in the character of God.
The God who governs all things is the God who revealed himself in Jesus Christ. He is infinitely wise, perfectly righteous, and unfailingly good. Because of this, believers can trust that no event is meaningless and no circumstance falls outside his fatherly care.
Far from being an abstract theological concept, providence provides a framework for interpreting all of life. It reminds us that every moment unfolds before the face of God and under the direction of his sovereign hand. The God who upholds the universe also upholds his people. The God who directs the course of history also directs the details of their lives.
And because his providence is aimed ultimately at the glory of Christ and the good of his people, Christians can face an uncertain world with confidence. We may not always trace God’s hand, but because of Christ, we can trust his heart.
The Christian’s confidence in providence ultimately rests not upon an abstract doctrine but upon the crucified and risen Christ. The God who governed history for the salvation of his people at Calvary is the same God who governs history today.
Learning to Live in a Providential World
The doctrine of providence invites Christians to see reality differently. It teaches us to reject explanations rooted in luck, chance, or fate. It reminds us that history is not a collection of disconnected events but the arena of God’s sovereign activity. Most importantly, it teaches us to trust God even when his purposes remain hidden.
To be sure, providence does not eliminate mystery. Christians still experience suffering, disappointment, and unanswered questions. We are often unable to discern what God is doing in particular circumstances. Yet faith does not depend upon complete understanding. Faith rests upon confidence in the character of God.
The God who governs all things is the God who revealed himself in Jesus Christ. He is infinitely wise, perfectly righteous, and unfailingly good. Because of this, believers can trust that no event is meaningless and no circumstance falls outside his fatherly care.
Far from being an abstract theological concept, providence provides a framework for interpreting all of life. It reminds us that every moment unfolds before the face of God and under the direction of his sovereign hand. The God who upholds the universe also upholds his people. The God who directs the course of history also directs the details of their lives.
And because his providence is aimed ultimately at the glory of Christ and the good of his people, Christians can face an uncertain world with confidence. We may not always trace God’s hand, but because of Christ, we can trust his heart.
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