Providence of God
Definition
The providence of God is the working of God’s sovereignty to continually uphold, guide, and care for his creation.
Summary
God’s providence is the working of his power to uphold, guide, and care for his creation. Some theologians have described this as a continual creation, as opposed to notions that God created the world and then stepped back from it. The providence of God leaves no room for chance or competition between God and another power. God, as the primary cause, causes everything, but this does not remove the ability of creatures to cause or act. Rather, God grants to all creatures their power to act as causes in the world. The providence of God is different than predestination in that the latter focuses particularly on the salvation of the elect, while providence is general. We cannot know all of the particularities of God’s providential plan; only God knows how all things will work together. Finally, Christian prayers should be expressions of the aspirations of Christ’s followers made in the presence of God rather than lists of requests.
Podcasts
Articles
Was Mark 16:9–20 Originally Part of Mark’s Gospel?
For these reasons I recommend keeping Mark 16:9–20 in the Bible. But it’s probably not from Mark.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of TGC’s New President
TGC’s new president will be leading in a culture where Christianity is increasingly marginalized. But that’s not new for him. Julius Kim has been leading from the outside for most of his life.
The Multiplying Joy of (Shocking) Generosity
Receiving a $75 million gift taught Gordon College president Michael Lindsey about the generosity of God—and how God’s provision can create rising faith in all of us as we respond with generosity of our own.
How Does Joseph Foreshadow Jesus?
Joseph is one installment in a pattern that culminates in One whose kinsmen according to the flesh would hand him over to the raging nations, only to be saved by him.
Finding God in the Anxiety of the Waiting Room
Knowing the nearness of Jesus can bring peace and hope to the loneliness and uncertainty of the waiting room.
Finding God in Life’s Waiting Room
Though I dream of a thousand elsewheres while I wait, here is where God longs to be found.
God’s Will for Your Life Is More Obvious Than You Think
We often want to know God’s hidden will for the future while disobeying his revealed will in the present.
Bad Things Are Not Good
Sometimes we try to shortcut the lament process by simply saying 'God’s got a plan.'
