God’s Providence

September 3, 2018 by

Great Days in History: The Unfolding of the Scheme of Redemption

The fact that God’s work in creation could be finished highlights His providence. After discussing Jesus’ role in creation (Colossians 1:16), Paul wrote, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). The Greek word translated “hold together” or “consist” (KJV) is the same word that is translated “formed” in 2 Peter 3:5 – “For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water.” God “formed” this world and because of the perfect way in which He formed it, everything is held together as it needs to be.

In this perfect creation, God’s providence is ongoing. The psalmist made this point: “Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands. They stand this day according to Your ordinances, for all things are Your servants” (Psalm 119:90-91). Because God’s word is “forever… settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89) and this word was used to bring about the physical world around us (Psalm 33:6-9), His faithfulness continues to be on display for all to see. This was what Paul meant when he told the residents of Lystra that God “did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). God’s ongoing providence is a witness to His existence and care for mankind.

After the flood, God made Noah this promise: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). To this day, God’s promise is still being carried out. Even the mockers in Peter’s day acknowledged this, though they failed to appreciate the significance of it: “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:4). These mockers were citing the fact that “all continues just as it was” as the reason why they doubted the promise of Christ’s return. In other words, they saw the ongoing providence of God but completely missed the point. God was keeping His promise that the earth would continue in its regular seasons and cycles; therefore, they (and we) could be assured that He will keep His promise that Christ would return. “All continues just as it was” (2 Peter 3:4) because that was how God designed this world to function. It will continue to work this way as long as “the earth remains” (Genesis 8:22).

The above post is an excerpt from the book, Great Days in History: The Unfolding of the Scheme of Redemption by Andy Sochor. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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Creation Proves the Power and Faithfulness of God

September 13, 2016 by

The Psalm of the Word: A Study of Psalm 119

“Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations; You established the earth, and it stands. They stand this day according to Your ordinances, for all things are Your servants” (Psalm 119:90-91).

The opening words of Scripture contain this fundamental fact: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Jesus was instrumental in this. John wrote, “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being” (John 1:3). This physical world continues “according to [His] ordinances” (Psalm 119:91). Paul said of Christ, “All things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17).

Immediately after the flood, God promised that His providential care would continue perpetually: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). His care “throughout all generations” (Psalm 119:90) is a “witness” of Him to “all the nations” (Acts 14:16-17).

If the earth can stand as long as it has, we can trust God’s word to stand. The psalmist said that heaven and earth “stand this day according to [God’s] ordinances” (Psalm 119:91). This is important to remember because it also pertains to our spiritual well-being. Just as physical birth continues through God’s providence (Genesis 4:1; 1 Timothy 2:15), spiritual rebirth continues through His word. Peter wrote, “For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). God continues to give us spiritual life if we will trust and obey Him. His ongoing care in matters of this life are enough to prove to us that we can safely trust in Him.

The above post is an excerpt from the book, The Psalm of the Word: A Study of Psalm 119. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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Civil Government: Chapter 12 – Keeping Things In Perspective (Excerpt)

May 10, 2013 by

Civil Government - coverWhile Christians might take advantage of good conditions that exist under a particular government, we must understand that no government will last forever. The wise man wrote, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations” (Proverbs 27:23-24).

No matter how stable or powerful a government may be, it will eventually fall. People in our society have come to rely upon the government for so many things, even basic necessities. It is hard for many to imagine how we could possibly survive without our government in its current form. Yet the wise man tells us how we can survive: work hard, be good stewards, and trust in God and in His providence (Proverbs 27:23-27). Governments rise and fall, as they have done since their beginning and will continue to do until the end of time. God’s provisions will remain.

It is important to remember that no human government is exempt from this rule. When Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about the statue made up of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and clay, he prophesied of four world empires: the Babylonians, the Medes and the Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans (Daniel 2:31-43). Each one of these mighty nations fell. Even our current government, despite its great success over the last two hundred twenty-five years, will not be around forever.

You can read more about the fundamental truths which we must remember in any study of this topic in Civil Government: What the Bible Says About Its Origin, History, Nature, and Role. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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Civil Government: Chapter 8 – Limitations of Civil Government

April 12, 2013 by

Civil Government - coverGod never intended for civil government to take care of us. He has a different plan for this. It begins with His providence. In creating this world, God provided everything we need in order to survive: plants and animals for food (Genesis 1:29; 9:3), proper conditions for survival (Acts 14:17), and the ability to work in order to provide for ourselves (Acts 17:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10).

If one is unable to provide for himself, God has made provisions for such a one to be cared for — and not by the civil government. Individuals can help (Galatians 6:9-10). One’s family can help (1 Timothy 5:4, 16). In certain cases, the church can help (Acts 4:32-35). If everyone tried to help others according to their ability and opportunity (2 Corinthians 8:12; Galatians 6:10) rather than thinking that a government “safety net” absolves us of our responsibility to do good to others, the number of people who would yet require government assistance would be drastically reduced.

The Scriptures teach that we can survive without government through the providence of God. The wise man explained this:

“Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations. When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, the lambs will be for your clothing, and the goats will bring the price of a field, and there will be goats’ milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and sustenance for your maidens” (Proverbs 27:23-27).

Knowing that governments will, from time to time, collapse, Solomon explains how we can survive under such circumstances. By using what God has provided in His creation, we can have food, clothing, and the ability to participate in free market commerce. With “firm reliance on…divine Providence,” we can survive without an oppressive, burdensome, and inefficient government machine trying (allegedly) to take care of us.

You can read more about the limitations of civil government in Civil Government: What the Bible Says About Its Origin, History, Nature, and Role. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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Time and Chance: Notes on Ecclesiastes 9:11 (Excerpt)

February 7, 2013 by

Vanity of Vanities (cover)Ecclesiastes 9:11

I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all.

This verse emphasizes the uncertainty of life. While we may work, prepare, learn, and gain experience – as mentioned in the previous verse – we cannot predict what will happen. At times, the faster runner is beaten, and the stronger warrior is defeated. Wisdom and talent do not guarantee favor or success. So while we ought to do the best we can (9:10), we must not become arrogant and ignore the uncertain nature of life. But it is important to notice why Solomon says unexpected things happen. It is not necessarily because God has some direct involvement in producing certain results (though that did happen at various times throughout the Bible). Rather, time and chance produce uncertain outcomes. Some want to attribute every event and circumstance in life to God, but the wise man clearly tells us that various outcomes in life are the result of coincidence and happenstance.

You can read more comments on the book of Ecclesiastes in Vanity of Vanties: Notes on Ecclesiastes. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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