{"id":3504,"date":"2018-04-03T18:54:04","date_gmt":"2018-04-03T18:54:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/takingeverythoughtcaptivetoobeychrist.wordpress.com\/?p=3504"},"modified":"2018-04-03T18:54:04","modified_gmt":"2018-04-03T18:54:04","slug":"the-doctrine-of-providence-and-its-practical-application-in-the-christian-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/the-doctrine-of-providence-and-its-practical-application-in-the-christian-life\/","title":{"rendered":"The Doctrine of Providence And Its Practical Application In The Christian Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

INTRODUCTION<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was C. H. Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, who once said that \u201cthe Sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which the child of God rests his head at night, giving perfect peace.\u201d To know that God is completely in control of all things is the greatest comfort for the Christian. This paper will discuss the doctrine of providence laid out in the Bible. The aim of this paper is to answer the following question: what does the doctrine of providence teach us about God, and what are some of the practical applications in the life of a Christian believer?<\/p>\n

From the study of Scripture, it is clear that the doctrine of providence asserts that God, the Creator of all, continually sustains, renews and orders all things. In simple terms, it illustrates God\u2019s active involvement with his creation, and how he moves all things towards his appointed end. Or even simpler: God\u2019s providence means that God is God, and this is the greatest comfort for the Christian.<\/p>\n

To defend this thesis, we will unpack the doctrine of providence, and then draw practical implications for the Christian life. To accomplish this, we will first look at the providence of God defined in the Bible. In this, we will examine the themes of preservation, concurrence, and government. Once we have developed a Biblical basis for providence, we will then look to Christian history to see how they viewed providence. Finally, in conclusion of the paper, we will look at how the providence of God can be applied to the Christian life. Through this, it will be clear that the doctrine of providence shows us a God who continually sustains, renews and orders all things to his appointed end, which is the Christians greatest comfort.<\/p>\n

THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD DEFINED<\/strong><\/p>\n

To begin, we will first look at the providence of God defined in the Bible. In Scripture, the reader sees that God is the all-powerful Creator who preserves and governs everything in the universe. It is important to note that the doctrine of creation is simultaneously linked with the doctrine of providence. As we go to Scripture, we see a God who is personal yet infinitely powerful.<\/p>\n

However, in recent days, the doctrine of providence or sovereignty has fallen on hard times. To say that God is in control of all things is absurd to the world, even to some who profess to be Christians. Regardless of what others say or think, my aim is to explore what the Bible proclaims about the providence of God \u2013 a God who is actively involved in his creation. His providence can be seen in three ways: first, that God continually maintains and preserves what he has created. Secondly, God concurs with his creation in every action. Finally, God providentially governs or directs all things in order that they accomplish his purposes.<\/p>\n

The God Who Preserves<\/strong><\/p>\n

To begin, Scripture displays God\u2019s providence in his preservation of creation. We see that God is the one who preserves all things he has made and causes them to maintain the properties with which he created them. In other words, the whole universe and all that is in it is dependent on God to sustain it and keep it. Evidence of this can be identified throughout God\u2019s word.<\/p>\n

First, we see that God is actively involved in upholding all things he has created. In the book of Hebrews, we read that the Lord Jesus \u201cupholds the universe by the word of his power\u201d (Heb. 1:3). It is seen that Christ is actively involved in the work of providence as he has a purposeful control over all things created by him (Job 34:14; Neh. 9:6; Acts 17:28; 2 Pet. 3:7; Matt. 10:29; Gen. 28:15; Ex. 14:29-30; Ps. 107:9, 127:1, 145:14-15). Moreover, he not only upholds all things, but sustains all things. It is seen that Christ \u201cis before all things, and in him all things hold together\u201d (Col. 1:17). Thus, the Lord Jesus Christ keeps all things existing \u2013 in him all things continue to exist. If God were to \u201ccease from the activity of sustaining all things in the universe, then all except the triune God would instantly cease to exist.\u201d Therefore, one aspect of God\u2019s providence is in his preservation of creation. In his preservation we see that he continuously maintains the things which he created, together with the properties and powers with which he endowed them.
\nThe God Who Concurs<\/strong>
\nAdditionally, another area of God\u2019s providence is his concurrence. This simply means that God sovereignly cooperates with secondary causes in every action and effect to fulfill his ultimate purposes. No event in creation falls outside of the providence of God, since God \u201caccomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will\u201d (Eph. 1:11). This means that all things are moving in and toward their final God ordained end, namely his eternal plan. The concurrence of God can be clearly seen in the affairs of the nations and the lives of the individuals within the Bible.
\nFirstly, as we read Scripture, we see a God who has providential control over the affairs of the nations. God has determined the dwelling place and time of existence for every single individual in the history of the Universe. Paul says in Acts 17:26, speaking of God, that \u201che made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place” (Acts 17:26).<\/p>\n

Additionally, Nebuchadnezzar affirmed that God\u2019s \u201cdominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation, all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth” (Daniel 4:34-35). Therefore, it is clear from these texts that God providentially operates in the affairs of the nations.<\/p>\n

Secondly, we see that God providentially operates in the affairs of the individual. The Bible affirms that God causes all things to happen, but he does so in such a way that he upholds our ability to make willing, responsible choices that have eternal results. The strongest example of God\u2019s sovereignty and human responsibility is at the cross of Jesus Christ. In Acts 2:23, Peter said to the Jews, \u201cthis Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men\u201d (Acts 2:23). In this text, the actions by all participants were predestined by God. However, Peter does not attach moral blame to God for this, for the actions resulted from the willing choices of sinful men. Another example is Genesis 50:20, \u201cAs for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.\u201d Through the sovereign operations of God, the actions of sinful man are used in his eternal purposes. Therefore, the concurrence of God shows us a sovereign God who cooperates with secondary causes in every action and effect to fulfill his ultimate purposes.<\/p>\n

The God Who Governs<\/strong>
\nFinally, the last area in which the Bible speaks of God\u2019s providence is in his government. The government of God means that he is Lord and King, providentially ruling over and directing all things in order that they accomplish his purposes.16 In simple terms, God is guiding all things in creation, to the glory of his name.\u00a0The psalmist tells us that \u201cOur God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases” (Ps. 115:3). The New Testament also shows that God \u201cworks all things according to the counsel of his will\u201d (Eph. 1:11). In Isaiah 55:11, God says that his word shall never return to him void, \u201cbut it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.\u201d Therefore, whatever God decrees, it always comes to past (Ps. 103:19; Dn. 4:35; Rom. 8:28, 11:36; Phil. 2:10-11). Thus, it is clear in Scripture that God providentially governs all things in order that they accomplish his purposes. To conclude this section, we have looked at the providence of God briefly defined in the Bible. The Bible puts forth an active God who continually maintains and preserves what he has created. In all things, God cooperates with his creation in every action, providentially governing all things in order that they accomplish his purposes.<\/p>\n

A critical issue that a skeptic may bring up is the relationship between divine sovereignty and human freedom. One could be argued that the doctrine of providence denies the responsibility of man. Additionally, one could go further in saying that if God is completely sovereign, he must be the author of evil and sin. Both statements are completely wrong and need to be addressed. Scripture teaches three propositional truths simultaneously: God is absolutely sovereign (Ps. 115:2-3; 135:6; Is. 14:24, 26; Dn. 4:35; Eph. 1:11), human beings are morally responsible (Dt. 4:5-8; Josh. 24:14-15; Rom. 10:9-11), and God is completely and perfectly good (Dt. 32:4; Hab. 1:13; 1 Jn. 1:5; Rev. 15:3-4).\u00a0In other words, though God is completely sovereign over creation, it never minimizes the responsibility of man. It is clear that human beings are morally responsible creatures, and they are held accountable for such actions. Thus, God never does evil and he is never to be blamed for it. A clear example of this can be seen in Luke 22:22, where Jesus combines God\u2019s predestination of the crucifixion with moral blame on those who carry it out: \u201cFor the Son of man goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!\u201d It is crucial to understand that God is never the cause of evil. Evil is always the responsibility of the secondary agent (human beings, and angels and demons). God himself does not do evil, but he has ordained that evil would come about through the willing choices of creatures. These secondary causes are real, and those who do cause them are responsible for it.<\/p>\n

Wayne Grudem notes that \u201cthough God ordained that it would come about, God is removed from actually doing evil, and his bringing it about through secondary causes does not impugn his holiness or render him blameworthy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Finally, it is important to understand that God is truly good. He does not stand being evil in the same way he stands behind God. The Psalmist praises God, saying \u201cGive thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever\u201d (Psalm 107:1).
\nTherefore, though God is completely sovereign, man is still responsible for their sinful actions before a holy God. In the next portion of this paper I would like to look at the reformed and puritanical view of the providence of God illustrated in Church history.<\/p>\n

THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD IN CHRISTIAN HISTORY<\/strong>
\nThe church has long taught God\u2019s personal, detailed, wise, and good providence over
\ncreation. From its earliest days, the doctrine of providence has stood against the Stoic view that declares that all things are governed by chance. The Churches earliest theologians argued that God preserves and governs the world and all that is in it. Augustine argued that \u201call things are preserved and governed by the sovereign, wise, and beneficent will of God.\u201d\u00a0Furthermore, Thomas Aquinas wrote, \u201cAll things are subject to divine providence, not only in general, but even in their own individual selves\u2026 All things that exist in whatsoever manner are necessarily directed by God towards some end.\u201d
\nThe Reformers continued to explore this biblical theme of God\u2019s sovereignty. Ulrich
\nZwingli said, \u201cProvidence is the enduring and unchangeable rule over and direction of all things in the universe\u2026 [God] freely supplies all with all things.\u201d\u00a0In the Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin asserted, \u201cHe is also everlasting Governor and Preserver\u2026 He sustains, nourishes, and cares for, everything he has made, even to the least sparrow\u2026 God so attends to the regulation of individual events, and they all so proceed from his set plan, that nothing takes place by chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Puritans later expounded on the theme of God\u2019s preservation of creation for his glory and the peace of his people. In this section, we will explore the Puritans teaching on the providence of God.<\/p>\n

Earlier in this paper we saw that the Bible makes it clear that God, being the Creator of the Universe, continually sustains, renews and orders all things to his intended end. The Puritans also made this distinction between preserving providence (Ps. 104:19-20; Acts 17:28; Heb. 1:3) and governing providence (Ps. 29:10; Gen. 50:20). It is clear that \u201cthere is nothing which he hath made, that with the good hand of providence he doth not govern and sustain.\u201d
\nFirst, the Puritans made it clear that God preserves all that he has created. Both our being and our actions depend on God for their existence (Acts 17:24, 28). Edward Corbet wrote, \u201cWe cannot utter one word, think one thought, turn our eye, or move a finger, without the concurrence of his power who gives life and breath, and all things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thus, it was clear to the Puritans that in the Scriptures God is a God who sustains his creation through his preserving providence. If God were to stop preserving, sustaining, and upholding all that he has created, then everything would cease to exist.<\/p>\n

However, the main focus of the Puritans appears to be on the governing providence of
\nGod. In the Scriptures, the Puritans saw a God who cares for all things and directs all things to the glory of his name. Things did not just happen by random chance or luck, but all things were providentially governed by God to an intended end. The Puritans knew that \u201che rules all things to make them accomplish his purposes for his glory, even accidents such as an ax-head flying off its handle and killing a man (Ex. 21:13; Deut. 19:5).\u201d\u00a0Whatever exists, the Puritans knew that it existed for the end of the glory of God. Thomas Goodwin said, \u201cGod’s highest goal is not just that we speak or sing his praise but that we exist for the praise of his glory, for your being, all you are and have, should be to his glory.\u201d
\nIn Romans 11:36, we see that God is the source, the means, and the end of all things.
\nPaul says, \u201cFor from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.\u201d This text first shows that all things are from God, for he is the Sovereign Creator. Secondly, it is seen that all things are through God, for he is the providential preserver and governor of all things. Thirdly, all things are to God, meaning that all things are purposed for his glory. Therefore, throughout the history of the Church, those who were faithful to the Scriptures saw that God was both the Sovereign preserving and governor of all things (Ps. 104:19-20; Acts 17:28; Heb. 1:3; Ps. 29:10; Gen. 50:20). He is actively involved in his creation, and all things are moving towards his appointed end.<\/p>\n

THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD APPLIED<\/strong>
\nIn the last portion of this paper we will look at the practical applications of the
\nprovidence of God in the life of a Christian believer. The providence of God is not some abstract or theoretical concept that is to be looked at from afar. Rather, the providence of God is a doctrine which must be applied to the Christian life. Understanding God\u2019s sovereignty will promote godly fear, righteous living, and lowly submission before God, causing us to delight in his will.<\/p>\n

In this section we will first look at the providence of God in our evangelism. Then, we will look at the providence of God amid our suffering, and the future hope of glory. The aim of this section is to show the practical application of this glorious doctrine to the Christian life. As we truly understand this doctrine, it will be seen that \u201cthe sovereignty of God is the ground of peace and confidence to all his people.\u201d\u00a0The Christian is able to rejoice because God reigns supremely over all things, sustaining, preserving, upholding, and governing every molecule to his intended purpose. Therefore, it is a comfort that \u201cinfinite wisdom, love, and power, belong to Him, our great God and Saviour, into whose hands all power in heaven and earth have been committed.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Proivdence of God in the Christian\u2019s Evangelism<\/strong>
\nTo begin, we will first look at the personal application of the providence of God in
\nevangelism and Christian witness. First, it is clear that the sovereignty of God in grace gives us our only hope of \u2018success\u2019 and \u2018effectiveness\u2019 in our evangelism. Many Christians will conclude that the sovereign grace of God makes evangelism pointless. They will say: \u201cif God has determined the precise number of those who shall be saved, then why should evangelize?\u201d \u201cWill not the doctrine of God\u2019s sovereignty discourage evangelism?\u201d People begin to have skepticism when they hear the sovereignty of God and evangelism tied together. However, were it not for God\u2019s providence in salvation, evangelism would be a futile and pointless activity. The Bible makes it clear that fallen man is dead in sin and unable to grasp spiritual truth (1 Cor. 2:14). In Ephesians 2:1 we see that fallen man is \u201cdead in the trespasses and sins,\u201d making them wholly incapacitated for any positive reaction to God\u2019s word. \u201cWhen you talk to a dead man, there is no response; the man is dead. When God\u2019s word is spoken to sinners, there is equally no response; they are \u201cdead in the trespasses and sins.\u201d<\/p>\n

After seeing the state of man, left to ourselves, can we give life to the spiritually dead?
\nNo. Can we have hope that we will convince sinners of the truth of the gospel? No. The commands in Scripture to preach the Gospel are numerous. The Lord Jesus commands his followers in Mark 16:15 to \u201cgo into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.\u201d What would be the reason for evangelism if we were left to ourselves without a sovereign God working through our means of evangelism? There would be zero motivation for us to press on in hard seasons if God were not sovereign over the results. We would be pressured to use an exhaustive list of pragmatic items to try and convince the lost to come to Christ. If God were not providential over our evangelism, it would be a hopeless task for the Christian.<\/p>\n

However, faith in the sovereignty of divine grace is the greatest motivation for
\nevangelism, since it gives us assurance that God is the one who brings the results. The
\nChristian\u2019s calling is not to produce effective results, but to be faithful in our evangelistic efforts. We must learn to rest all our hopes of fruit in evangelism on the sovereign grace of God. For God does the impossible by his Spirit through the preaching of his Word in the hearts of sinful men, bringing them to repentance and faith in Christ. It is clear then, that the evangelist cannot make a sinner repent and believe in Christ by his or her words alone \u2013 it takes the sovereign working of God. The motivation behind the Apostle Paul\u2019s ministry was the sovereign grace of God. Since he knew that Christ has a people purchased by his blood, who will come to faith in due time, he pressed onward amidst suffering (Acts 18:10). The promise of God accompanying his preached word motivated Paul to evangelize in the hardest situations. Paul knew that God\u2019s word never returns void, but always accomplishes its intended purpose (Is. 55:11). Therefore, the preaching
\nof the Gospel, in the long run, never proves fruitless.<\/p>\n

Paul understood that wherever the Gospel went, God would save some who hear its message. This truth of God\u2019s providence gave Paul confidence in his evangelism.
\nIn the Christian life, it can seem very discouraging when we have witnessed for so long without seeing any visible fruit in their lives. If it was up to the earnestness of the Christian, we would have no hope in seeing conversions. However, it is clear that the providence of God gives hope for success in evangelism, assuring the Christian that God\u2019s purposes cannot fail. We are not responsible for the results, for God is the one who brings them. In 1 Corinthians 3:6 we see that some plant, some water, but God is the one who gives the growth. The business of the Christian is to obey Christ and preach the Gospel to every creature, and then commit it to prayer that the Holy Spirit would apply the word in power to the heart of the sinner. Since God is sovereign, we are not to panic or lose heart when we see little visible fruit. The business of the Christian is to be patient and faithful in spreading the good news till the time of harvest should come.\u201d<\/p>\n

On a final note, it is important for the Christian to see the providence of God in our conversion to Christ. The Puritan, John Flavel, observed that apparently random
\nevents have led individuals to faith. For example, the man from Ethiopia who meets an evangelist in the desert (Acts 8:26-39). Therefore, in our daily life, we should be aware of those whom God has placed around us \u2013 we may be the means used in their conversion.<\/p>\n

The Proivdence of God in the Christian\u2019s Suffering<\/strong>
\nNext, the providence of God in suffering will be addressed. The Lord Jesus warned his church that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).
\nAdditionally, \u201call who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted\u201d (2 Tim. 3:12). Without the knowledge of the providence of God, every trial seems like a pointless, random event that catches us off guard. Christians will face much suffering in their pilgrimage to glory. To many, their sufferings seem like wasted time that has produced no effect. However, with a proper understanding of the sovereignty of God, the Christian can find comfort in him who governs and sustains all things to his end, namely, the glory of his name and the well-being of his children. Whatever trial one may face, they can be assured that is has come from the loving hand of their heavenly father. God is not sitting back wishing things were different. All things are working towards his divine plan.
\nIn the midst suffering, the providence of God has much to say for the Christian. The
\nprovidence of God has been a doctrine that Christians of all eras have clung to. The promise of Romans 8:28 tells us that \u201cfor those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.\u201d The greatest comfort in the Christian life is to know that God is the one who is reigning actively over his creation, even amid our suffering. What a terrible thing it would be if our situations were out of God\u2019s hand. There would be no comfort for the Christian if God were to say, \u2018well, I didn\u2019t think it would come to that conclusion. I didn\u2019t want that to happen to you.\u2019 Where is the comfort in that? The Bible gives us a different picture. Yes, suffering is ordained by God in the Christian life. We will suffer in this fallen world; however, God is actively governing all things for the glory of his name and the good of his children.<\/p>\n

It was Thomas Watson who wrote, \u201cAll the various dealings of God with his children do by a special providence turn to their Good.\u201d\u00a0Moreover, Sedwick said, \u201cNo good man ever lacked anything that was good for him. I may lack a thing which is good, but not which is good for me.\u201d
\nThus, God\u2019s providence offers the greatest comfort to his covenant people. Whatever
\nthe circumstances may be, the Christian can be assured that all things are working according to God\u2019s plan. Additionally, the providence of God should humble us into submission and trust in our Sovereign God who cares for our ultimate eternal good. Thomas Boston said that \u201cwhatever is crooked in life was made so by God and therefore must be received in submission to God\u2026 There is not any thing whatsoever befalls us without his over-ruling hand.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the Scriptures we see that God makes the blind, the poor, and the deaf (John 9:1-3; 1 Sam. 2:7; Ex. 4:11). Whatever God deems best, the Christian must submit to his all-wise counsel, knowing that it serves an ultimate eternal purpose. As Christians suffer, all that is seen right now is the \u201cdisjointed wheels and scattered pins of a watch,\u201d but in eternity the entire picture of God\u2019s all-wise plan will be seen.<\/p>\n

The providence of God is a great mystery that we cannot fully understand today, however the Scriptures make it clear that it will work out for our eternal good (Rom. 8 :28). Within this mystery, we must cling to what God has revealed in the Scriptures. To see and understand the providence of God in trials enables Christians to thank him for ordaining sufferings that will be used to conform them into the image of Christ. In many cases, providential afflictions are used in great ways to shape and refine us into holy vessels used by God. For example, when Job suffered immensely, he realized that it was providentially used by God, and that led him to praise his Maker. Job said, \u201cThe Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord\u201d (Job 1:21). Therefore, the proper response to the providence of God in suffering should be to worship him as the sovereign Lord over both \u201cthe prosperous results of our labors and the painful troubles brought by men and devils. All things are in God\u2019s hand, whose hand is in all our sorrows.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Proivdence of God in the Christian\u2019s Future<\/strong>
\nFinally, it must be noted that the providence of God leads to our assurance in the future hope of glory. Since God is the one who sustains, preserves, and governs all things, he will be the one who brings us to our eternity with him. The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:6, \u201cAnd I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.\u201d Additionally, while writing to the Thessalonians, Paul states that God is the one who sanctifies us completely and will present us blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 5:23-24). These promises in Scripture require God to be sovereignly active in his creation. In these passages we see God as the author, sustainer, and finisher of our sanctification. He is the one who begins this great work in us by calling us out of sin and into himself. Progressively, through many trials, he grows us in Christ-likeness by his Spirit, until the day he completes the work he began in us. Therefore, from start to finish, God is the one who sovereignly operates in our lives to conform us into the image of Christ.<\/p>\n

If it were solely up to us as Christians to finish the work that God began, we would fail miserably. None of us would be presented blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus. However, since God is the one who providentially works in the lives of his children, we have a confidence in the last day. Though I stumble into sin day after day, the one who has called me out of sin and to himself will surely complete the work he began. He is the faithful one who is true to his word (1 Thess. 5:24). Whatever we face as Christians in this lifetime, because of the doctrine of providence, we can know that these \u201clight momentary affliction[s] [are] preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison\u201d (2 Cor. 4:17).<\/p>\n

For the Christian, no suffering is in vain. It all leads to the eternal good of the Christian.
\nTherefore, God is in control of his Universe. In all things, God is working out his perfect
\npurposes, even in things as small as the day-to-day life of the Christian. The doctrine of providence gives great hope and comfort for the Christian. In evangelism, they are given
\nboldness and confidence, since it is the sovereign grace of God that saves. In suffering, the Christian knows that God is working out all things according to the counsel of his will (Eph. 1:11). God\u2019s ways are far more mysterious and wonderful than we can understand, but we know that it is always for his glory and the good of his children.<\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/strong>
\nIn conclusion, the doctrine of the providence is the foundation for all other doctrines in the Bible. If God is not sovereign, he ceases to be God. This paper sought to answer the following question: what does the doctrine of providence teach us about God and what are some of the practical applications in the life of a Christian believer? It was argued that the doctrine of providence teaches us that God, being the Creator of all, continually sustains, renews and orders all things. This simply means that God is actively involved in his creation, and all things are moving towards his appointed end. To support this argument, we first looked at the providence of God defined in the Bible. In this, it was illustrated that God actively preserves, concurs, and governs all his creation. He is the sovereign ruler over all. After this, we then went back into Christian history to see how the giants of the faith saw the providence of God. It was profoundly evident how the Puritans and Reformers held a high-view of the sovereignty of God, seeing that he is actively involved in his creation, preserving and governing all things to the glory of his name. Finally, in the last section of this paper, we looked at the practical implications of the providence of God in the Christian life. In this, it was seen that the providence of God was source of confidence for the evangelist and an anchor of hope for the suffering Christian. Since God is sovereign, the Christian can press on forward with the shield of faith and the hope of the gospel.<\/p>\n

BIBLIOGRAPHY<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\n209-224.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

INTRODUCTION It was C. H. Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, who once said that \u201cthe Sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which the child of God rests his head at night, giving perfect peace.\u201d To know that God is completely in control of all things is the greatest comfort for the Christian. This paper […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":686,"featured_media":3508,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,27],"tags":[145,205,277,278,388,557,678,679,683,687,698,699,747,823,966,998,1007,1032,1167,1180,1237],"class_list":{"0":"post-3504","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-faith","8":"category-gospel","9":"tag-application","10":"tag-bible","11":"tag-christian","12":"tag-christianity","13":"tag-doctrine","14":"tag-god","15":"tag-jenkins","16":"tag-jesus","17":"tag-jj","18":"tag-john","19":"tag-josh","20":"tag-joshua","21":"tag-life","22":"tag-mills","23":"tag-practical","24":"tag-providence","25":"tag-puritans","26":"tag-reformers","27":"tag-sovereign","28":"tag-spurgeon","29":"tag-theology","30":"entry"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/04\/cropped-sunrise-1749740_1920-300x141-1.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":446,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/of-divine-providence\/","url_meta":{"origin":3504,"position":0},"title":"Of Divine Providence","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"July 17, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"The end of paragraph 5 in chapter 5, \u201cOf Divine Providence\u201d, in the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, ends with the following sentence: \u201cSo that whatsoever befalls any of his elect by his appointment, for his glory and their good.\u201d There are fewer sentences with as much power and comfort\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":3594,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/brief-thoughts-on-the-sufficiency-of-scripture\/","url_meta":{"origin":3504,"position":1},"title":"Brief Thoughts on the Sufficiency of Scripture","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"July 25, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture essentially states that the Scripture is all that is necessary to govern the Christian life. The Word of God is sufficient to direct our steps in our lives, without assistance from another source of authority. It testifies to Psalm 119v105, \"Your Word is\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Culture"","block_context":{"text":"Culture","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/07\/glasses-620x340-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/07\/glasses-620x340-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/07\/glasses-620x340-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2046,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/you-have-no-heart\/","url_meta":{"origin":3504,"position":2},"title":"You Have No Heart","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"June 7, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"\"You have no heart! You are heartless!\" These phrases we often hear in response to someone who has just done or said something that we consider to be quite inhumane or inconsiderate of another human being or beings. The phrase is meant to convey the idea that the human heart\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "theology"","block_context":{"text":"theology","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/theology\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2017\/06\/heart.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":4283,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/the-doctrine-of-the-lesser-magistrates\/","url_meta":{"origin":3504,"position":3},"title":"The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"December 25, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"No Christian should take defiance to the civil authorities lightly. It should be close to a last resort. We must be sure we are righteous in our cause of civil disobedience. Sadly, it has indeed righteously come to that point in many parts of the United States and in various\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Book Review"","block_context":{"text":"Book Review","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/book-review\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2020\/12\/Trewhella.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":3598,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/the-joy-of-fellowship-in-christ-commentary-on-1-john-1v1-4\/","url_meta":{"origin":3504,"position":4},"title":"The Joy of Fellowship in Christ: Commentary on 1 John 1v1-4","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"August 6, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Introduction The epistle of 1 John is peppered with verses that are well-known and loved by many believers. Maybe some of you have favorite verses found in this book. Verses like 1 John 1v9, \u201cIf we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Commentary"","block_context":{"text":"Commentary","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/category\/commentary\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/08\/pexels-photo-257360.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/08\/pexels-photo-257360.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2018\/08\/pexels-photo-257360.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1712,"url":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/the-gospel-at-work\/","url_meta":{"origin":3504,"position":5},"title":"The Gospel at Work","author":"Joshua Jenkins","date":"May 16, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. + Titus 2v9-10 The first obvious word that we notice in our\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"bible\"","block_context":{"text":"bible","link":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/tag\/bible\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2017\/05\/work-and-cancer-jeremy-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2017\/05\/work-and-cancer-jeremy-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2017\/05\/work-and-cancer-jeremy-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2017\/05\/work-and-cancer-jeremy-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2017\/05\/work-and-cancer-jeremy-1.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2017\/05\/work-and-cancer-jeremy-1.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3504","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/686"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3504"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3504\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3508"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/themajestysmen.com\/joshuajenkins\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}