god’s providence: his care for his creation copyright by norman l. geisler 2008

God’s Providence:

His Care for His Creation

God’s Providence:

His Care for His Creation

Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2008Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2008

OutlineOutlineI. Definition of God’s Providence

II. Basis of God’s Providence

III. Characteristics of God’s Providence

IV. Extent of God’s Providence

V. Spheres of God’s Providence

VI. Means of God’s Providence

VII. Problems with God’s Providence

I. Definition of God’s Providence







I. Definition of God’s ProvidenceI. Definition of God’s ProvidenceA. Definition: It comes from the Latin pro (before) and

video (sight) = foresight. A. A. Hodge: “A careful arrangement prepared

beforehand for the accomplishment of [God’s] predetermined ends” (Outlines of Theol., 262).

A. H. Strong: “Providence is that continuous agency of God by which he makes all the events of the physical and moral universe fulfill the original design with which he created it” (Systematic Theology, 419)

B. Distinctions: 1. Creation—the world’s coming to be 2. Preservation—the world’s continuing to be 3. Providence—the world’s control (direction) of

being

A. Definition: It comes from the Latin pro (before) and video (sight) = foresight.

A. A. Hodge: “A careful arrangement prepared beforehand for the accomplishment of [God’s] predetermined ends” (Outlines of Theol., 262).

A. H. Strong: “Providence is that continuous agency of God by which he makes all the events of the physical and moral universe fulfill the original design with which he created it” (Systematic Theology, 419)

B. Distinctions: 1. Creation—the world’s coming to be 2. Preservation—the world’s continuing to be 3. Providence—the world’s control (direction) of

being

OutlineOutlineI. Definition of God’s ProvidenceII. Basis of God’s Providence A. God is All-Good—desires good for all things.

B. God is All-Knowing—He knows all things. C. God is All-Wise—He knows best way to the best

end for all things. D. God is All-Powerful—He can do all things

possible.Therefore, God provides the best means to be best end for all

things He has created.

I. Definition of God’s ProvidenceII. Basis of God’s Providence A. God is All-Good—desires good for all things.

B. God is All-Knowing—He knows all things. C. God is All-Wise—He knows best way to the best

end for all things. D. God is All-Powerful—He can do all things

possible.Therefore, God provides the best means to be best end for all

things He has created.

I. Definition of God’s ProvidenceII. Basis of God’s ProvidenceIII. Characteristics of God’s Providence; It is-- A. Personal—since God is personal B. Thoughtful—since God is thoughtful C. Careful—since He cares for His creation D. Universal—since He cares for all his creation E. Particular—since He cares for each part of His

creation E. Effectual—since He is all-powerful and can’t fail F. Supernatural—since He is beyond His creation and

can intervene in it

I. Definition of God’s ProvidenceII. Basis of God’s ProvidenceIII. Characteristics of God’s Providence; It is-- A. Personal—since God is personal B. Thoughtful—since God is thoughtful C. Careful—since He cares for His creation D. Universal—since He cares for all his creation E. Particular—since He cares for each part of His

creation E. Effectual—since He is all-powerful and can’t fail F. Supernatural—since He is beyond His creation and

can intervene in it

IV. Extent of God’s ProvidenceIV. Extent of God’s ProvidenceA. It is general—over all His creation.

B. It is Particular—over each part of it.

1. God knows all of it (with each part)

2. He can’t control the whole without controlling the parts (e.g., a

whole puzzle can’t be put together without getting each part in the right place).

A. It is general—over all His creation.

B. It is Particular—over each part of it.

1. God knows all of it (with each part)

2. He can’t control the whole without controlling the parts (e.g., a

whole puzzle can’t be put together without getting each part in the right place).

B. It is Particular—over each part of it.B. It is Particular—over each part of it.

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them…. God clothes the grass of the field…. Will he not much more clothe you…” (Mt. 6:26-30).

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Mt. 10:29-30).

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them…. God clothes the grass of the field…. Will he not much more clothe you…” (Mt. 6:26-30).

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Mt. 10:29-30).

V. Spheres of God’s ProvidenceV. Spheres of God’s Providence A. God’s Providence Over The Natural World

Job 9:5-6.— “He moves the mountains without their knowing it and overturns them in His anger. He shakes the earth from its place….”

Job 37:6.— “He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain showers, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’”

Mat. 5:45.— “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Isa. 40:26.—“Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host [stars] by number;He calls them all by name.…”

A. God’s Providence Over The Natural World

Job 9:5-6.— “He moves the mountains without their knowing it and overturns them in His anger. He shakes the earth from its place….”

Job 37:6.— “He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain showers, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’”

Mat. 5:45.— “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Isa. 40:26.—“Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host [stars] by number;He calls them all by name.…”

B. God’s Providence Over the Animate World Psa. 147:7-8.--“The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God.”

Psa. 147:9.—“He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.”Mat. 6:27.—“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow…yet even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

C. Providence Over Human Affairs in General 1 Chron. 16:31.—“Let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’”

Dan. 4:35.—“He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.”

Psa. 47:7.—“God is King of all the earth.”

B. God’s Providence Over the Animate World Psa. 147:7-8.--“The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God.”

Psa. 147:9.—“He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.”Mat. 6:27.—“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow…yet even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

C. Providence Over Human Affairs in General 1 Chron. 16:31.—“Let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’”

Dan. 4:35.—“He does as He pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.”

Psa. 47:7.—“God is King of all the earth.”

Overheard in an OrchardOverheard in an OrchardSaid the Robin to the Sparrow,

“I should really like to know

Why these anxious human beings

Rush about a worry so.”

Said the Sparrow to the Robin,

“Friend, I think that it must be

That they have no heavenly Father

Such as cares for you and me.”--Elizabeth Cheney

Said the Robin to the Sparrow,

“I should really like to know

Why these anxious human beings

Rush about a worry so.”

Said the Sparrow to the Robin,

“Friend, I think that it must be

That they have no heavenly Father

Such as cares for you and me.”--Elizabeth Cheney

D. His Providence Over the Affairs of the Nations Job 12:23.—“He makes nations great, and destroys them; he

enlarges nations, and disperses them.” Psa. 22:28.—“He rules over the nations.” Prov. 21:1.—“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he

directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.”E. God’s Providence Over A Person’s Lot in Life 1 Sam. 2:4.—“The Lord brings death and makes alive; he

brings down to the grave and raises up.” Psa. 75:6.—“No one from the east or the west … can exalt a

man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.”

Prov. 16:9.—“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

D. His Providence Over the Affairs of the Nations Job 12:23.—“He makes nations great, and destroys them; he

enlarges nations, and disperses them.” Psa. 22:28.—“He rules over the nations.” Prov. 21:1.—“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he

directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.”E. God’s Providence Over A Person’s Lot in Life 1 Sam. 2:4.—“The Lord brings death and makes alive; he

brings down to the grave and raises up.” Psa. 75:6.—“No one from the east or the west … can exalt a

man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.”

Prov. 16:9.—“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

F. Over Seemingly Fortuitous (Chance) Events Prov. 16:33.—“The lot is cast into the lap, but its

every decision is from the Lord.” Ex. 21:13.—God even planned for “accidental

deaths.”G. God’s Providence Over Human Free Acts Gen. 50:20.—“You intended to harm me, but God

intended it for your good, in order to…save many lives.”

Acts 2:23.—“Him [Jesus] being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified and put to death.”

F. Over Seemingly Fortuitous (Chance) Events Prov. 16:33.—“The lot is cast into the lap, but its

every decision is from the Lord.” Ex. 21:13.—God even planned for “accidental

deaths.”G. God’s Providence Over Human Free Acts Gen. 50:20.—“You intended to harm me, but God

intended it for your good, in order to…save many lives.”

Acts 2:23.—“Him [Jesus] being delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified and put to death.”

H. Providence Over the Life of the Righteous Psa. 4:8.—“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for

You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psa. 121:3,-- “He will not let your foot slip—he

who watches over you will not slumber.” I. Providence Over the Needs of His People Psa. 37:25.—“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous

forsaken or their children begging bread.” Phil. 4:19.--“My God will meet all your needs

according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

H. Providence Over the Life of the Righteous Psa. 4:8.—“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for

You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psa. 121:3,-- “He will not let your foot slip—he

who watches over you will not slumber.” I. Providence Over the Needs of His People Psa. 37:25.—“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous

forsaken or their children begging bread.” Phil. 4:19.--“My God will meet all your needs

according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

J. His Providence Over Answers to Prayer Isa. 65:24.—“Before they call, I will answer; while

they are still speaking I will hear.” Mat. 6:8.—“Do not be like them [unbelievers], for

your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

K. Providence Over Punishing the Wicked Psa. 11:6.—“On the wicked he will rain fiery coals

and burning sulfur.” Rom. 12:19.—“Vengeance In mine, I will repay, says

the Lord.”

J. His Providence Over Answers to Prayer Isa. 65:24.—“Before they call, I will answer; while

they are still speaking I will hear.” Mat. 6:8.—“Do not be like them [unbelievers], for

your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

K. Providence Over Punishing the Wicked Psa. 11:6.—“On the wicked he will rain fiery coals

and burning sulfur.” Rom. 12:19.—“Vengeance In mine, I will repay, says

the Lord.”

VI. Means of God’s ProvidenceVI. Means of God’s Providence

A. General Providence--Regular Operation of Natural Law (food, air, rain, and light)

B. Special Providence—Special Preplanning of Natural Events (Washington’s escape)

C. Supernatural Providence—Special Divine Intervention into the natural world (virgin birth or resurrection).

A. General Providence--Regular Operation of Natural Law (food, air, rain, and light)



Water Expands When It Freezes: General ProvidenceWater Expands When It Freezes: General Providence

Washington Crossing the Delaware;Special Providence

Washington Crossing the Delaware;Special Providence

Jesus Multiplying Loaves: Supernatural EventJesus Multiplying Loaves: Supernatural Event

Jesus Walking On Water: Supernatural EventJesus Walking On Water: Supernatural Event

Resurrection from the Dead: Supernatural EventResurrection from the Dead: Supernatural Event

VI. Means of God’s ProvidenceVI. Means of God’s Providence

A. General Providence--Regular Operation of Natural Law (e.g., cycles of weather)



A. General Providence--Regular Operation of Natural Law (e.g., cycles of weather)



VII. Problems with ProvidenceVII. Problems with ProvidenceA. The Problem of Starvation The Problem: If God care’s for all, why do so

many starve? Response: There is a difference between

provision and satisfaction. 1. God provides enough food and water for

all. 2. But sin hinders some from getting it (e.g.

laziness, greed, waste, and being power-hungry).

God gives enough for all, but not all get it because of sin (either their sin or other’s).

A. The Problem of Starvation The Problem: If God care’s for all, why do so

many starve? Response: There is a difference between

provision and satisfaction. 1. God provides enough food and water for

all. 2. But sin hinders some from getting it (e.g.

laziness, greed, waste, and being power-hungry).

God gives enough for all, but not all get it because of sin (either their sin or other’s).

B. The Problem of Disaster The Problem: If God protects His own, why do

believers also have disasters? Response: God’s protection does not cover our

presumptions. Psa. 91:11-12.—“He will command his angels

concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

Matt. 4:7.—“But when tempted by Satan to jump off the temple, Jesus replied: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Note: God’s providence is not guaranteed to cover our presumptions.

B. The Problem of Disaster The Problem: If God protects His own, why do

believers also have disasters? Response: God’s protection does not cover our

presumptions. Psa. 91:11-12.—“He will command his angels

concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

Matt. 4:7.—“But when tempted by Satan to jump off the temple, Jesus replied: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Note: God’s providence is not guaranteed to cover our presumptions.

C. The Problem of Evil The Problem: If providence means God

provides what is good for all, then how can evil be part of His providence?

Response:

1. Permitting evil is part of God’s good plan.

2. He permits evil but does not promote evil.

3. He permits evil to defeat it—which is a good.

C. The Problem of Evil The Problem: If providence means God

provides what is good for all, then how can evil be part of His providence?

Response:

1. Permitting evil is part of God’s good plan.

2. He permits evil but does not promote evil.

3. He permits evil to defeat it—which is a good.

D. The Problem of Free Will The Problem: How can God control a

world with free creatures who do evil?

Response:

1) By knowing what they will freely do and incorporating it in His plan.

2) By eventually separating good and evil according to our free choice.

3) By making our free choices permanent forever.

D. The Problem of Free Will The Problem: How can God control a

world with free creatures who do evil?

Response:

1) By knowing what they will freely do and incorporating it in His plan.

2) By eventually separating good and evil according to our free choice.

3) By making our free choices permanent forever.

E. The Problem of Randomness Problem: Many things in the

world are random (e.g., air molecules tumbling, seeds blowing, etc.).

Response: There is a purpose in the randomness, namely, mixing carbon dioxide exhaled with the air so that we don’t inhale only this poisonous gas back in and die.

E. The Problem of Randomness Problem: Many things in the

world are random (e.g., air molecules tumbling, seeds blowing, etc.).

Response: There is a purpose in the randomness, namely, mixing carbon dioxide exhaled with the air so that we don’t inhale only this poisonous gas back in and die.

F. The Problem of Sub-Atomic Particles Problem: Heisenberg’s principle of

uncertainty asserts that there is randomness in the sub-atomic world.

Response: 1. Sub-atomic world can’t be “seen” without

disturbing it with an electron microscope. So, what we see is partly our own disturbance.

2. It is not the principle of randomness but the principle of unpredictability (namely, we can’t predict the course of a given particle). 3. But there must be order there, otherwise the pattern of visible events formed by these

particles would not always be the same.

F. The Problem of Sub-Atomic Particles Problem: Heisenberg’s principle of

uncertainty asserts that there is randomness in the sub-atomic world.

Response: 1. Sub-atomic world can’t be “seen” without

disturbing it with an electron microscope. So, what we see is partly our own disturbance.

2. It is not the principle of randomness but the principle of unpredictability (namely, we can’t predict the course of a given particle). 3. But there must be order there, otherwise the pattern of visible events formed by these

particles would not always be the same.

G. The Problem of God’s WillProblem: Does God will everything that

happens to us, even tragedies?

Response: There are three aspects to God’s will:

1. God’s prescriptive will—Do only good.

2. God’s permissive will—He permits evil.

3. God’s providential will—He brings good out of evil.

Note: Numbers 2 and 3 are always accomplished, but number 1 is not.

G. The Problem of God’s WillProblem: Does God will everything that

happens to us, even tragedies?

Response: There are three aspects to God’s will:

1. God’s prescriptive will—Do only good.

2. God’s permissive will—He permits evil.

3. God’s providential will—He brings good out of evil.

Note: Numbers 2 and 3 are always accomplished, but number 1 is not.

The Three-Fold Will of God IllustratedThe Three-Fold Will of God Illustrated1. God’s prescriptive will—Do only good. Gen. 26:2.--“Do not go down to Egypt

dwell in the land which I shall tell you.”2. God’s permissive will—He permits evil. Gen. 46:3.—“Do not fear to go down to

Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation.”3. God’s providential will—He brings good out

of evil. Hosea 11:1.—“Out of Egypt have I called my

son” (cf. Mt. 2:15).

1. God’s prescriptive will—Do only good. Gen. 26:2.--“Do not go down to Egypt

dwell in the land which I shall tell you.”2. God’s permissive will—He permits evil. Gen. 46:3.—“Do not fear to go down to

Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation.”3. God’s providential will—He brings good out

of evil. Hosea 11:1.—“Out of Egypt have I called my

son” (cf. Mt. 2:15).

god’s providence: his care for his creation copyright by norman l. geisler 2008

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