ETCF III.20 Providence

From Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul

(c) 1992 R. C. Sproul Published by Tyndale ISBN 0-8423-2006-1

Part III. The Works and Decress of God ~ 20 Providence.

Biblical passages for reflection
[Links to the ESV Bible]:

Job 38.1-41.34; Daniel 04.34-35; Acts 02.22-24; Romans 11.33-36;

Summary:

1. The concept of divine providence is not generally believed in our day.
   
2. Providence includes God's work of sustaining His creation.
   
3. Providence refers chiefly to God's government of creation.
4. In light of divine providence there are no impersonal forces such as fortune, fate or chance.
5. Providence includes concurrence by which God works his divine will through the wills of His creatures

Another Link to All the Audio(.wpl):
http://bit.ly/cODaLr


Personal(Michael.T.Bee) Reflections:

I love the example Sprould cites for concurrence:
Genesis 50.20

I love to his contrast of the impersonal with the personal:

"...the key to this difference is found in
the personal character of God.
Fortune is blind while God is all-seeing.
Fate is impersonal while God is a Father.
Luck is dumb while God can speak. There
are no blind, impersonal forces at work in
human history. All is brought to pass by
the invisible hand of Providence."

Last updated: 2010-03-07 08:54