The Decree of God

The Decree of God

Definition:

The Decree of God is His purpose or determination in regards to every and all events of history. This encompasses every event in the past, the present, and the future.

Meaning:

No matter what was done or will be done in "time" was foreordained before what we know as "time" had ever begun. The word is used in the singular form because there was only one act of God's infinite mind about all future things. God foreordained every act and/or event simultaneously.

Our minds cannot comprehend that. We think in succession. We think as things come to our conscious mind. God does not think from one step or stage to another. 

God was under no compulsion or control when he foreordained every and all events in history. He acted according to his own pleasure.

Keep in mind that although God is the orderer and controller of all things, he is not the originator of sin. God orders and controls sin for both his glory and for his purpose. God is not the author of sinful acts, he is however, the controller of the sinful acts in so far as everything works according to his eternal purpose.

Scripture Support:

Romans 8:28, 29

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."

Ephesians 3:11

"This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord..."

Acts 15:18

"Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world."

Ephesians 1:11

"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all tings according to the counsel of his will."

Conclusion:

God did not simply create man and then leave him on this earth with no uncontrolled guidance. God did not simply set into motion general laws that would direct the earth. God set all the circumstances in the lives of every individual. For example, God numbered our days exactly that each individual would live. God cares for the insignificant birds. The bible says that not even a sparrow dies that God isn't aware of. God has control, actively, or passively, by direct determination or divine permission of every event in all of history.

Application:

God is sovereign. God not only created everything but divinely controls and orders his creation. Do not resist him. Praise God and thank God for his wise and eternal decree. It is through this knowledge that the believer can have total confidence in God. The believer can have total peace in any and all situations knowing that God has decreed every event in their life. Nothing takes God by surprise. Nothing!