DIVINE PROVIDENCE



"In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will."  
-EPHESIANS 1:11 [KJV]

The eternal will of God is the rule of His conduct in providence, according to which He proceeds. His wisdom- which fixed His will and therefore is said to be the counsel of His will- presides, guides, and directs in the execution of it. The execution of His will is called His working. Therefore, providence is to be reckoned as His work. The wise man says there is "a time to every purpose under the heaven" [ECCLESIASTES 3:1]. Whatever is done under the heaven in time, there was a purpose for it in eternity; and for the execution of that purpose a time was fixed; and at that time it is brought about by the providence of God Who "made every thing beautiful in His time," [ECCLESIASTES 3:11], that is, in the time and season in which He appointed it to be done. Purpose and providence exactly tally and answer to each other. The one is the fulfilment of the other. "The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand" [ISAIAH 14:24].


-Gospel report by preacher John Gill

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