Some Distinctions to explain and confirm the Doctrine of Providence
Some Distinctions to explain and confirm the Doctrine of Providence
1A First, Providence may be considered as "immediate" and "mediate.
1B Immediate Providence, is what is exercised by God Himself, without the use of any means, instrument, or second causes:
- Hebrews 1:3; Acts 17:24; Genesis 2:5-6, Daniel 3:16-17
- 2 Chron. 14:11; 24:24 1 Samuel 14:6; Psalms 33;16-17, Hosea 4:10; Hosea 2:21-22; Isaiah 38:21; Acts 27:31; Psalms 115:1-3
2A Secondly, Providence may be considered both as ordinary and extraordinary
1B Ordinary providence is what is exercised in the common course of means, and by the chain of second causes, and according to the original law of nature impressed on beings from the beginning. Psalms 148:8
2B Extraordinary Providence is that in which God goes out of His common way, and which consists of miraculous operations.
I Kings 17:6, 12-16; 19:5-8.
3A Thirdly, Providence may be considered as universal and singular; or as general or particular
1B Universal or General, as concerned with every individual, and especially with rational creatures and their actions.
2B Singular or particular: as concerned with every individual
Isaiah 40:26; Psalms 50:10-11; Matthew 10:29; Psalms 33:13-15
4A Fourthly: Providence may be considered both common and special:
1B Common is that which belongs to the world, and all the creatures in it, and is exercised in the common and ordinary way.
Psalms 145:9
2B Special: Is what concerns the church of God in all ages.
1 Timothy 4:10
5A Providence may be considered as Real and Moral:
1B Real is what concerns things, and the essence of them, by which they are sustained and preserved.
1B Moral or what is commonly called "God's moral government of the world.
THE AUTHOR OF PROVIDENCE, THE EFFICIENT CAUSE OF IT:
The instruments made use of by Him in the administration of it.
Job 34;13; Romans 11:36 All things directed, ordered to His glory. Ephesians 1:11; Matthew 11:25-27
Christ, the Son of God, is equally concerned with His divine father in the work of providence.
John 5:17.19; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:2-3; Psalms 104:30; Isaiah 40:13:14.
Sustained, Upheld, Preserved, Supplied and Guided by....
1A Angels, good and bad: Psalms 103:19-20; Zech 6:5; Hebrews 1:14; I Kings 22:21-34
2A Kings, Princes, and civil magistrates, good or bad: Romans 13:1, 4; Psalms 82:6. Isaiah 10:5-7; Revelation 17:17;
3A Ministers of the word, head of families, are, in their respective stations, instruments in the execution of the affairs of providence.
4A Even irrational creatures. Ezek. 14:21; Lev. 26:22; 2 Kings 2:24; 17:25, Joel 2:11
5A Inanimate creatures: Job 38:22,23, Psalms 148:8.
NOW, whatever good or evil comes to the children of men, by any and all of these instruments, are not to be attributed to them, but to the God of providence, who makes use of them to bring about His designs. I Chro. 29:12; Job 1:21.
