The Eternal Decrees: God's Sovereign Plan for Creation
Summary
In our exploration of the doctrine of God, we have reached a pivotal point: the works of God, specifically the doctrine of the Eternal Decrees. This doctrine is foundational, as it precedes the creation of the world and humanity. It is essential to understand that before God created anything, He had already determined, willed, and decreed certain things in His eternal counsel. This understanding is crucial because it reveals the character and manner of God's activities, which are consistent and governed by divine principles.
The doctrine of the Eternal Decrees is challenging, yet it is scriptural and must be faced. It is akin to the doctrine of the Trinity, which, despite its complexity, is a vital part of our faith. The decrees of God are not arbitrary; they are rooted in His omniscience and omnipotence. They encompass all events, including the free actions of individuals, and even the sinful actions of men, which God permits and overrules for His holy purposes.
As we delve into this doctrine, we must approach it with humility, reverence, and faith, acknowledging our finite understanding. We must be willing to accept the biblical limits and not seek answers beyond what is revealed. The decrees of God are unconditional, sovereign, and efficacious, meaning they are not dependent on human actions and are certain to be fulfilled. They are consistent with God's wise, benevolent, and holy nature.
The doctrine of the Eternal Decrees also assures us of our salvation, which was determined by God before the foundation of the world. This provides immense comfort and security, knowing that our salvation is part of God's eternal plan and cannot be thwarted. As we reflect on these truths, let us humble ourselves before God's majesty, submit to His revelation, and find solace in His sovereign grace.
Key Takeaways:
- The doctrine of the Eternal Decrees reveals that God has an unchangeable plan for all creation, determined before the foundation of the world. This plan is not haphazard but is rooted in God's omniscience and omnipotence, ensuring that all events, including the free actions of individuals, align with His divine purpose. [05:12]
- Understanding the Eternal Decrees requires humility and faith, as it involves accepting the limits of our finite understanding. We must approach this doctrine with reverence, acknowledging that some aspects are beyond our comprehension, yet trusting in the wisdom and goodness of God's plan. [13:59]
- The decrees of God are unconditional and sovereign, meaning they are not influenced by human actions or decisions. This underscores the absolute nature of God's will and purpose, which are fulfilled according to His good pleasure and not contingent upon anything outside of Himself. [30:30]
- God's decrees are consistent with His holy nature, ensuring that even the occurrence of sin is permitted and overruled for His ultimate purposes. While we may not fully understand why God permits sin, we can trust that His actions are always consistent with His character and will ultimately reveal His glory. [39:42]
- The assurance of our salvation is rooted in the Eternal Decrees, providing comfort and security. Knowing that our salvation was determined by God before the world began gives us confidence in His sovereign grace and the certainty that nothing can separate us from His love. [45:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to the Doctrine of God
- [01:02] - The Works of God
- [02:08] - What Comes Next?
- [03:43] - The Doctrine of Creation
- [04:33] - Principles of God's Works
- [06:04] - The Eternal Decrees of God
- [08:42] - Importance of Studying the Decrees
- [10:17] - The Glory of God in His Decrees
- [12:22] - Approaching the Doctrine
- [16:17] - The Necessity of the Decrees
- [18:00] - God's Unchangeable Plan
- [20:09] - God's Plan and Human Actions
- [25:20] - Sinful Actions and God's Decrees
- [30:09] - Unconditional and Sovereign Decrees
- [37:14] - Efficacy and Consistency of God's Decrees
- [40:32] - Salvation and the Eternal Decrees
- [45:23] - Assurance and Comfort in God's Plan
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Doctrine of the Eternal Decrees
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 1:11 - "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."
2. Romans 9:11 - "For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth."
3. Acts 2:23 - "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 1:11 reveal about God's role in the events of the world? How does this align with the sermon’s explanation of God's unchangeable plan? [18:00]
2. In Romans 9:11, what is the significance of God's purpose according to election, and how does it relate to the idea of God's decrees being unconditional? [35:31]
3. How does Acts 2:23 illustrate the relationship between human actions and God's eternal decrees, particularly in the context of Jesus' crucifixion? [25:37]
4. According to the sermon, why is it important to approach the doctrine of the Eternal Decrees with humility and faith? [13:59]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of God's eternal decrees challenge or affirm one's understanding of free will, as discussed in the sermon? [21:33]
2. What comfort can believers find in knowing that their salvation is part of God's eternal plan, as mentioned in the sermon? [45:23]
3. How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to the complexity and mystery of the doctrine of the Eternal Decrees? [14:13]
4. In what ways does the sermon propose that understanding God's decrees can enhance one's worship and view of God's glory? [10:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with understanding God's plan in your life. How can the doctrine of the Eternal Decrees provide comfort in such situations? [11:50]
2. The sermon emphasizes approaching God's decrees with humility. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a humble attitude when studying difficult theological concepts? [13:59]
3. How can the assurance of salvation, as part of God's eternal plan, influence your daily life and interactions with others? [45:23]
4. Consider the idea that even sinful actions are permitted and overruled by God for His purposes. How does this perspective affect your view of personal responsibility and repentance? [27:39]
5. The sermon suggests that understanding God's decrees can lead to a greater appreciation of His glory. What specific actions can you take to deepen your worship and awe of God this week? [10:32]
6. How can you apply the principle of trusting in God's wisdom and goodness, even when His plans are beyond your understanding? [14:13]
7. Identify a situation in your life where you need to trust in God's sovereign plan. What steps can you take to surrender control and find peace in His eternal decrees? [45:23]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Unchangeable Plan for Creation
Before the foundation of the world, God established an unchangeable plan for all creation. This plan is not random or arbitrary but is deeply rooted in God's omniscience and omnipotence. Every event, including the free actions of individuals, aligns with His divine purpose. This understanding of God's eternal decrees reveals His character as consistent and governed by divine principles. It assures us that nothing happens outside of God's sovereign will, and everything is part of His grand design. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of the depth of God's wisdom and the assurance that His plans are always for the ultimate good. [05:12]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"
Reflection: Consider a situation in your life that seems chaotic or uncertain. How can you trust in God's unchangeable plan and find peace in His sovereignty today?
Day 2: Humility and Faith in God's Decrees
Understanding the doctrine of the Eternal Decrees requires us to approach it with humility and faith. It involves accepting the limits of our finite understanding and acknowledging that some aspects of God's plan are beyond our comprehension. We are called to trust in the wisdom and goodness of God's plan, even when we cannot fully grasp it. This humility allows us to submit to God's revelation and find solace in His sovereign grace. As we delve into this doctrine, we are reminded of the importance of faith in navigating the mysteries of God's will. [13:59]
Job 11:7-9 (ESV): "Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea."
Reflection: Think of a time when you struggled to understand God's plan. How can you practice humility and faith in God's wisdom and goodness in your current circumstances?
Day 3: The Sovereignty of God's Decrees
The decrees of God are unconditional and sovereign, meaning they are not influenced by human actions or decisions. This underscores the absolute nature of God's will and purpose, which are fulfilled according to His good pleasure and not contingent upon anything outside of Himself. God's sovereignty assures us that His plans are certain to be fulfilled, and nothing can thwart His purposes. This understanding invites us to rest in the knowledge that God's will is perfect and His plans are always for our ultimate good. [30:30]
Daniel 4:35 (ESV): "All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?’"
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to relinquish control. How can you surrender this area to God's sovereign will and trust in His perfect plan?
Day 4: God's Holy Nature and the Presence of Sin
God's decrees are consistent with His holy nature, ensuring that even the occurrence of sin is permitted and overruled for His ultimate purposes. While we may not fully understand why God permits sin, we can trust that His actions are always consistent with His character and will ultimately reveal His glory. This understanding challenges us to trust in God's holiness and His ability to bring good out of even the most difficult circumstances. It reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. [39:42]
Habakkuk 1:13 (ESV): "You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he?"
Reflection: Consider a situation where you have witnessed or experienced sin. How can you trust in God's holy nature and His ability to bring good out of this situation?
Day 5: Assurance of Salvation in God's Eternal Plan
The assurance of our salvation is rooted in the Eternal Decrees, providing comfort and security. Knowing that our salvation was determined by God before the world began gives us confidence in His sovereign grace and the certainty that nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance invites us to rest in the knowledge that our salvation is secure in God's eternal plan and cannot be thwarted by any external force. As we reflect on this truth, we are reminded of the depth of God's love and the certainty of His promises. [45:23]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does the assurance of your salvation in God's eternal plan impact your daily life and relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in His sovereign grace?
Quotes
God has from eternity had an unchangeable plan with reference to his creatures may I repeat that God has from eternity had an unchangeable plan with reference to all his creatures the Bible is constantly using a phrase like this before the foundation of the world God had determined certain things. [00:17:50]
The plan of God comprehends and determines all things and events of every kind that come to pass. Let me explain a little what I mean by that if you agree that God has determined certain ends what the then I think you'll have to agree that he must determine everything that leads to those ends. [00:19:55]
The doctrine of the Eternal decree of God says that all events are ultimately determined and decreed by God. Now this of necessity must include the free actions of free agents if everything is determined by God it must include I say the free actions the voluntary actions of free and voluntary agents. [00:21:03]
Even the sinful actions of men are in the hands of God, even the sinful actions. Listen to the evidence listen to Peter preaching on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem I'm going to read you the 23rd verse in the second chapter of the book of The Acts of the Apostles acts 2:23 him being delivered by the determinate counsel and F knowledge of God ye have taken and by Wicked hands have crucified and slain. [00:25:20]
All the decrees of God are unconditional and Sovereign. What I mean by that is this that the decrees of God are not dependent in any sense on the actions of men they are not determined by anything that men may do or may not do God's decrees are not even determined in the light of what he knows men are going to do. [00:30:09]
The decrees of God are in all things perfectly consistent with his own most wise, benevolent, and holy nature. I think I needn't argue that I simply repeat it the decrees of God are in all things perfectly consistent with his own most wise, benevolent, and holy nature in other words there is no contradiction in God. [00:37:14]
The salvation of men and of certain men in particular was determined by God before the foundation of the world. He does this entirely of his own good will and his grace. I would again refer you to Matthew 11:25 and 26 in John 6:37 you have all that the father giveth me shall come to me. [00:40:32]
If you are a child of God it is because God has determined it and what he has determined about you is certain and safe and sure that nothing and no one can ever take you out of his hands or make him his purpose forgo with respect to the doctrine of the Eternal decrees of God before the foundation of the world. [00:45:23]
Let us bow before his majesty let us humble ourselves in his holy presence let us submit ourselves to the Revelation that he has so graciously been pleased again let us pray Almighty and ever blessed God we confess that we feel small and insignificant in thy holy sight we realiz is that we realize that we have looked into things beyond our minds. [00:46:27]
We thank thee Oh God that thou has also told us that thou has numbered the very hairs of our head and we thank thee for the Blessed sense of safety and certainty and security that we feel as the result of it all oh God it passes our comprehension how thou couldst ever look upon us we thank thee for The Sovereign Grace that has brought us to where we are. [00:47:58]
The Grace by which we are what we are and together we would ascribe unto thee again all praise and honor and glory and might and majesty and dominion and Power in the Blessed name of our Lord and savior and May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God God and the fellowship and the communion of the Holy Spirit abide and continue with us now this night. [00:48:59]
Until we arrive in glory and see all things clearly and God face to face amen. [00:49:47]
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