Notes compiled by Marty Zide and Steve McAtee
The most important aspect of the Divine decree is, that it brings all things that come to pass in space and time into a plan. This plan has several characteristics. Knowing and understanding God’s plan will help us in countless ways.
The Divine decree is founded in wisdom
Because God exercised His infinite wisdom in forming His decree, we can be sure that He came up with the best plan possible. He never has to revise it, nor will He ever wish that He did things differently.
Rom. 11:33-36 - Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to Him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things To Him be the glory forever. Amen.
The Divine decree was formed in eternity but is manifested in time
The formation of the decree takes us back in time when in eternity past the Triune God came up with His eternal plan for His universe and all that is in it.
Eph. 1:4 - just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love.
II Thes. 2:13 - But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
Rev. 13:8 - All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.
Acts 15:18 - Known to God from eternity are all His works.
The Divine decree is immutable
Since God is immutable (He does not change), we would expect that His plans would also be unchanging. Also, because there is no defect in God, there would be no need for any adjustments to be made in anything He has ordained.
Heb. 6:17 - In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath.
Ps. 33:11 - The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.
God’s decree is certain
All that God has decreed is certain to come to pass. Even though Satan and all of God’s enemies mount attacks against Him, His decrees will prevail.
Pro. 19:21 - Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.
Isa. 46:10 - Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure.
Job 42:2 - I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
Ps. 2:1-7 - Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us! He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger And terrify them in His fury, saying, But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain. I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.
As we can see, God's decree is wisely planned out and it is certain that every aspect of it will be completely fulfilled in His perfect time and for His glory. Though man and Satan will attempt to thwart it, it stands as firm as God Himself.
Coming Next – All Of Our Circumstances Have The Hand Of God In Them
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