God is in Control
It has often been said, “God is in control.” This is often followed by the phrase, ” He will make things right.” or something to that effect. The well meaning intention is that God will help your life to always come up roses. Okay, so what does that mean? Let’s see if I can explain with a short analogy.
God is in control of and the direct cause of this blog post. Insomuch that he has called mankind to come into existence and therefore, I exist and am writing this blog post.
However, God is not the author of this blog post. Nor am I inspired by Him to write it. If that were so, I’m sure it would be far better than it is. Further, if God were the author of this blog post, then I suggest that you immediately print it out and tape it into the back of your Bible.
Unfortunately, I am the author of this blog post and therefore I am responsible for its content. I will have to face and contend with any repercussions for statements I make here. While on the other hand, any accolades received as a result of the comments or statements in this blog are not a praise of my ability as I am merely standing on the shoulders of others before me whom , like myself, can do nothing apart from Christ.
A thorough understanding of one’s own depravity is utterly essential for a thorough understanding of one’s own need for repentance and utter reliance upon the mercy of God, the grace of Christ, and the guidance of the Spirit.
What I’m trying to say is God, with his eternal decree, is the (First) cause of all things that come to pass (sin included). The actions of man are a means (or a second cause) by which he effects his eternal decree. Although it may be said that God is the cause of evil we are the authors of it and ultimately responsible for it. (James 1:13, 17 1 John 1:5)
God, being omnipotent, can and does order our steps in such a way as to demonstrate with, upon, and before us his glory. He does not receive glory from that which we do. (Proverbs 16:33) For what glory can be received, since the fall, as scripture tells us in Genesis 6:5
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
– Are we any different today?
Neither does God sit back and simply permit sin to happen. John Calvin wrote this:
“From all that has been said, we can at once gather how vain and fluctuating is that flimsy defense of the Divine justice which desires to make it appear that the evil things that are done, are so done, not by the will of god, but by His permission only. As far, indeed, as those evil things which men perpetrate with an evil mind are, in themselves evil, I willingly confess (as I will immediately more fully explain) that they by no means please God. But for men to represent God as sitting unconcerned, and merely permitting those things to be done which the Scripture plainly declares to be done not only by His will, but by His authority, is a mere way of escape from the truth, utterly frivolous and vain.” (The Secret Providence of God), Sovereign Grace Union, 1927, p. 244)
Our struggles, pain, strife’s, and sufferings, as well as our triumphs, achievements, and success may be as a result of our sin or the sin of others or even of God’s providence in working out his eternal plan. To this we are left with only one proper response; faith.
The evangelist must always be aware of the omnipotent omniscient omnipresent and immutable nature of God so as not to unintentionally mislead others.