16. Providence - 22 February 2012 |
|
 |
 |
Introduction
Having concluded our study of the doctrine of sin and its effects, we turn now in session 16 of the Emmanuel Guided Reading Course to the doctrine of providence. We’ve already encountered this doctrine in passing, as we’ve reflected on the relationship between human sin and divine sovereignty. Now we consider it in more detail.
We’ll be looking at Louis Berkhof’s Systematic Theology, pp. 165-178 and Calvin’s Institutes, I.xvi-xviii (1:197-237). This is slightly more material than we’d usually try to cover, but you’ll be able to move quite quickly through the early sections of Calvin, as much of the material will have been covered in Berkhof. As ever, if you’re short of time, omit the questions marked with a *.
A word of caution from Calvin before we begin: “We must so cherish moderation that we do not try to make God render account to us, but so reverence his secret judgments as to consider his will the truly just cause of all things” (Institutes, I.xvii.1).
Questions for reflection
i. Are you comfortable with the thought that God is sovereign over everything in creation?
ii. Why might God deliberately conceal from us the reasons for some of the things he does?
iii. How would you feel if you discovered today that according to the Bible God is not in sovereign control of everything in creation?
Study questions on Berkhof, Systematic Theology, pp. 165-178
Section A discusses providence in general, in preparation for sections B to D (covering each of the “three elements in providence” and section E (covering miracles).
1. How does Berkhof define providence (p. 166)? Can you explain what is meant by each of the “three elements in providence” (p. 166)? Why might these distinctions be useful?
2. “While we distinguish three elements in providence, we should remember that these are never separated in the work of God” (p. 167). What does this mean?
3. What theological arguments (as distinct from arguments drawn from explicit biblical texts) could be used to oppose the three misconceptions Berkhof describes on pp. 167-168?
- prescience (i.e. foreknowledge) or prescience plus foreordination;
- the deistic view;
- the pantheistic view.
Section B discusses preservation, the first element in providence.
4. How is the doctrine of preservation related to the doctrines of God and creation (p. 170)?
5. How does Berkhof describe the doctrine of “continuous creation” (p. 171)? What, in his view, is wrong with this position? Can you think of any other problems with it?
Section C discusses concurrence, the second element in providence.
6. What is wrong with illustrating the concurrence of divine and secondary causes as “a team of horses pulling together” (p. 172)?
7. How does Berkhof reply to the claim that his view of divine concurrence “makes God the responsible author of sin” (p. 174; cf. also p. 175)? Is his defence adequate?
Section D discusses government, the third element in providence.
8. What perspective upon providence does divine government emphasise? (p. 175)
Section E discusses miracles.
9. How might the “distinction … between providentia ordinaria and providentia extraordinaria [ordinary providence and extraordinary providence]” (p. 176) be useful in conversation with an atheist who believes miracles are impossible?
Study questions on Calvin, Institutes, I.xvi-xviii
I suggest that you move quite quickly through chapter xvi, since much of this material is covered well in Berkhof.
*10. As you read through I.xvi, where in particular do you find themes which are echoed in Berkhof?
Chapter xvii is predominantly pastoral in character, being concerned with how we may apply the doctrine of divine providence to our greatest benefit. Accordingly, the intention of question 11 in particular is to encourage you to reflect in the pastoral implications of God’s providence.
11. What pastoral implications follow from the following observations? Can you think of practical situations in which these lessons might be particularly important?
- “However hidden and fugitive from our point of view the causes may be, we must hold that they are surely laid up with him” (I.xvii.1).
- “We must so cherish moderation that we do not try to make God render account to us” (I.xvii.1).
- “He who has set the limits to our life has at the same time entrusted to us its care; he has provided means and helps to preserve it” (I.xvii.4).
- “Then the heart will not doubt that God’s singular providence keeps watch to preserve it, and will not suffer anything to happen but what may turn out to its good and salvation” (I.xvii.6).
12. How does Calvin address the issue of God’s “repentance” (I.xvi.12-14)?
Chapter xviii addresses the vexed issue of God’s sovereignty over sinful actions. Here Calvin explains how God remains holy even when sovereignly upholding the sinful actions of the wicked.
13. Why, according to Calvin, do some adopt a “distinction … between doing and permitting”? What does Calvin think of this distinction? What biblical data does he cite to support his view (I.xviii.1)?
14. How does Calvin believe God’s will is related to human actions (I.xviii.2)?
15. “But even though [God’s] will is one and simple in him, it appears manifold to us” (I.xviii.3). Why does Calvin feel it necessary to make this clarification? What does he mean by it?
*16. What point does Augustine make in the lengthy quote with which Calvin believes “all godly and modest folk agree” (I.xviii.3)?
*17. What point is proved by the example of “the choice of king Jeroboam” (I.xviii.4)?
*18. What advice does Calvin have for “those for whom this seems harsh” (I.xviii.4)? Do you agree?
| Tweet | Post comment via Facebook |
Posted by Steve Jeffery · Topics: Guided Reading Course, Guided Reading Course, Class of 2011, Minister's Blog