The Decrees of God The decrees of God in general: Decree: an authoritative order having the force of law. To ordain, establish, or decide. Definitions from Louis Berkhof, Alexander Whyte, and Thomas Boston
His eternal purpose: Eph. 1:4-5, 9 (NAS renders the end of v.5 as “the kind intention of His will.”)
See also Isaiah Psalm 33:11 & Hebrews 6:17 – God's plan is eternal, unchangeable, & effectual.
Some aspects of God's eternal purpose are revealed to us, while others are not. See Eph. 1:9 and Rom. 11:33.
The Counsel of his will: Counsel refers to understanding and judgment. It is a careful contemplation of what someone means to do – how to do in the best way, the wisest way.
For His own glory: In Ephesians 1:12-14 Paul uses the phrase “to the praise of His glory” twice in the context of God's decree. This gives us the “why” of God's decrees. Foreordained: The Westminster divines take that word from the Greek word prognosis (προγνωσις), which is usually, translated “foreknowledge”. See 1 Peter 1:2 and Acts 2:23. Foreknowledge is not just ‘knowing' something is going to happen, but it is foreordination, something that was predetermined to happen.
The execution of God's decree: God executes His decrees in the works of creation and providence.
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
Rev. Ryce and Janine, his wife of 20 years, were born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and previously served in ministry at Tucson Reformed Church (2010-14) and Springs Reformed Church (2014-22), the Christian & Missionary Alliance (2007-09), and the Evangelical Presbyterian...
