Discovering Our Roots, Establishing Our Legacy
A Study Guide for Learning Scripture and Christian Beliefs
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Lesson or Week 7
The Proposition
Question 7: What are the decrees of God, and how does God fulfill his decrees?
Decrees of God are declarations or pronouncements that God has made in working out his plans. The decrees of God, directed by his eternal purpose and consistent with his character and sovereignty as creator and sustainer of all things, set in motion whatever comes to pass (Romans 8:28–30; Ephesians 1:4, 11; Hebrews 13:20).
God fulfills his decrees through creation and providence (Genesis 1:1, 27–28; 8:22; Exodus 19:5–6; Psalm 68:19–20; Colossians 1:16–20; Revelation 4:11; 5:13).
The work of creation entails God's initiating or making all things from nothing (Genesis 1:1), by the power of his Word (Hebrews 11:3), in six consecutive days (Exodus 20:11), and deeming that everything was very good (Genesis 1:31).
God's works of providence are his most holy (Psalm 145:17), wise (Isaiah 28:29), and powerful (Hebrews 1:3), preserving and governing over all his creatures and all their actions (Psalm 103:19, Matthew 10:29).
Some of the specific decrees that could be cited in Scripture are the following:
• the stability of the universe (Psalm 119:89–91)
• the free acts of human beings (Ephesians 2:10)
• the circumstances of nations and appointments of leaders (Daniel 2:21; Acts 17:26)
• the length of human life (Job 14:5)
• the way one may die (John 21:19)
• the adopting of believers into God’s family and conforming those believers into the image of his Son (Ephesians 1:3–10)
• the establishment of Christ’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:23)
The apostle Paul describes the deep things of God this way: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (Romans 8:28–30).
Almost seven hundred years before the apostle Paul, the prophet Daniel described the decrees of God this way: “He [the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob] changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells in him” (Daniel 2:21–22).
The Praxis
Additional Reflection: (Pick an application question or two to ponder.) Do I ever act as if God is not in control? Does my family ever worry about things that are really within the realm of God’s providence? What aspect of providence do I least understand? Does my knowledge or lack of understanding in some way impact God’s actions?
One Take Away: Write one practical application of this truth that impacts your personal life.
One Verse: From your reading of Scripture, what one verse was most significant for you this week? Write out a paraphrase of the truth discovered.
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About the Book
This guide is designed to help believers gain a basic understanding of the truths of Scripture using a catechism format. It also asks some practical application questions to help adult learners develop their own worldview rooted in God’s Word. It can be used in individual adult study, as a family guide, or with a small group study.
About the Author
Dr. Patrick Blewett has degrees in biblical studies, church education, ministry, and education culminating with a doctor of ministry and a PhD in education. He has served in pastoral ministry for over fifteen years and has served in academic leadership for over fifteen years in Bible college and university settings. His passion is to help students develop biblical literacy and use it to form a worldview of beliefs that are Christian. In his personal journey, he discovered the power of catechisms as teaching tools. This project is the result of years of refining a practical study guide to help students and adults learn basic Scripture and Christian beliefs.
Pat and his wife, Jana, have been married for over thirty years and have three adult children. He is currently the dean at A.W. Tozer Seminary on the campus of Simpson University in Redding California.. He has served on a variety of regional, national, and international boards. He works closely with the Association for Biblical Higher Education and has taught at Grace University and Columbia International University; he has lectured and consulted at various seminaries and colleges around the world.