Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature God's will refers to the divine purpose and plan that God has for His creation, encompassing both His sovereign will and His moral will. The sovereign will of God is His ultimate plan that is certain to come to pass, while His moral will is revealed through His commandments and desires for human conduct.
Biblical Foundation The concept of God's will is foundational in Scripture, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. In
Isaiah 46:10, God declares, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’" This verse highlights God's sovereign will, which is unchangeable and certain.
God's Sovereign Will God's sovereign will is His ultimate plan that governs the universe. It is hidden from human understanding until it unfolds in history.
Ephesians 1:11 states, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." This indicates that God's sovereign will is comprehensive, encompassing all events and outcomes.
God's Moral Will God's moral will is revealed through Scripture and is intended to guide human behavior. It includes His commandments and teachings, which reflect His holy and righteous character. In
1 Thessalonians 4:3, Paul writes, "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: You should avoid sexual immorality." Here, God's moral will is expressed as a call to holiness and purity.
Human Response to God's Will Believers are called to seek and align themselves with God's will.
Romans 12:2 instructs, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This verse emphasizes the importance of spiritual transformation in discerning and following God's will.
Prayer and God's Will Prayer is a means by which believers seek to understand and submit to God's will. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (
Matthew 6:10). This prayer reflects a desire for God's sovereign and moral will to be realized in the world.
God's Will in Suffering and Trials Scripture acknowledges that God's will may include suffering and trials for the purpose of spiritual growth and refinement.
1 Peter 4:19 encourages believers, "So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." This passage highlights the call to trust in God's faithfulness amidst difficulties.
The Mystery of God's Will While God's will is revealed in part through Scripture, it remains a mystery in its entirety.
Deuteronomy 29:29 states, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law." This verse acknowledges the limits of human understanding regarding God's sovereign purposes.
Conclusion The will of God is a central theme in the Bible, encompassing His sovereign plan and moral directives. Believers are called to seek, discern, and align themselves with God's will through prayer, obedience, and trust in His divine wisdom and goodness.