The concept of the "Counsel of God" refers to the divine wisdom, purpose, and plans that God has ordained from eternity. It encompasses His sovereign will and the unfolding of His divine plan throughout history. The counsel of God is a central theme in Scripture, highlighting His omniscience, omnipotence, and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently speaks of God's counsel as being perfect, unchangeable, and wise. 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 underscores the certainty and immutability of God's counsel, affirming that His purposes will inevitably come to pass.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of the "counsel of His will" in Ephesians 1:11, stating, "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 passage highlights the divine orchestration of events and the predestined nature of God's plan for His people.

Attributes of God's Counsel

1. Eternal and Immutable: God's counsel is eternal, having been established before the foundation of the world. It is immutable, meaning it does not change over time. Psalm 33:11 states, "The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations."

2. Wise and Perfect: The wisdom of God's counsel is beyond human comprehension. Romans 11:33 exclaims, "O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!"

3. Sovereign and All-Encompassing: God's counsel encompasses all things, from the grand narrative of redemption to the minutiae of daily life. Proverbs 19:21 affirms, "Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail."

Human Response to God's Counsel

Believers are called to trust in the counsel of God, recognizing His sovereignty and wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This trust is rooted in the assurance that God's plans are for the ultimate good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Furthermore, Scripture exhorts believers to seek God's counsel in prayer and through His Word. James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

The Counsel of God in Redemptive History

The counsel of God is most profoundly revealed in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:23 speaks of Jesus being "delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge," indicating that the crucifixion and resurrection were central to God's eternal counsel. This divine plan, hidden for ages, was revealed in Christ for the salvation of humanity.

Throughout Scripture, the unfolding of God's counsel is evident in His covenants, promises, and the prophetic word. The fulfillment of prophecy and the establishment of the New Covenant in Christ are testimonies to the faithfulness and reliability of God's counsel.

Conclusion

The counsel of God is a profound and comforting doctrine, assuring believers of His sovereign control and perfect wisdom. It calls for a response of trust, obedience, and worship, as God's purposes are worked out in the world and in the lives of His people.