Discover the intriguing distinctions between God's revealed and hidden will, shedding light on how they guide our lives. Learn about the differences between His decretive and preceptive will, highlighting how one is sovereign and the other can be resisted. The discussion encourages focusing on biblical commandments rather than the unknown, helping listeners navigate choices calmly. Dive into the importance of God's law as a foundation for obedience and guidance, making sense of faith's implications for everyday decisions.
Understanding the distinction between God's revealed will, comprising scriptural commandments, and His hidden will aids believers in navigating their lives.
Believers should focus on applying the principles of God's preceptive will from Scripture when making personal decisions, rather than seeking extraordinary signs.
Deep dives
Understanding God's Will: Revealed vs. Hidden
The distinction between God's revealed will and His hidden will is a crucial concept in understanding divine intention. God's revealed will encompasses the laws and commandments found in Scripture that guide believers in their daily lives. In contrast, the hidden will, often referred to as God's secret plans, pertains to aspects of divine purpose that remain unknown to humans. This concept echoes the teaching from Deuteronomy, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what has been revealed to us rather than speculating on the unknown.
The Decretive Will vs. The Preceptive Will
The will of God is often categorized into two types: the decretive will and the preceptive will. The decretive will refers to God's sovereign plan, which inevitably comes to pass, such as the creation of the world or Christ's sacrifice. In contrast, the preceptive will consists of God's commandments and moral laws, which individuals can choose to follow or resist. Understanding this distinction helps believers to better navigate their lives by aligning their decisions with God's preceptive will rather than seeking clarity on the hidden aspects of His decrees.
Practical Application of God's Will in Decision Making
To discern God's will in personal decisions, such as choosing a job or a life partner, believers are encouraged to dive into the preceptive will of God found in Scripture. This involves examining biblical principles and understanding one's own gifts and circumstances to make informed choices. The emphasis is on applying God's laws to everyday situations rather than seeking extraordinary signs or insights regarding the future. Ultimately, believers are reminded that as long as their choices comply with the revealed will of God, they possess the freedom to act according to their desires and reason.
Is it possible to know God’s will for your life? Today, R.C. Sproul helps us understand the important distinction between the revealed will and hidden will of God.
Receive R.C. Sproul’s book Everyone’s a Theologian, his 60-message teaching series Foundations: An Overview of Systematic Theology as a special-edition DVD collection, and lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide, all for your donation of any amount:
https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3887/donate Meet Today’s Teacher: R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children.
Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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