Lesson #7—God’s Eternal Purpose

Shorter Catechism Q & A # 7

Q. What are the decrees of God?

A. The decrees of God are, his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.

Memorize Q & A—Exposition

Decree: an enactment, a commandment. The angels of heaven—as well as the stars, sun, and moon—praise the Lord their Creator, who “hath also established them forever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass” [Ps. 148:1–6].

What does it mean?

The Decrees of God: That which God determines by the counsel of his own will. Discuss:

Ephesians 1:4, 11: Meaning of being chosen and predestinated.

Romans 9:22–23: Meaning of the vessels of wrath and glory.

Romans 11:22–23: How is God’s purpose revealed?

Acts 17:24–26: How is God’s providence revealed?

Define: Decree, Purpose, Counsel, Glory, and Foreordained.

What is our practice?

How should the decrees of God affect our daily living, i.e., sickness, uses of medicine, etc.?

How do the decrees of God encourage us in our faith and obedience?

How does the truth of God foreordaining whatever comes to pass give us comfort in affliction, etc.?

Quotes for thought and discussion:

“The Doctrine of Predestination represents the purpose of God as absolute and unconditional, independent of the whole finite creation, and as originating solely in the eternal counsel of His will. God is seen as the great and mighty King who has appointed the course of nature and who directs the course of history even down to its minutest details. His decree is eternal, unchangeable, holy, wise, and sovereign. It extends not merely to the course of the physical world but to every event in human history from the creation to the judgment, and includes all the activities of saints and angels in heaven and of reprobates and demons in hell. It embraces the whole scope of creaturely existence, through time and eternity, comprehending at once all things that ever were or will be their causes, conditions, successions, and relations.” (Loraine Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination)

“We believe that the same God, after He had created all things, did not forsake them, or give them up to fortune or chance, but that He rules and governs them according to His holy will, so that nothing happens in this world without His appointment; nevertheless, God neither is the author of, nor can be charged with, the sins which are committed. For His power and goodness are so great and incomprehensible, that He orders and executes His work in the most excellent and just manner, even then when devils and wicked men act unjustly.” (Belgic Confession, Art. 13, Divine Providence)

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