Understanding God's will is a profound and deeply enriching endeavor that has fascinated theologians, scholars, and believers for centuries. The Bible offers a multifaceted view of God's will, which can be broadly categorized into His sovereign will, His moral will, and His permissive will. Each of these aspects provides a unique lens through which we can comprehend the divine purpose and intention.
Sovereign Will
God's sovereign will refers to His ultimate control and authority over all creation. This aspect of His will is immutable and cannot be thwarted by human actions or decisions. The Bible is replete with passages that affirm God's sovereignty. For instance, in Isaiah 46:9-10, God declares, "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'" This verse underscores the absolute certainty and unchangeability of God's sovereign will.
The New Testament also speaks to this aspect of God's will. Ephesians 1:11 states, "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." Here, Paul emphasizes that everything unfolds according to God's sovereign plan, which He orchestrates with perfect wisdom and foresight.
Moral Will
While God's sovereign will pertains to His overarching plan for the universe, His moral will relates to the ethical and righteous standards He has set for humanity. This aspect of God's will is revealed through His commandments and teachings, which are intended to guide us in living lives that reflect His holiness and love. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the teachings of Jesus, particularly the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), provide clear directives on how we should conduct ourselves in alignment with God's moral will.
In Micah 6:8, the prophet succinctly captures the essence of God's moral will: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse highlights the core principles of justice, kindness, and humility that are central to God's moral expectations.
The New Testament reinforces these principles. In Romans 12:2, Paul urges believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." This transformation involves aligning our thoughts and actions with God's moral will, which is inherently good and perfect.
Permissive Will
God's permissive will refers to the allowance of human free will and the resulting actions, even when they deviate from His moral will. This aspect of God's will acknowledges the reality of human freedom and the consequences of our choices. While God is sovereign and His ultimate plan cannot be thwarted, He permits human beings to exercise their free will, which can lead to sin and suffering.
The story of Joseph in the Old Testament provides a poignant illustration of God's permissive will. Joseph's brothers, driven by jealousy, sold him into slavery, an act that was clearly against God's moral will. However, God allowed this to happen and ultimately used it for a greater purpose. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." This verse demonstrates how God's permissive will operates within the framework of His sovereign will, bringing about His ultimate purposes even through human wrongdoing.
The Intersection of God's Will and Human Responsibility
One of the most profound aspects of understanding God's will is recognizing the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God is sovereign and His plans are unchangeable, He has endowed humans with the capacity to make choices. This dynamic is beautifully illustrated in Philippians 2:12-13, where Paul writes, "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
This passage reveals that while we are called to actively pursue our salvation and live according to God's moral will, it is ultimately God who empowers and guides us in this endeavor. The tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is not a contradiction but a profound mystery that invites us to trust in God's wisdom and goodness.
Discerning God's Will
Discerning God's will is a vital aspect of the Christian life. It involves seeking to understand and align ourselves with God's purposes for us. The Bible provides several principles to aid in this discernment process.
Firstly, prayer is essential. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek God's wisdom: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Through prayer, we can seek God's guidance and clarity regarding His will for our lives.
Secondly, the study of Scripture is crucial. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The Bible is God's revealed word, providing us with the principles and truths necessary to discern His will. Regular engagement with Scripture helps us to understand God's character, His promises, and His commandments, equipping us to make decisions that align with His will.
Thirdly, the counsel of mature and godly believers can provide valuable insights. Proverbs 15:22 states, "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed." Seeking the wisdom and perspective of those who are spiritually mature can help us navigate complex decisions and discern God's will more clearly.
Finally, a willingness to submit to God's leading is essential. Jesus exemplified this attitude in His prayer at Gethsemane: "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). This posture of surrender and trust in God's wisdom and goodness is crucial in discerning and following His will.
Conclusion
The Bible presents a rich and nuanced understanding of God's will, encompassing His sovereign, moral, and permissive aspects. Each of these dimensions provides valuable insights into the nature of God's purpose and guidance for humanity. As believers, we are called to seek, understand, and align ourselves with God's will through prayer, Scripture, godly counsel, and a posture of humble submission. In doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's plans for our lives and participate in His redemptive work in the world.
