What are God's works of providence? (Part 3)

In the previous two posts (here and here), we started examining Question 14 from the Baptist Catechism. The question asks, "What are God's works of providence?"

"What are God's works of providence?" The Baptist Catechism, Question 14

Before diving into the third and final address on the answer, it might be good to take a step back and consider where we have come from and where we are going. The Baptist Catechism begins with three questions on God, also known as theology proper. Of course, God is the beginning of everything, so it certainly makes sense to begin with the creator. The first question asks, "Who is the first and chiefest being?" A wonderful question that every human being should ask themselves.

After establishing that God is the first and chiefest being, the Catechism moves on to the next understandable question, "Ought everyone to believe there is a God?" If such a "first and chiefest being" exists, it makes sense that everyone should believe in Him. Of course, the Baptist Catechism answers in the affirmative.

The third question functions as a bridge between the first two and, practically speaking, the rest of the questions. "How may we know there is a God?" In other words, if such a first and chiefest of beings exists, and if everyone ought to believe in Him, how do we know that such a being that ought to be considered in existence?

Two branches of thought spring off in this answer: the works of nature (general revelation accessible to all) and the Word of God. The next few questions center on God, Who He is, what He has done, and is doing, which brings us back to question 14. We are answering the question, "What are God's works of providence?" This question is really a subset of question 11, "How doth God execute His decrees?" The first part of that answer is in the works of creation. The second part is through God's works of providence.

"God's works of providence are His...governing all His creatures, and all their actions."

There is much to unpack here. To begin with, let us once again note that God is completely in control of His universe, including all His creatures and their actions. Nothing happens outside of the power and knowledge of God.

We are fine when applying that truth to the good times and in general situations. When we get a promotion, God is in control. When we visit the dentist and have zero cavities, God is in control. When we hit all green lights on our way home from school, God is in control.

But what about when the bad times come? We get a detrimental report from the doctor, and we instantly question whether God is in control or whether He loves us. When the dentist discovers cavities, we ask God, "WHY?" When we hit every blessed red light on our trek home, we think God is out to get us.

Or, to put it a little differently, what about when people do bad things? We tend to dismiss this notion because we have a faulty view of free will (more could be said here, but we will save that for another time). For now, we will focus on God. God is governing all His creatures and their actions. The sins of people do not catch God off guard. He is not surprised at the actions of His creation. He "governs" them.

The word governing can be used in a variety of ways, but I think the intention of the crafters of the Catechism meant, "To direct and control the actions and affairs of (a country, city, people, etc.)" (Oxford English Dictionary). God is in complete and utter control of everything in His creation.

Jim Orrick, in his Commentary on the Baptist Catechism, offers a threefold answer to the

question, "How does [God] use sin without being the author of sin?" (79).

• "God permits sin."

• "He [God] limits and restrains sin."

• "He [God] overrules sins for His purposes."

The second point to note, and remember daily, is that all of the interactions we have with others are under the good and sovereign hand of our God. We tend to react sinfully, whereas we need to respond biblically. That is to say, we need to develop the Christ-like trust displayed in 1 Peter 2:21-25. We need to trust the Father, respond righteously and justly, of course, but leaving the results ultimately to the God who overrules them for His glory and our good.

As we close this third post addressing the 14th question of the Baptist Catechism, and as we bring an end to the year 2025, let these thoughts, these biblically-based, Christ-focused thoughts, draw your hearts into deeper worship. Let them strengthen your faith, so that, whatever challenges the Lord brings into your life in 2026, you will, like our Wonderful Lord, entrust yourself to the Father "who judges righteously" (1 Peter 2:23, NASB).