Of Providence, Sections 5-7 Session 19: WCF Chapter V Of Providence, Sections 5-7

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 Psalm 77:1,10,12

CHAPTER V - Of Providence 5. The most wise, righteous, and gracious God doth oftentimes leave, for a season, His own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled; and, to raise them to a more close and constant dependence for their support upon Himself, and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends.

Romans 1:24,26,28 Romans 11:7,8 Deuteronomy 29:4 Matthew 13:12 Psalm 81:11,12 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

Exodus 7:3 Exodus 8:15,32 2 Corinthians 2:15,16 Isaiah 8:14 1 Peter 2:7,8 Isaiah 6:9,10

CHAPTER V - Of Providence 6. As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as a righteous Judge, for former sins, doth blind and harden, from them He not only withholdeth His grace whereby they might have been enlightened in their understandings, and wrought upon in their hearts; but sometimes also withdraweth the gifts which they had, and exposeth them to such objects as their corruption make occasion of sin; and, withal, gives them over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan, whereby it comes to pass that they harden themselves, even under those means which God useth for the softening of others.

1 Timothy 4:10 Amos 9:8,9 Romans 8:28 Isaiah 43:3-5,14

CHAPTER V - Of Providence 7. As the providence of God doth, in general, reach to all creatures; so, after a most special manner, it taketh care of His Church, and disposeth all things to the good thereof.

God’s special, gracious dispensation of providence for His Church (“covenant special grace” – e.g., Romans 8:28) God’s moral government over a sinner’s heart to emulate a Christian life (“covenant common grace” – e.g., Romans 3:5-8) God’s moral government over the intelligent universe (“general common grace” – e.g., Matthew 5:45) God’s general providence over the material universe (“universal common grace” – e.g., Romans 1:20) Berkhof, Systematic Theology

Aspects of Common Grace Providential care in creation - God’s sustaining care for his creation: the giving of the seasons, of seedtime and harvest. Providential restraint of sin - Civil authorities have been “instituted by God” (Romans 13:1) to maintain order and punish wrongdoing. Though fallible instruments, civil governments are called "ministers of God" (Romans 13:6). In man's conscience – Fallen mankind retains a conscience indicating the differences between right and wrong. Providential blessings to mankind - Human achievements, such as medical and other technological advancements

Divine Grace Irresistible Grace Prevenient Grace

Chapter V Structure 1. God upholds and maintains all things for His glory. 2. God’s providence orders events using “second causes.” 3. God can work outside “second causes” and physical laws. 4. Though God orders everything, it is the creature that sins. 5.  God often leaves the Elect to temptation and corruption. 6.  God withholds His grace from the Nonelect; they harden. 7.  God shows special grace to His Church; all things work for good.

Personal Personal Focus Focus

How do you make the best of it when God leaves you to temptation and corruption?