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NASB | Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD. |
Subject: pleasestate your undestandingof verse |
Bible Note: Dear Keily, I sincerely hope that no believer here is thinking in terms of fate or determinism. The word "fate" comes from ancient paganism. "Determinism" has more modern roots, but is equally Godless. Predestination in a Calvinistic sense or the absence of it in an Arminian sense always has to do with God and how He manages His creation. Nevertheless, there can't be more than one thing that is sovereign. Either God is in control of all things or something else has power over God. Keily, the Lord's eternal purpose is not to enthrone the fallen, human will. Where is it written that He will protect the power to choose from everything else? The sovereignty of human, self determinism is a mighty shaky foundation, theologically, philosophically, practically, and biblically. Here's how the old divines of the Historic Baptist faith chose to put it: "God hath decreed in Himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein; nor is violence offered to the will of the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established; in which appears His wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing his decree. (Isaiah 46:10; Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 6:17; Romans 9:15, 18; James 1:13; 1 John 1:5; Acts 4:27, 28; John 19:11; Numbers 23:19; Ephesians 1:3-5)" (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, chapter 3, paragraph 1) Thus, the brothers of Joseph, chose -- of their own free will -- to violently treat their brother and sell him into slavery. Nevertheless, what they meant for evil, God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20). This in no wise exonerates the brothers of guilt for their freely chosen course of action, nor does it lay that blame upon the Lord, who brought it all to pass. If God controls nature, stars, sun, moon, nations, history, principalities, powers, men, and redemption -- even maintaining the existence of your socks and their nature, which includes their color -- why is it such a difficult leap to imagine Him able to control your choice of socks in such a way as to leave you your free will and achieve His eternal purpose? A god who cannot contravene human will, is an impotent god. A god who dictates all things is a pointless god. A God who sovereignly rules the universe to achieve His glory and our good, is a trustworthy, loving God, beyond understanding, worthy of all praise and honor. In Him, Doc "In my classes in the seminary, I raise questions like, 'Is God in control of every single molecule in the universe?' When I raise that question, I say, 'The answer to that question will not determine whether you are a Christian or a Moslem, a Calvinist or an Arminian, but it will determine whether you are a theist or an atheist.' Sometimes the students can't see the connection. And I say to them, 'Don't you realize that if there is one molecule in this universe running around loose outside the scope or the sphere of God's divine control and authority and power, then that single maverick molecule may be the grain of sand that changes the entire course of human history, that blocks God from keeping the promises He has made to His people?' It may be that one maverick molecule that will prevent Christ from the consummation of His kingdom. For if there is one maverick molecule, it would mean that God is not sovereign. If God is not sovereign, then God is not God. If there is any element of the universe that is outside of His authority, then He no longer is God over all. In other words, sovereignty belongs to deity. Sovereignty is a natural attribute of the Creator. God owns what He makes, and He rules what He owns." --R. C. Sproul |