God’s Eternal Decree – Wisdom, Power, and Glory (Chapter 3, Paragraph 1)

“God hath decreed in Himself from all eternity…”

The doctrine of God’s decree takes us into the high courts of heaven, before time began. Here, in the eternal counsel of the triune God, everything that would ever take place was wisely and freely ordained. This is not a fatalistic idea, as if we are victims of blind destiny. No, the decree of God is a personal, wise, and gracious determination of all that would come to pass—designed by the One who is infinite in power and love.

“…by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will…”

God’s decrees are not impulsive. They are not reactions to future possibilities or based on what He foresees people will choose. Rather, all that God has planned arises from His perfect wisdom and holy character. Psalm 33:11 says, “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations.” His will is not tainted by sin, nor clouded by ignorance. He acts always in holiness, always for His glory.

“…freely and unchangeably…”

God is not forced by anything outside Himself. He did not need creation. He is not moved by circumstances. What He decrees is free—because He is God—and unchangeable—because He is perfect. His plans are not subject to revision. What He has spoken, He will bring to pass (Isa. 46:10). This is great news for weak and weary saints: God's purposes will not fail.

“…all things whatsoever comes to pass…”

This includes everything. Not only the grand movements of nations, but every detail of creation—every raindrop, every hair on our head, every moment of our lives (Matt. 10:29–30). God is not merely reacting to a world outside His control; He ordains all things in accordance with His purpose. This includes the good, the hard, and even the mysterious. Ephesians 1:11 tells us He “works all things according to the counsel of His will.”

“…yet so as thereby is God neither the author of sin nor hath fellowship with any therein…”

Now we come to a necessary guardrail. God is not the author of sin. Though He ordained that sin would exist as part of His larger purpose, He is never the cause of sin in a way that would make Him guilty or evil. James 1:13 says, “God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.” Sin arises from the free actions of moral creatures—not from any darkness in God. He is light, and in Him is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

This truth protects God’s holiness while preserving His absolute sovereignty. We may not be able to comprehend how God can ordain all things—including events that involve sin—without Himself being the sinner, but we must affirm what Scripture teaches: God is sovereign, and God is good.

“…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…”

This sentence helps us see that God's decree does not cancel human responsibility. People act freely—making real decisions, not as robots or puppets. God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are not in conflict, but operate in harmony according to His perfect will. Joseph’s brothers meant evil when they sold him into slavery, but God meant it for good (Gen. 50:20). Their sinful intentions did not thwart God’s purpose—they fulfilled it.

Second causes—things like natural processes, human choices, and historical events—are not erased by God’s decree; they are established by it. God uses means to fulfill His ends, which encourages both our responsibility and our trust.

“…in which appears His wisdom in disposing all things, and power and faithfulness in accomplishing His decree.”

God’s decree puts His attributes on full display. His wisdom is seen in how He orders events for good. His power is seen in how He brings all things to pass. And His faithfulness is seen in how He completes what He begins. Nothing falls outside the scope of His will, and no purpose of His can be thwarted (Job 42:2).

Application for the Believer:

The truth of God’s eternal decree is a deep well of peace. When trials come, you can rest knowing they are not random. Your life is not governed by fate or chance, but by the wise and loving hand of your Father. You may not understand every circumstance, but you can trust the One who ordains every detail. Walk forward in faith, knowing that God's unchangeable purpose includes your sanctification, your perseverance, and your glory in Christ. And because He is faithful, you can say with confidence, “He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion” (Phil. 1:6).