God's Sovereignty Over Sinful Actions (Chapter 5, Paragraph 4)

“The almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and infinite goodness of God so far manifest themselves in His providence…”

This paragraph opens by anchoring everything that follows in the character of God. When we speak of God’s control over sinful actions, we must remember: He is almighty, wise, and good. His providence does not spring from cruelty, but from holiness and love. He never does wrong (Deut. 32:4), even as He governs a world full of wrongdoers.

“…that His determinate counsel extendeth itself even to the first fall, and all other sinful actions both of angels and men…”

God’s decree and providence extend even to the entrance of sin into the world—first through Satan’s rebellion, and then through Adam’s fall. This does not mean God is the author of sin. Rather, He permits, limits, and directs sinful acts without being the source of evil.

We see this in Genesis 50:20—Joseph says to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” Their sin was real and blameworthy. But God overruled it to save lives and fulfill His promises. He works through sinful actions—not by causing sin, but by wisely ordering it toward His redemptive ends.

“…and that not by a bare permission…”

God doesn’t just sit back and watch sin happen. His providence is active, not passive. He doesn’t merely “allow” evil in a way that makes Him distant or disengaged. He governs it with purpose, restraining it here, releasing it there, all for His glory and His people’s good.

“…but such as hath joined with it a most wise and powerful bounding, and otherwise ordering and governing of them…”

God bounds sin. He draws lines that it cannot cross (Job 1:12; 2:6). He orders it—meaning He turns even the worst evil to serve His ends. He governs it—ensuring it does not frustrate His plans. The crucifixion of Christ is the ultimate proof. Wicked men condemned the sinless Son of God, yet Acts 2:23 says Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.”

God is not surprised by evil. He is not defeated by it. He is not tainted by it. He reigns over it—always righteously.

“…in a manifold dispensation to His most holy ends…”

God uses sin for holy purposes. That may sound shocking, but it’s biblically grounded. God’s use of sin never makes Him sinful. Instead, it reveals His justice, mercy, and power. Pharaoh hardened his heart, and God used that hardness to display His glory (Ex. 9:16). Judas betrayed Christ, and through that betrayal, God redeemed the world.

“…yet so, as the sinfulness of their acts proceedeth only from the creatures, and not from God…”

This is a vital clarification. Sin comes from sinners, not from God. He governs sin without being guilty of it. The responsibility for sin lies fully with the creature—not the Creator. James 1:13 is clear: “God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.” We must never blame God for our sin. He is holy, and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).

“…who, being most holy and righteous, neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin.”

The Confession closes this paragraph with a strong affirmation of God’s moral purity. God cannot sin, cause sin, or approve of sin. He is separate from evil, even as He uses it for His sovereign purposes.

Application for the Believer:

This doctrine is not abstract—it is deeply comforting. When you face evil, injustice, or suffering, remember: God is still in control. He is never the author of sin, but He is always sovereign over it. Nothing sinful escapes His rule. Nothing evil will triumph in the end. He will use even what is meant for harm to bring about good. So don’t fear the chaos of this world—trust the holy, wise, and sovereign God who rules over it. And when you sin, take full responsibility—and flee to the cross, where God overcame evil with perfect righteousness.