Providence Extends to All Creatures and Events (Chapter 5, Paragraph 2)

“Although in relation to the foreknowledge and decree of God, the first cause, all things come to pass immutably and infallibly…”

This opening reminds us that God is the first cause of everything. Whatever happens, whether in nature or history, whether in the seen or unseen realm, all comes to pass exactly as He has determined. His foreknowledge is not based on what He sees might happen—it is grounded in what He has decreed to happen.

His decree does not fail. His providence does not err. He is never surprised, never defeated, and never unsure of the outcome. All things happen “immutably and infallibly,” which means unchangeably and without error.

“…so that there is not anything that befalls any by chance, or without His providence…”

Here the Confession rejects the idea of luck or randomness. Providence teaches us that nothing happens by accident. What appears to us as random—unexpected events, missed opportunities, or even suffering—is all within the scope of God’s sovereign rule.

As Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Even what seems like chance to man is determined by the hand of God. From the falling of a leaf to the rise and fall of empires, all things are upheld by His will.

“…yet by the same providence He ordereth them to fall out according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.”

This is a crucial point: God’s providence does not cancel human choices or natural processes. Instead, He works through what theologians call second causes—that is, ordinary means.

Some things happen necessarily, like the rising of the sun. Others happen freely, such as human choices. Still others happen contingently, depending on certain conditions. But in all of these, God’s providence is not removed—it is exercised. He governs through the laws of nature and the decisions of people, using them to fulfill His purposes.

Joseph’s life is a perfect example. His brothers sold him into slavery, intending evil. But God meant it for good (Gen. 50:20). Their evil decision was a real, voluntary choice—and yet it perfectly fulfilled God’s decree to preserve life.

God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are not enemies. He ordains both the ends and the means, and He remains righteous in all His ways.

Application for the Believer:

In a world that feels uncertain and chaotic, this truth is a rock beneath your feet: God governs all things. He is not absent from the details of your life. He is present in the timing of a job, the loss of a friend, the healing after sickness, and the path through hardship. You can trust that everything—yes, everything-is under His wise hand. This doesn’t remove sorrow, but it brings peace. Rest in the knowledge that your Father is ruling every second of your life, not by chance, but by providence. He is never late, never careless, and never wrong.