The Decree and Wills of God: An Introduction
One of the most profound aspects of God's nature is His sovereign will and decrees. Scripture repeatedly affirms that God has an eternal plan, one that He established before the foundation of the world and is unfolding throughout history according to His perfect wisdom. Ephesians 1:11 declares, "In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will." This verse encapsulates the central truth: God is actively working out His purposes in the world. The study of God’s decrees and will helps us understand His sovereignty, His providence, and our place in His divine plan. It also answers key theological questions: Does God predetermine everything? How does human responsibility fit within His will? What role does prayer play if God has already determined His plan? To grasp these concepts, we must explore the nature of God's will, the distinction between His decretive and permissive will, and the practical implications of His sovereign decrees.
The will of God refers to His sovereign purpose and desire in all things. However, Scripture presents different aspects of His will, and understanding these distinctions helps us see how God’s plan unfolds without compromising human responsibility.
The Decretive Will of God (God’s Sovereign Will)
The decretive will of God, sometimes called His sovereign or hidden will, refers to what He has determined must happen. This includes His eternal decrees, which are unchangeable and infallible. Psalm 33:11 states, "The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations."
Everything that happens in history is within God’s sovereign will—even events that involve human sin (Acts 2:23). His decretive will governs all things, from creation to redemption, ensuring that His ultimate purposes are accomplished. No one can thwart His decrees (Isaiah 46:9-10).
The Preceptive Will of God (God’s Moral Will)
The preceptive will of God, or His moral will, refers to what He commands people to do. It is revealed in His laws and commandments, such as the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and Jesus’ teachings (Matthew 5-7). Unlike His sovereign will, which always comes to pass, His moral will can be disobeyed by humans.
For example, 1 Thessalonians 4:3 declares, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality." While this is God’s moral will, people can choose to disobey it, though they will face the consequences of their sin.
The Permissive Will of God
God’s permissive will refers to what He allows to happen, even though it is not in line with His moral will. He does not cause sin, but He allows it within His sovereign plan. A clear example is Joseph’s story in Genesis—his brothers’ betrayal was evil, yet God permitted it to bring about a greater good (Genesis 50:20).
Likewise, God allowed Pharaoh’s heart to be hardened (Exodus 9:16) and permitted Satan to test Job (Job 1:12). Though these actions involved sin and suffering, they ultimately served God’s greater purposes.
The Will of Decree vs. the Will of Desire
Some theologians distinguish between God's will of decree (what He ordains) and His will of desire (what He takes pleasure in). Ezekiel 33:11 states, "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live." While God desires repentance, He still decrees justice upon the unrepentant. This distinction helps us understand why God allows things He does not take pleasure in—He permits sin and suffering for the sake of a greater, ultimate purpose that aligns with His perfect wisdom.
God’s decrees are His eternal plans that determine everything that happens in history. These decrees were made before creation and are unchanging. The Westminster Shorter Catechism defines them as:
“The decrees of God are His eternal purpose, according to the counsel of His will, whereby, for His own glory, He has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.”
God’s decrees include:
- The decree of creation—God willed the universe into existence (Genesis 1:1).
- The decree of redemption—God ordained the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5).
- The decree of judgment—God has set a day when He will judge the world (Acts 17:31).
- The decree of individual election—God chooses whom He will save (Romans 8:29-30).
These decrees are not made arbitrarily but according to His infinite wisdom and goodness.
The Relationship Between God’s Will and Human Responsibility
A common question arises: If God has decreed everything, do human choices matter? The Bible teaches that God’s sovereignty and human responsibility coexist.
- In Acts 2:23, Peter states that Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God,” yet those who crucified Him were held accountable.
- In Philippians 2:12-13, Paul commands believers to "work out your own salvation" while affirming that "it is God who works in you."
Though God has decreed all things, He works through human choices, prayers, and actions. His decrees do not eliminate free will; rather, they ensure that all things ultimately fulfill His purpose.
Why Understanding God’s Will Matters
1. It Helps Us Trust God’s Sovereignty – Knowing that God is in control, even when life seems chaotic, gives us peace (Romans 8:28).
2. It Guides Our Decision-Making – By seeking God’s revealed will in Scripture, we align our lives with His purposes (Proverbs 3:5-6).
3. It Deepens Our Prayer Life – Understanding that God ordains events yet commands us to pray encourages us to pray boldly (James 5:16).
4. It Strengthens Our Faith – When we grasp that nothing happens outside of God’s plan, we grow in confidence in His goodness and wisdom (Isaiah 55:8-9).
-Study Questions for Reflection
1. How does God’s sovereign will differ from His moral will?
2. What are some examples of God’s decrees in Scripture?
3. If God has ordained all things, why does He allow sin and suffering?
4. How does the doctrine of God’s will affect our prayer life?
5. How should we balance trusting in God's decrees while making daily choices?
Recommended Video & Further Study
