In Defense of Providence
Reprinted from The Carolina Messenger, September 2003
David R. Pharr

Over the years we have encountered many strange religious positions, some of which have come from among our brethren. We never expected, however, that some brother might embrace notions akin to Deism. Classical Deism holds that after God set everything into motion he is no longer involved in the affairs of men. Amazingly, one of our brethren is on a crusade to deny the active providence of God.

In our August issue we had an excellent article by Les Bonnett regarding providence. He wrote in response to charges being circulated which accused him of teaching Baptist doctrine in regard to providence. It seems that someone concluded that since “providence” was taught in Baptist publications, it must follow that if Les teaches on providence he must have gotten it from the Baptists. Of course the same indictment would to apply to the thousands of other faithful men who believe and teach that divine providence is at work in our lives. The fact is, until now, I had never heard of a brother who denied providence.

After brother Bonnett's good article was published I received a letter demanding that I write an article “denying the unscriptural doctrines [sic] of God’s Providential Care, and denying that God, Christ or the Holy Spirit operates separate and apart from the word.” Further, the letter warned that if I did not promptly promise to do this, information would be mailed to all the churches in the Carolinas.

First, let us be clear that the issue is not whether God, Christ, or the Spirit instructs us by means other than the word. We all should know that the word furnishes us completely as a guide for our faith and practice. The issue here is not the exclusive authority of the Bible, nor its power to save and instruct.

Neither is it a question of miracles. The miraculous signs and wonders, which confirmed the word, had ceased with the close of the apostolic age. As Wayne Jackson expressed it, “Biblical evidence indicates that the Lord is not operating miraculously today . . . However, God does act in an indirect way in this age. We call it providence. Providence is divine activity through means (Christian Courier, Aug. ‘92).

Since, as mentioned above, a letter is to be widely circulated for the purpose of showing my “error” in believing in the providence of God, I think it might be helpful for me to confess my “sins” in this regard!

I confess, I am guilty of believing that the Creator continues to control the universe–that he not only made it by his command, but that it is sustained by “the word of his power” (Heb. 1:3). When the world was created it was by God's word (II Pet. 3:5) and it is his word that sustains it (II Pet. 3:7). References to God’s “word” in these texts are not to be understood as referring to the written word of the Bible, rather to God’s ordering of events.

I confess, I am guilty of believing that God provides (providence) every good thing that comes to us (Jas. 1:17).

I confess, I am guilty of believing that God especially provides for those who do his will. This was the faith of Abraham when he found the ram in the thicket and called the place “Jehovah-jireh” which means “The Lord will provide” (Gen. 22:14NASB). Faithful Abraham believed in the providence of God.

I confess, I am guilty of believing that God works all things for good for Christians (Rom. 8:28). Though the text may primarily apply to God's work in the scheme of redemption, the principle is universal. Hugo McCord describes this as “custom-made providence” and reminds that Paul was “a devout believer in special providence, Galatians 1:15-16.” Brother McCord continues, “Thus, God has His eyes on each Christian, and He arranges circumstances for the long-range good of each one” (The Gospel Advocate, Sept. '95).

I confess, I am guilty of believing that God actually answers prayers (I Jn. 5:14; Jas. 5:16f). Sad indeed would be a faith which thinks God listens but does nothing.

I confess, I am guilty of believing that God’s special providence will keep me from being tempted above what I am able to bear (I Cor. 10:13). No where is this promise given to people outside of Christ. It must, therefore, mean special care for the faithful.

I confess, I am guilty of believing the Lord's presence and care has special meaning for his people. All of mankind benefits from general providence (Acts 14:17), but the promise of Hebrews 13:4f is especially for Christians. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

I confess, I am guilty of believing that the miraculous age is past, but that God is still working in our lives. I do not understand how he accomplishes specific things, but I believe that he “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20).

I confess, I am guilty of believing that the Holy Spirit is involved in my life in that he helps me with my prayers when I don’t know what I ought to ask. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26-27). This does not mean that the Spirit does something to me, but it certainly means he does something on my behalf.

I confess, I am guilty of denying the proposition that “God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit only operate through the word of God.” This is the actual wording of a proposition sent to me for a debate. It is not saying that the Lord operates only through the word in convicting, converting and edifying. It says that the Godhead does nothing. The proposition is too preposterous to be worthy of debate.

I confess, I am guilty of believing that Christ is even now serving in the heavenly tabernacle making intercession for us (Heb.7:25). To say that he does nothing except that he has provided the Scriptures is to deny his priesthood.

I confess, I am guilty of believing that though it is possible for a child of God to fall away, that God will do all that is in keeping with his will to keep us from falling. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen” (Jude 24f). It is a miserable kind of religion that thinks God gave us a Book and said, “See if you can make it on your own.” The point is not that we have no responsibility, but that we are not left to do it alone.

The challenger seems to have a special hang-up over the fact that providence is taught in Baptist publications. He seems to think that anything mentioned in a Baptist Manual must have its origins in Baptist theology. (A few months ago he objected to what I had written about congregational autonomy. He said the doctrine of congregational autonomy is Baptist doctrine because he had found it in the Baptist manual. Such is the logic (?) of our present accuser.) We do not believe in providence on the basis of Baptist doctrine (whether they get it right or wrong). We believe in providence because it is Bible truth. Indeed, we find it hard to imagine how to believe in God without being convinced of his providence.

He's here and there, and everywhere
In all the ways I've trod.
I've never passed beyond the sphere
Of the providence of God.
—W. E. Brightwell

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