Required reading
Systematic Theology Volume 1 by Charles Hodge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 11 (Providence) by reading up to the heading '3. Different theories of the divine government'.
My summary
Today Hodge begins to teach us about God's works of providence which are his most holy, wise and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures and all their actions.
Firstly Hodge discusses God's preservation of creation, particularly that this should not be confused with creation itself.
Secondly Hodge explains God's government of creation, in particular his government over:
(i) nature;
(ii) the animal world;
(iii) nations;
(iv) individuals;
(v) free will;
(vi) sin.
What grabbed me
I'm always interested to read about the relationship of providence to sin: 'The Scriptures teach that God's providence in relation to the sins of men, is such that the sinfulness thereof proceedeth only from the creature and not from God ; who neither is nor can be the author or approver of sin. 1 John ii. 16, " All that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father (not from Him as its source or author), but is of the world." James i. 13, " Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God : for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man." Jer. vii. 9, " Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not ; and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations ? " '
God may control our sin, but it proceeds from us.
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 11 (Providence) by reading up to the heading '4.Principles involved in the Scriptural Doctrine of Providence'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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