Dogmatic Theology Vol 1 - Shedd - XXVI - Chapter 6 The divine decrees commenced

Required reading

Dogmatic Theology Vol 1 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 6 The Divine Decrees by reading up to the paragraph beginning: 'The Divine decrees are divided into efficacious and permissive' (page 405 of my edition).

My summary

Today we start a chapter on the decrees of God, which according to the Westminster Shorter Catechism are 'his eternal purpose according to the counsel of his own will whereby he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.'

Firstly we learn that the divine decree:

(i) relates only to God's transitive acts;

(ii) is formed in eternity;

(iii) is a divine idea;

(iv) is the necessary condition of the divine foreknowledge;

(v) brings all things that come to pass in space and time into a plan.

Secondly, today, Shedd teaches us the characteristics that mark the divine decree.  The divine decree is:

(i) founded in wisdom;

(ii) eternal;

(iii) universal;

(iv) immutable;

(v) unconditional.

What grabbed me

I appreciated Shedd's responses to the alleged contradiction between the divine decree and human freedom. Particularly the first response: 'Respecting the alleged contradiction between the Divine decree and human freedom, the following particulars are to be noticed: (a) The inspired writers are not conscious of a contradiction, because they do not allude to any, or make any attempt to harmonize the two things. If a self-contradiction does not press upon them, it must be because there is no real contradiction. Revelation presents that view of truth which is afforded from a higher point of view than that occupied by the finite mind. Revealed truth is truth as perceived by the Infinite intelligence. If no contradiction is perceived by God in a given case, there really is none. The mind of Christ evidently saw no conflict between his assertion that he was to be crucified in accordance with the Divine decree, and his assertion that Judas was a free and guilty agent in fulfilling this decree.'

If Scripture sees no conflict, we should see no conflict.

Next week's reading

Continue Chapter 6 The Divine Decrees by reading up to the paragraph beginning: 'The following characteristics of the decree of election are to be noticed. 1 God's decree of election originates in compassion, not complacency'. (page 423 of my edition).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.