For It Is God Who Wills

Throughout history, the concept that "it is God who wills" has been a foundational element of Christian theology. This doctrine emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation and His ultimate authority in directing the course of events. For believers, understanding the balance between divine will and human free will is crucial for faith, trust, and obedience. In this blog post, we will explore what it means that "for it is God who wills," how it influences our understanding of God's nature, and how it impacts our daily lives.

Understanding the Doctrine: For It Is God Who Wills

The phrase "for it is God who wills" originates from Scripture, illustrating that God's will is the ultimate cause behind all that happens. It underscores the sovereignty of God—His power to establish, uphold, and govern the universe according to His divine purpose. This doctrine is central to many theological discussions, especially concerning predestination, prayer, and human responsibility.

The Biblical Foundation of Divine Wills

Several Bible verses highlight God's sovereignty and His will as the ultimate authority:

• Philippians 2:13: "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
  This verse emphasizes that even our desires and actions originate from God's sovereign will, and He works within us to accomplish His purposes.
• James 4:13-15: "Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’"
  This passage reminds believers to acknowledge God's sovereignty in planning and decision-making.
• Ephesians 1:11: "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."
  Here, God's will is depicted as the ultimate guiding force behind all creation and salvation history.

Theological Significance of God's Will

The statement "for it is God who wills" carries profound implications about God's nature and His relationship with creation. It underscores several key theological points:

• Divine Sovereignty: God's authority extends over all aspects of existence, from the grand cosmos to individual lives.
• Ultimate Purpose: Everything happens according to God's divine plan and purpose, which is always good and just.
• Human Responsibility: While God's will is sovereign, humans are still accountable for their choices—an area often explored in theology and ethics.

Exploring the Bible

Understanding God's will involves examining various biblical narratives and teachings:

• Genesis 50:20: "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
  This verse shows how God's sovereign will can bring good out of human evil intentions.
• Romans 8:28: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
  It reassures believers that God's will orchestrates all circumstances for their ultimate good.
• Isaiah 46:9-10: "I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
  This affirms God's omniscience and His unchangeable plan.

Balancing Divine Will and Human Free Will

A common challenge in theology is reconciling God's sovereignty with human free will. The Bible affirms both:

• God's Sovereign Will: As seen in verses like Ephesians 1:11, God's plan is overarching and unchangeable.
• Human Responsibility: Passages such as Joshua 24:15 ("Choose this day whom you will serve") show humans making genuine choices.

Many theologians suggest that divine sovereignty and human free will coexist in a mystery that emphasizes God's control while respecting human moral agency. This balance encourages believers to trust God's plan while actively participating in His purposes through obedience and faith.

Implications for Christian Living

Understanding that "it is God who wills" has practical implications for believers:

• Trust in God's Sovereignty: Recognizing God's ultimate control encourages believers to trust Him during trials and uncertainties.
• Humility and Dependence: Acknowledging God's will fosters humility, reminding believers they are dependent on His guidance.
• Active Faith and Obedience: While trusting God's sovereignty, believers are called to obey His commands and make responsible choices.
• Prayer and Submission: Praying with the attitude of submission, saying "if the Lord wills," aligns our desires with God's divine plan.

Conclusion

The phrase "for it is God who wills" encapsulates a core truth of Christian faith: God's sovereignty is the foundation upon which all existence rests. Recognizing God's ultimate authority can bring comfort, assurance, and a sense of purpose to believers navigating life's uncertainties. While God's will is overarching, humans are still called to respond in faith, obedience, and trust. Embracing this divine truth leads to a deeper relationship with God, grounded in humility and hope, knowing that His plans are always perfect and for our ultimate good.

Other Resources

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Recommended Products

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• The Bible NIV, Large Print Edition
• Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young
• The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren

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