Understanding the concept of God's will is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith and practice. Many believers seek clarity on what is considered the permissible will of God—what God allows or permits in our lives, even if it is not His perfect or ideal plan. This blog explores the nature of the permissible will of God, its distinction from His perfect will, biblical insights, and how believers can discern and align themselves with God's will.
Defining the Permissible Will of God
The permissible will of God refers to the circumstances, actions, or choices that God allows to occur within His sovereignty. Unlike His perfect or divine will, which reflects His ultimate plan and purpose, the permissible will encompasses situations where God grants human free will or permits certain events to take place, even if they are not His ideal intentions.
In essence, the permissible will acknowledges that while God has a perfect plan for humanity, He also allows for human decisions and the existence of a fallen world, which can lead to outcomes that are not directly aligned with His perfect will.
Distinction Between the Perfect and Permissible Will of God
- Perfect Will of God: The divine plan that reflects God's ultimate purpose for creation and involves His direct intentions. It is always good, just, and perfect. For example, God's plan for salvation through Jesus Christ is part of His perfect will.
- Permissible Will of God: The allowance for certain events or actions that are not necessarily God's ideal but are permitted within His sovereignty. These can include human choices, the existence of evil, and suffering.
While the perfect will is what God desires and aims to accomplish, the permissible will recognizes the reality of a fallen world and human free will. Believers are called to seek alignment with God's perfect will, but they should also trust that the permissible will serves a larger divine purpose.
Biblical Examples of the Permissible Will of God
Several biblical narratives highlight how God's permissive will operates within His sovereignty:
- The Reign of King Saul: God permitted Saul to become king despite knowing he would stray from His commandments (1 Samuel 13-15). This permissive will allowed human free will to play out, leading to consequences but also fulfilling God's broader plan for Israel.
- The Betrayal of Judas: Judas' betrayal of Jesus was permitted by God, fulfilling prophecy and God's redemptive plan (Matthew 26:14-16, John 13:21-27). While Judas acted freely, God's permissive will used the event for a greater purpose.
- Joseph's Brothers Selling Him into Slavery: The evil act was permitted but ultimately used by God to preserve His people (Genesis 50:20). This demonstrates how God's permissive will can work through human sin for divine good.
How to Discern the Permissible Will of God
Discerning God's permissible will involves prayer, biblical study, and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance. Here are some steps to help believers understand what God permits:
- Pray for Wisdom: James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom in understanding His will.
- Study Scripture: The Bible provides principles and examples that shed light on God's character and His acceptable boundaries.
- Seek God’s Peace: Colossians 3:15 speaks of letting the peace of Christ rule in your heart as an indicator of God's will.
- Consult Spiritual Mentors: Seek counsel from mature Christians who can help interpret God's leading.
- Observe Circumstances: Trust that God can use various circumstances to guide your decisions, even in situations where the outcome is uncertain.
Living in the Permissible Will of God
While striving to follow God's perfect will is ideal, understanding and accepting His permissible will can bring peace and assurance. Here are some practical ways to live within God's permissive will:
- Trust in God's Sovereignty: Recognize that God is in control, even when circumstances seem adverse. Romans 8:28 assures us that all things work together for good for those who love God.
- Maintain a Heart of Obedience: Be obedient to God's commands and seek to live righteously, trusting that He works through our choices.
- Accept God's Permissive Will with Faith: Understand that God's allowance of certain events does not mean He endorses evil but that He can bring good out of it.
- Focus on God's Greater Purpose: Remember that God's overarching plan encompasses all situations, including those permitted but not ideal.
Exploring the Bible
Several Bible verses illuminate the concept of God's permissive will:
- Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse reassures believers that even permitted events are used by God for good.
- Proverbs 19:21: "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." This highlights God's sovereignty over human plans, including what He permits.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." This verse indicates God's permissive will in allowing trials for our growth.
- Genesis 50:20: Joseph tells his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This demonstrates how God's permissive will can work through human sin for divine purposes.
Conclusion
The permissible will of God encompasses the situations and choices that God allows within His sovereignty, even if they are not His perfect or ideal plans. Understanding this concept helps believers navigate life's uncertainties with faith and trust, recognizing that God's overarching purpose remains intact. While striving to align with God's perfect will, believers can find peace in the knowledge that even in circumstances permitted by God, He is working for their good and His glory.
By studying Scripture, seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, and trusting God's sovereignty, Christians can live confidently within His permissive will, knowing that God's plans are ultimately for their benefit and His divine purpose.
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