The properties of God’s decrees: 1. They are eternal. God makes no decrees in time, but they were all from eternity. If the divine decrees were not eternal, God would not be most perfect and unchangeable, but, like weak man, should take new counsels, and would be unable to tell everything that were to come to pass (Eph. 1:4). 2. They are most wise. God cannot properly deliberate or take counsel, as men do; for He sees all things together and at once. Nothing is determined that could have been better determined (Rom. 11:33). 3. They are free. [They depend] on no other, but all flowing from the mere pleasure of His own will. He has made no decrees suspended on any condition without Himself (Rom. 11:34). 4. They are unchangeable. God’s decrees are constant; and He by no means alters His purpose, as men do (Psm. 33:1). 5. They are most holy and pure (1 Jn. 1:5). 6. They are effectual. Whatsoever God decrees comes to pass infallibly (Isa. 46.10).
— Thomas Boston (1676–1732), Pastor
Related Bible passage: EPH.1.4
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Wisdom & Understanding
Occasions: For Reflection
Thomas Boston
Thomas Boston (1676–1732) war ein schottischer presbyterianischer Pfarrer und Theologe, der vor allem in der Gemeinde Ettrick wirkte. Bekanntheit erlangte er durch geistliche Schriften wie „Human Nature in Its Fourfold State“ sowie seinen Einsatz im Marrow-Streit für das unbedingte, freie Gnadenangebot des Evangeliums. Für heutige Bibelleser steht sein Werk für eine reformierte Bundestheologie und Seelsorge, die den Umgang mit persönlichen Lebensprüfungen eng mit dem Trost der göttlichen Gnade verknüpft.
All quotes by Thomas Boston (14)
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I would not be able to seek you if you had not already found me.
Augustine of Hippo
When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
God seeks you more than your offering.
Augustine of Hippo
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
Augustine of Hippo