Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of "chances" is often understood in relation to God's sovereignty, providence, and the unfolding of His divine plan. The term "chance" itself is not frequently used in Scripture, but the idea of events occurring seemingly by chance is addressed, often to highlight God's ultimate control over all circumstances.
Divine Sovereignty and ProvidenceThe Bible consistently affirms that God is sovereign over all creation, and nothing happens outside of His will or knowledge.
Proverbs 16:33 states, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This verse underscores the belief that what may appear as random or by chance is ultimately determined by God. The casting of lots, a practice used in biblical times to make decisions, is shown here to be under divine control.
Human Perspective on ChanceFrom a human perspective, events may seem random or coincidental.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 observes, "I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all." This passage reflects the unpredictability of life from a human viewpoint, acknowledging that outcomes are not always as expected based on human effort or ability.
God's Purpose in Apparent ChanceThe Bible illustrates that what appears to be chance is often part of God's greater purpose. The account of Joseph in Genesis is a prime example. Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, an act that seemed to be a series of unfortunate events. However, Joseph later recognizes God's hand in these events, saying in
Genesis 50:20 , "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people."
Faith and Trust in God's PlanBelievers are encouraged to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem random or beyond understanding.
Romans 8:28 assures, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This verse provides comfort that God orchestrates all events, even those that appear to be by chance, for the ultimate good of His people.
ConclusionWhile the Bible acknowledges the human perception of chance, it consistently points to a divine order and purpose behind all events. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that He is at work in all circumstances, guiding history and individual lives according to His perfect will.
Greek
2819. kleros -- a lot... Probably from klao (through the idea of using bits of wood, etc., for the purpose;
a die (for drawing
chances); by implication, a portion (as if so secured
...Library
On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 56, 58, "Ye Know How to...
... We walk in the midst ofchances. If we were made of glass, we should have to fear
chances less than we have. What is more fragile than a vessel of glass?...
The victory of Faith
... from us this day? Why not, indeed? What, then, will help us to overcome
the fear ofchances and accidents? How shall we keep from...
True Prudence
... best in life have always been cheerful and hopeful men, who went about their business
with a smile on their faces, and took the changes andchances of this...
Gambling, Card-Playing
... never a gambler. Usually the gambler is the man who is naturally full of
hazard, who loves to run risks, to takechances. Nor will...
A Plymouth Usher
... Those who were not in their places at that time had to stand theirchances with
the guests, and what thosechances were may be gathered from the fact that it...
The Chrysalis State.
... one, which is to decide our fate for ever, is merely some sort of chrysalis state
in which man's faculties are so narrow and cramped, hischances (I speak of...
Jabez
... They are poor creatures who complain that the battle is lost before it is even begun,
who groan that thechances of life are all against them before they have...
Prayer Out of the Deep.
... The older I grow, and the more I see of thechances and changes of this mortal life,
and of the needs and longings of the human heart, the more important seems...
The Distracted Mind
... How should I be able to pull through such a trouble? Where shall I find friends?
How shall I make myself safe against thechances and changes of life?...
Doing Glory to God in Pursuits of the World.
... When a man has been roused to serious resolutions, thechances are, that he fails
to take up with the one and only narrow way which leads to life....
Thesaurus
Chances (6 Occurrences)...Chances (6 Occurrences).
... Hebrews 11:15 And truly if they had kept in mind the country
from which they went out, they would have had
chances of turning back.
...Chance (78 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A possibility; a likelihood; an opportunity; -- with reference to a doubtful
result; as, a chance to escape; a chance for life; thechances are all...
Chancellor (3 Occurrences)
Venture (10 Occurrences)
... undertake, or say something; to dare. 5. (vi) To make a venture; to run a hazard
or risk; to take thechances. 6. (vt) To expose to hazard...
Kill (310 Occurrences)
... put to death; to slay. 4. (vt) To destroy; to ruin; as, to kill one'schances;
to kill the sale of a book. 5. (vt) To cause to cease...
Uncontrolled (58 Occurrences)
... sport of authority. Ready to takechances, uncontrolled, they have no fear
of saying evil of those in high places: (BBE). 2 Peter...
Underneath (19 Occurrences)
... Underneath all phenomena and all thechances and changes of life and time there
is unchanging law, everlasting principle, an all-enfolding power, an all...
Odds (1 Occurrence)
... of one and against another; excess of one of two things or numbers over the other;
inequality; advantage; superiority; hence, excess ofchances; probability....
Jeopard
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JEOPARD; JEOPARDY. jep'-ard, jep'-ar-di: The Eng,
word referred originally to a game where thechances were even (from OFr....
Jeopardy (7 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JEOPARD; JEOPARDY. jep'-ard, jep'-ar-di: The Eng,
word referred originally to a game where thechances were even (from OFr....
Resources
What does the Bible say about second chances? | GotQuestions.orgWill there be a second chance for salvation after death? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong to have raffles in the church? | GotQuestions.orgChances: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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