Topical Encyclopedia
Providence refers to the divine guidance and care that God exercises over His creation. It is the means by which God directs all things—both animate and inanimate, seen and unseen, good and evil—toward His ultimate purpose and glory. The concept of providence is deeply rooted in Scripture, where God's sovereign control and purposeful direction are evident throughout the biblical narrative.
The Bible affirms God's providence in various ways. In
Genesis 50:20, Joseph acknowledges God's hand in his life's events, saying to his brothers, "As for you, you intended evil against me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This verse highlights how God can use even the evil intentions of humans to fulfill His good purposes.
In the New Testament,
Romans 8:28 provides a profound statement on providence: "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 assurance is a cornerstone for believers, affirming that God's providential care is always at work for their ultimate good.
The Book of Esther, though it never explicitly mentions God, is a narrative saturated with providential acts. The preservation of the Jewish people through Esther's courage and Mordecai's wisdom demonstrates God's unseen hand orchestrating events for His people's deliverance.
Providence also encompasses God's provision for His creation. In
Matthew 6:26, Jesus teaches about God's care, saying, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This passage reassures believers of God's attentive care and provision for their needs.
RedemptionRedemption is a central theme in the Bible, referring to the act of God delivering His people from sin and its consequences through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the means by which humanity is restored to a right relationship with God, having been purchased from the bondage of sin.
The concept of redemption is rooted in the Old Testament, where it often involves the idea of a kinsman-redeemer, as seen in the Book of Ruth. Boaz acts as a redeemer for Ruth, illustrating the principle of redemption through a close relative who restores and secures the future of a family member in need.
In the New Testament, redemption is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:7 declares, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." This verse encapsulates the essence of redemption: it is through the shedding of Christ's blood that believers receive forgiveness and are reconciled to God.
The Apostle Paul further explains the redemptive work of Christ in
Galatians 3:13, stating, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." Here, redemption is portrayed as Christ taking upon Himself the curse that was due to humanity, thus liberating believers from the law's condemnation.
Redemption is not only a past event but also has present and future implications. Believers are called to live in the light of their redemption, as seen in
1 Peter 1:18-19: "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."
Ultimately, redemption points to the consummation of God's plan, where believers will experience the fullness of their redemption in the new heavens and new earth, as described in
Revelation 21:3-4. This future hope is a testament to the comprehensive scope of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ.
