The concept of God’s permissive will is a profound and complex aspect of Christian theology. It addresses the tension between God’s sovereign plan and the human experience of freedom and choice. Understanding God’s permissive will involves grappling with the nature of divine providence, human agency, and the interplay between God’s overarching purpose and the realities of a fallen world. This article aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of God’s permissive will, including its definition, scriptural basis, theological implications, and its role in the life of believers.
Defining God’s Permissive Will
God’s permissive will refers to the aspects of God’s will that allow for human freedom and the presence of evil and suffering within the world, despite His ultimate sovereignty and goodness. Unlike God’s decretive will, which encompasses His sovereign plans and purposes that are certain to come to pass, God’s permissive will involves His decision to permit certain events and actions to occur, even when they may not align with His ideal moral will.
Sovereignty and Free Will: Central to the concept of God’s permissive will is the tension between divine sovereignty and human free will. While God is sovereign and His ultimate plans cannot be thwarted, He allows human beings to make choices that can lead to outcomes contrary to His moral desires. This permission is not an endorsement of sin or evil but rather a recognition of the genuine freedom granted to humans and the complexity of a world affected by sin.
Moral and Natural Evil: God’s permissive will encompasses both moral evil (resulting from human choices) and natural evil (such as natural disasters). While God does not directly cause these evils, His permissive will allows them to occur as part of the broader context of human freedom and the fallen state of the world.
Scriptural Basis for God’s Permissive Will
The concept of God’s permissive will is supported by various passages in Scripture that reflect the complexity of divine providence and human agency. Key biblical examples and theological insights help to illustrate how God’s permissive will operates in the context of the broader divine plan.
Genesis 50:20: In the story of Joseph, his brothers’ actions of selling him into slavery were motivated by jealousy and malice. However, Joseph later acknowledges that what they intended for evil, God intended for good, demonstrating how God can bring about His purposes even through human actions that are morally wrong. This passage highlights the interplay between human freedom and divine providence, illustrating how God’s permissive will can work within a framework of human decisions.
Acts 2:23: The crucifixion of Jesus is another example where God’s permissive will is evident. Peter describes the crucifixion as being carried out according to “the definite plan and foreknowledge of God,” yet it was accomplished through the actions of “lawless men.” This passage underscores the coexistence of God’s sovereign plan with human actions that contribute to the unfolding of His redemptive purposes.
1 Thessalonians 4:3: This verse speaks to God’s will concerning sanctification and moral behavior. It emphasizes that God’s ideal will for His people includes living in holiness and avoiding sin. The allowance of human freedom within God’s permissive will means that individuals may choose contrary to this ideal, but God’s overarching plan remains focused on redemption and transformation.
Theological Implications of God’s Permissive Will
The concept of God’s permissive will has significant theological implications for understanding the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the human experience.
The Nature of God: God’s permissive will reveals the depth of His respect for human freedom and the integrity of His creation. By allowing for human choice and the presence of evil, God demonstrates His commitment to a relationship with humanity that is characterized by genuine love and freedom rather than coercion. This aspect of God’s will highlights His benevolence and the complex interaction between His sovereignty and human agency.
The Problem of Evil: The existence of evil and suffering is a profound challenge for many people of faith. God’s permissive will provides a framework for understanding how evil can coexist with a good and sovereign God. While God does not cause evil, His permissive will allows for its existence as part of the broader context of human freedom and the consequences of living in a fallen world. This perspective does not eliminate the pain and difficulty of suffering but offers a theological context for understanding its place within God’s larger plan.
Human Responsibility and Freedom: The allowance of human freedom within God’s permissive will underscores the importance of human responsibility. Individuals are accountable for their choices and actions, even as they occur within the context of God’s sovereign plan. This dynamic encourages believers to live with integrity, recognizing that their choices have real consequences while also trusting in God’s ability to bring good out of challenging situations.
Practical Applications of Understanding God’s Permissive Will
Understanding God’s permissive will has practical implications for the life of believers, shaping their approach to faith, decision-making, and coping with difficulties.
Faith and Trust: Recognizing that God’s permissive will allows for human freedom and the presence of evil can lead believers to a deeper trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness. Even when faced with difficult circumstances or apparent contradictions, believers can trust that God is working through all things to achieve His ultimate purposes. This trust is rooted in the assurance that God’s plans are good and that He is able to bring about redemption and transformation.
Decision-Making: Understanding God’s permissive will can influence how believers approach decision-making. While human freedom allows for a range of choices, believers are encouraged to seek God’s guidance and align their decisions with His moral will as revealed in Scripture. This approach fosters a sense of purpose and responsibility, acknowledging that while God permits freedom, He also provides wisdom and direction for making choices that reflect His character and purposes.
Coping with Suffering: The concept of God’s permissive will provides a framework for understanding and coping with suffering. Believers can find comfort in knowing that their suffering is not outside of God’s control and that He can work through even the most challenging circumstances to bring about good. This perspective encourages resilience and hope, as believers trust in God’s ability to use their trials for greater purposes.
see also: A.W. Tozer Daily Devotional: A Journey Through Faith and Reflection
Conclusion
God’s permissive will is a deeply nuanced aspect of Christian theology that addresses the interplay between divine sovereignty, human freedom, and the presence of evil and suffering. By understanding this concept, believers can gain insight into the nature of God’s interaction with the world, the problem of evil, and their own role in the divine plan. While God’s permissive will allows for the presence of human choice and the occurrence of evil, it also underscores the depth of His love, respect for human freedom, and commitment to working all things together for good. Embracing this understanding can enrich the believer’s faith, guide decision-making, and provide comfort in the face of adversity, fostering a deeper trust in the sovereignty and goodness of God.