What Is Providence? (Basics of the Reformed Faith)

Part 1. Doctrinal. An explanation of the doctrine of providence within a Reformed understanding of God's absolute sovereignty, including absolute control of every detail in creation and our own personal lives, in the light of three caveats: a) God is not the author of sin b) The will of man is not “violated” (we are not automatons) c) The liberty or contingency of second causes is not removed This will involve relating providence to Satan and sin, in such a way that establishes blame and culpability on our part, establishing causality and free agency. Part 2. Illustrative. From the life of Joseph (especially Genesis 50:20), Paul (especially Philippians 1) and Naomi (Ruth 1–4).