Day 97

Of Divine Providence

Chapter 5, Paragraph 6.

“As for those wicked and ungodly men whom God, as the righteous judge, for former sin does blind and harden;…“

Scripture Lookup

Romans 1;24-26,28, 11:7,8

Reflection

“All things work together for good.” That’s one of those verses that people throw around even if they have no desire to follow Christ. They are comforted by the words, oblivious to what the verse actually says: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, italics added). We saw in Day 96 how God does use all events for the good of His saints. But can all things work together for good to those who do NOT love God?

It is a frightening truth that those who persist in sin might not come to repentance and faith. Continue in your rebellion, and God may leave you in your rebellion. Hardly a statement that sells and appeals, but one that Scripture declares. We are fallen creatures, and the wicked and ungodly will dive even deeper into their depravity. God blinds them to the Gospel, and He hardens their heart. “…and men loved darkness better than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)

The Gospel call resounds: repent and believe. Yet we know that not all will heed it. For those who see fit to refuse God, all things do not work for their good. God is a righteous judge, and He has decreed it. This is tragic to realize, but it is just. “And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things.” (Romans 2:2)

Questions to Consider

• Do you struggle with the idea that God blinds and hardens some people?