Divine Decrees Defined
- The Father’s eternal grace plan for the human race, but in particular the born-again believer, designed in eternity past and centered in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
- God’s eternal purpose toward His creation – past, present, and future. His plan from eternity past to eternity future based on his omniscience. God’s plan is always to benefit his creation.
“God’s plan does not depend on man. Salvation does not depend on man. God’s grace plan depends on God. Therefore, man must depend on God.”
Election and Divine Decree
Election is the sovereign will of God ordained at a point in eternity past, before time, before He created the angels, the universe and mankind.
Elect is a Biblical term applied to believers (Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:22; Luke 18:7; Romans 8:33)
“Divine decree” refers to election, foreknowledge, and predestination. God, by His decree in eternity past, established reality – He alone accurately describes reality. God elected Israel. God elected Christ. God elected the church. The church is the spiritual body and eventually the bride of Christ. God elected each believer.
God the Father’s plan for the human race, in particular the born-again believer, is referenced in Psalm 148:6. God ordained history based upon and centered in His Son Jesus Christ as Savior (Ephesians 1:4-6; 1 Peter 1:20). God’s Plan is based on the principle of His Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
God’s grace is motivated by His Perfect Love (John 3:16).