Thoughts on the
Second London Baptist Confession
Chapter 5: Of Divine Providence Part 2
By Brian Pendleton
“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes
and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”
— 1 John 2:16 (LSB)
Read Chapter 5 of the 2LBC Paragraphs 4-6
God is neither the author nor the approver of sin, and yet sinful actions take place. How does God’s providence relate to the fact of sin? While there is mystery in this relationship, there are truths we can know with certainty. Our confession begins addressing this question in paragraph 4 with reminding us that God’s power, wisdom, and goodness are manifested in all works of providence including the fall and sinful actions (Romans 11:32-34). An example of this in the scriptures would be the events surrounding Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, a sinful action that brought grief and pain. But notice how God’s attributes are displayed in this. First His wisdom is displayed in Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams, which is understood to have come from God. God’s power is displayed in taking a slave and raising him up to be Pharaoh’s right hand man. God’s goodness is displayed in His preserving the lives of His chosen people along with those of the Egyptians. Joseph says as much when he declares to his brothers, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to do what has happened on this day, to keep many people alive”(Genesis 50:20). We must keep in mind that when we discuss this topic that God is most righteous and most Holy: "And I heard the angel of the waters saying, 'Righteous are You, who is and who was, O Holy One, because You judged these things.'" (Revelation 16:5). Therefore God is NOT the author of sin (Job 34:10). He created man upright (Ecc 7:29) and good (Gen 1:31). God NEVER approves of sin (Is 65:12).
Paragraph 5 addresses how God will leave His children for a time in their sin and does so for a reason. Our Heavenly Father will some times do this to us to chastise us for former sins and at other times so that we discover the hidden corruptions of our sin. One example is Peter’s denial of Christ. It was decreed that he would deny Christ (Luke 22:34), and we see the event unfold in Mark 14:66 and following. Peter is not left in his sin, but is restored by Christ (John 21:15-17). For what purpose does our loving Father have in this? One purpose may be that we may be humbled. Another may be that we might be drawn closer to God for support. A third purpose might be that we would be all the more watchful. Or it may be a combination of these three. Ultimately, however, it is for His glory & our good, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
By contrast, paragraph 6 speaks to God’s providence and the unbeliever. God addresses the sins of the ungodly by righteously judging them by blinding their minds and harding their hearts, "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to an unfit mind, to do those things which are not proper. . . just as it is written, 'GOD GAVE THEM A SPIRIT OF STUPOR, EYES TO SEE NOT AND EARS TO HEAR NOT, DOWN TO THIS VERY DAY.'" (Romans 1:28; 11:8). The way this blinding & hardening unfolds is twofold. First He withholds His grace – the very grace that would open up their eyes & hearts (Deut 29:4). He takes away the gifts they have (Matthew 13:12). As a result their state is such that they are given over to their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of the devil.
The final paragraph of this chapter addresses the relationship of providence to the church. Who is the special focus of God’s care and providence? The church, the bride of Christ. In God's providence He takes care of His church. All things happen for her good: “As the providence of God does in general reach to all creatures, so after a more special manner it takes care of His church, and disposes of all things to the good thereof.” (2LBC 5.7).