Introduction
The fall into sin was the most disastrous even of history; it corrupted the whole world. God could have abandoned His falled creation, but He did not. Even after the Fall, the God of mercy continues to show His concern and care for those who have rebelled against Him.
- What did God do for His creation after the Fall into sin?
Although fallen man deserved to be forsaken, God promised an sent a Savior from sin; and in His gracious providence He continues to preserve and govern all things, which otherwise would perish.
- How does God preserve you and all His creatures?
In His gracious providence God cares for me and all His creatures as a father, and richly and daily provides me with all that I need for this body and life.
Bible Example: God provides through natural means.
Bible Example: God provides through miraculous means.
- How does God govern all things?
In His gracious providence God directs all things according to His wisdom, protecting me from all danger and guarding and keeping me from all evil.
Bible Example: God protected Daniel.
- How does God govern people even when they sin?
God lets people sin, but in His gracious providence, He sets limits to their sin, and turns all things into good for the believers.
Bible Example: God cared for Joseph.
Bible Example: God limited Satan’s power against Job.
- Can we always understand the ways of God’s providence?
The ways of God’s providence are often hidden from our eyes, but we are assured that they are always the kindest and the best.
- To whom, then, will you entrust all your affairs?
I will entrust all my affairs to my heavenly Father and trust completely in His love.
- Why is God so good to you?
God is so good to me, not because I have deserved it, but purely out of His fatherly, divine goodness and mercy. (See Question 125.)
- What do you owe God for all His goodness toward you?
For all God’s goodness toward me it is my duty to thank and praise, to serve and obey Him all the days of my life.
- How has God most clearly shown His love for you?
God has most clearly shown His love for me by sending His only-begotten Son to be my Savior.
Conclusion
In His gracious providence God preserves the fallen creation. Through His almighty Word He rules and governs all things, even those things that threaten His children. God’s providence is most clearly seen in the gift of His Son, whom He sent ot give sinners the heavenly treasures and to deliver them fromt eh corruption of this world.
Hymn
Bible Readings
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