The Decrees of God, or Impressive Impressions
Thomas Adam. Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. The Westminster divines say, "The decrees of God are His eternal purpose, according to the counsel of His will, whereby for His own glory He hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass." This embraces three propositions. I. THERE ARE DECREES OF GOD. God must have formed a plan by which to conduct all His operations. God knows the arrangements upon the accomplishment of which He has determined. The word "decree" is of the same meaning as the word "determine." II. THE DECREES OF GOD ARE ALL INVOLVED IN ONE ETERNAL PURPOSE. All the future, and everything included in all the future, is at once and for ever before the glance of His eye. III. THE DECREES OF GOD WERE ALL FORMED ACCORDING TO THE COUNSEL OF HIS WILL. Who can comprehend all that the counsel of His will embraced as to things decreed to exist? IV. THE DECREES OF GOD TAKE EFFECT IN EVERYTHING THAT COMES TO PASS. This has its illustration in — 1. God's works of creation. 2. God's works of providence. 3. God's works of grace.Objections to this explanation of the decrees of God may be taken. (1) Some say that this doctrine annihilates man's responsibility. (2) Some say, "Then if we are to be saved, we shall be saved; and if to be lost, lost."But this is a gross perversion of gospel truth. The means, through the appointed use of which eternal life may be obtained, should be diligently and unweariedly cultivated. (Thomas Adam.) Parallel Verses KJV: There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. WEB: There are many plans in a man's heart, but Yahweh's counsel will prevail.