THE WILL OF GOD by W. A. Sweany

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Jan 17, 1906

THE WILL OF GOD

By W. A. Sweany

BY W. A. SWEANY

A Definite Purpose in Creation.

ALTHO denied by some (Ps. 14:1), the existence of God is known by all, being clearly revealed and manifested in the works of His hands. Rom. 1:18-21. Creation, therefore, was not an aimless pastime, but the outworking of a definite purpose of the Creator. Isa. 45:18; 43:6, 7; Rev. 4:11; Prov. 16:4. Each and every atom, therefore, is a part of God's great plan, and He has a definite purpose concerning each individual. Jer. 29:11.

It is furthermore evident that Jehovah's plan and purpose concerning each object is His will concerning that object. It is also evident that this will must be brought to bear upon every object, animate and inanimate, sentient and insentient. And so, in obedience to His command (the expression of His will concerning them), the celestial orbs pursue their allotted course (Gen. 1:14-18; Isa. 40:26; 45:12); the tempest rages and the billows foam, or the zephyrs play and the ripples dance (Ps. 107:23-30); clouds gather and raindrops fall; seeds germinate and plants grow (Ps. 147:8).

God Glorified in His Works.

Thus the creation and manipulation of even the insentient and the inanimate glorify the Creator, and reveal His wisdom and power. Ps. 19:1-6. But intelligent and willing cooperation with His revealed will on the part of sentient beings displays His glory in greatest measure, and affords Him pleasure in the highest degree. Jer. 9:23, 24; 1 Sam. 15:22, 23.

However, for the complete accomplishment of the will of Jehovah concerning intelligent beings, it is necessary that there be expression thereof by the Creator, together with understanding of, and voluntary submission to, such will by the creature. Since the third condition is dependent on the second, and the second upon the first, it is clear that the whole matter depends primarily upon the plain, clear statement of His will by Jehovah Himself. And since His own glory and pleasure, and the temporal and eternal welfare of His creatures are involved, we may be sure that His will is expressed in the plainest possible manner. Isa. 5:3, 4.

But, altho it is so plainly and simply expressed, it is evident that but few understand the will of God (Isa. 1:3; Hosea 4:6), and but few of those who do know it are willing to submit themselves thereto (Rom. 1:21, 28; John 15:22-25.) In fact, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Rom. 3:23. Then, since "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23; James 1:15), and the result of obedience is life (Heb. 5:8, 9; Rev. 22:14), it behooves every one to give more earnest heed to the voice of the Lord which says, "Incline your ear, and come unto Me; hear, and your soul shall live." Isa. 55:3.

The will of God concerning the insentient objects and creatures of earth, sea, and sky may be ascertained by considering them; for their movements and actions are but the outworking of His will concerning them. He plans for them whatever movements and sphere will best illustrate His attributes and character; and the accomplishment thereof is produced by the motive power transmitted to them in the expression of His will, as they do not possess the power of choice or resistance. Heb. 1:3.

Man Chooses His Own Destiny.

But God's definite plan, purpose, or will concerning man is, in various ways to be hereinafter considered, made known to him; for his acceptance thereof, and obedience thereto, are optional with him, as he is endowed with the power of choice. Deut. 30:10-20; Micah 6:8. Let it be known, however, and always remembered, that it is the will of God that all who submit thereto shall continue to exist, while all who reject it must cease to exist. Isa. 1:19, 20. His commandment is life everlasting to those who obey it (Luke 10:25-28); but condemnation to those who disobey (John 12:47-50). And so it is that His word never returns to Him void, but always accomplishes His purpose. Isa. 55:10, 11.

Thus "He worketh all things after the counsel of His own will;" for His counsel shall stand forever, and He will do all His pleasure. Eph. 1:11; Isa. 46:9, 10; Ps. 33:11; 115:3; Prov. 19:21; 16:4; 21:30. Like the potter among his vessels, He, as Creator, has the power and the right to preserve or to destroy any or every vessel according to His own will. Jer. 18:1-10; Isa. 29:13-16; 45:9-12; 64:8; Rom. 9:19-23. The entire ninth, tenth, and eleventh chapters of Romans, with parallel and connecting passages, should be carefully and prayerfully studied in this connection, for therein it is very plainly shown that God's decision, with reference to the preservation or destruction of any object or individual, is always in strict accordance with its fitness or unfitness for continued existence.

God's Law in Nature.

It is self-evident that the expression of the plan, purpose, desire, or will of the Creator concerning any object or being is His law for the government and control of that object or being, and compliance therewith is the condition of continued existence. Furthermore, every form and manifestation of law and authority, whether it be natural or spiritual, political or ecclesiastical, human or divine, expresses the nature, character, and attributes of its author.

It has been truly said that "the laws of nature are the habits of God." Count the notches on the border of a leaf, or the scales on a fish, and you know the number on each and every unmarred specimen of the same species. A young artist who proudly submitted his masterpiece—a painting of a partridge—to an experienced ornithologist, was much crestfallen when told that it was not true to nature; there was not the correct number of scales on the legs. The careful student had learned that the plan, will, or law of the Creator required a certain number.

While following the stars in their courses, Kepler, realizing that they move in obedience to the Creator's will or law, exclaimed, "O God, I think Thy thoughts after Thee." And so it is that the skill, wisdom, power, order, system, and unchanging faithfulness of the Creator are expressed in the laws that regulate motion, number, color, and form, in the works of His hands. How passing strange that so many of the beings to whom He has given the power of choice, and to whom "He makes known the good pleasure of His will," "for the obedience of faith," should reject it to their own destruction, when acceptance of, and obedience thereto, would secure to themselves "pleasures forevermore."

(To be continued.)