Casting Lots: Should God's People Do It?

While casting lots was a practice used in ancient times, often under direct divine appointment and with the expectation of God's interposition, it is generally not the recommended course of action for God's people today to determine important mattersSBD Lot.2+1.

Here's why relying on casting lots is discouraged:

• Not God's Current Order For guiding the church and making significant decisions, it is clearly stated that casting lots for church officers is not in God's order, and we have plain "Thus saith the Lord" in the Bible regarding all church duties6BC 1054.7+3.

• Enemy Influence Relying on devices like tossing a coin for direction is seen as "well pleasing to the enemy of souls," as Satan can work through such means to control outcomes and advance his plans6BC 1054.7. This method can lead one to be easily deceived and to place confidence in unreliable tests6BC 1054.7.

• Belittles Experience and Divine Guidance Using such "cheap devices" for important matters related to God's work can belittle one's spiritual experience6BC 1054.7. Instead, God desires that decisions be made through earnest prayer, careful study of His Word, wise counsel from experienced brethren, and following the conviction of the Holy Spirit's guidance21MR 336.3+3.

• Focus on Human Desires When God is not consulted, human feelings, desires, and passions can override sound judgment, leading to misguided choices and dishonor to GodTSB 16.2. For instance, a person who decides all business affairs and daily matters by tossing a coin runs the risk of disastrous outcomesSpTB17a 14.2+1.

Historical Context of Lots in Scripture

It's important to acknowledge that lots were indeed used in the Old Testament for various purposes under specific divine direction:

• Division of Land The land of Canaan was divided by lot among the tribes of Israel, as commanded by the Lord Numbers 26:55+2KJV — Numbers 26:55+4.

• Detection of Guilt Lots were cast to detect offenders, such as Achan, after a transgression had brought trouble upon Israel Joshua 7:14+1EP 351.2+4.

• Appointment of Leaders Saul was chosen as king by lot 1 Samuel 10:20-21EP 443.1+1. Priestly offices in the temple service were also distributed by lot 1 Chronicles 24:3+3LTJMB2 30.1+2.

• Day of Atonement Two goats were brought for a sin offering, and lots were cast to determine which would be for the Lord and which for the scapegoat (Azazel) Leviticus 16:8EP 246.4+13.

• New Testament Example In the New Testament, Matthias was chosen by lot to replace Judas as an apostle, after prayer for divine guidance Acts 1:24-26GCB June 1, 1909, par. 6+2.

Even in these instances, the use of lots was connected with the expectation of divine control and judgment, as reflected in Proverbs 16:33 which states, "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD"HBS 483.5+2.

The Recommended Path for Decisions

Instead of casting lots, we are encouraged to seek guidance through:

• Prayer and Scripture Study Reading the Bible with much prayer is fundamental6BC 1054.7+1.

• Humble Self-Examination We should humble ourselves before God, deal gently with one another, and allow the Holy Spirit's guidance to shape our will and mind to be in harmony with God's will2SM 328.6+1.

• Wise Counsel Seeking advice from brethren with excellent judgment and pure, unbiased influence is valuable21LtMs, Lt 408, 1906, par. 6.

• Personal Responsibility Each individual is responsible for forming a character that will stand the test of judgment and for making decisions that determine their eternal destiny1SAT 236.2+7.

Ultimately, God desires us to make decisions by exercising judgment, seeking His wisdom, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, rather than relying on chance or methods that can be influenced by the enemy6BC 1054.7+2.