![]() ![]() The word providence is built from the word provide, which has two parts: pro (Latin “forward,” “on behalf of”) and vide (Latin “to see”). ![]() John Piper brings a lifetime of theology, Bible meditation, and pastoral ministry to bear on the doctrine of God’s providence, showing how God’s all-pervasive governing of all things glorifies Christ, and is spectacularly good news for those who trust him. 1It is difficult to be certain about the history of a word and why it came to carry its present meaning. ![]() Why was the English word providence chosen to capture this biblical teaching? In reference to God, the word does not occur in most English versions of the Bible (e.g., ESV, KJV, HCSB, NRSV). Historically, the term providence has been used as shorthand for this more specific focus. The focus is on God’s sovereignty considered not simply as powerful but as purposeful. “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (Isa. But we know this, not simply because God is sovereign, but because he is wise, and because the Bible portrays him as having purposes in all he does. Of course, God’s sovereignty is purposeful. ![]() Sovereignty focuses on God’s right and power to do all that he wills, but in itself, it does not express any design or goal. The term sovereignty does not contain the idea of purposeful action, but the term providence does. ![]()
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