Of the providence of God (Second Helvetic Confession, 6c)
This article by Ronald Cammenga expounds on Chapter 6 of the Second Helvetic Confession regarding God's divine providence, demonstrating how Reformed theology affirms both God's sovereign governance of all things and the proper use of means appointed by Him. Through careful exegesis of biblical examples (Paul's voyage, Saul meeting Samuel, James's teaching on future planning), Cammenga shows that belief in providence does not negate human effort and responsibility, but rather grounds them in God's ordained purposes.
Previous article in this series: May 15, 2018, p. 373. Means not to be despised Nevertheless, we do not spurn as useless the means by which divine providence works, but we teach that we are to adapt ourselves to them in so far as they are recommended to us in the Word of God. Wherefore we disapprove of the rash statements of those who say that if all things are managed by the providence of God, then our efforts and endeavors are in vain. It will be sufficient if we leave everything to the...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org