Balancing Human Examples with God's Sovereign Will Theologically
Balancing Human Examples with God's Sovereign Will Theologically
The concept of balancing human examples with God's sovereign will is rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize both human agency and divine providence. The Bible presents numerous instances where human actions are encouraged as examples to follow, while also affirming God's sovereignty over all events.
The biblical narrative often highlights the importance of human examples, particularly that of Christ, as a model for Christian living. Christ's life and teachings are presented as a perfect example of obedience, humility, and love [2]. Believers are encouraged to follow his example, as seen in passages such as 1 Peter 1:15-16, which exhorts believers to be holy as Christ is holy. The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of imitating Christ, writing that believers should have the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5).
However, alongside the emphasis on human examples, the Bible also underscores God's sovereign will. Passages such as Ephesians 1:11 and Romans 9:20-21 highlight God's sovereignty over all things, including human decisions and actions. The Psalmist acknowledges God's sovereignty, stating that "the Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth" (Psalm 135:6) [1].
The tension between human agency and divine sovereignty is a recurring theme in biblical interpretation. Some traditions interpret biblical teachings on human responsibility and divine sovereignty as complementary aspects of a complex reality. For instance, John Gill notes that God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility, citing Psalm 73:16, where the Psalmist grapples with understanding God's ways [6].
The book of Job provides a significant exploration of this tension. Job's experiences and dialogues with his friends raise questions about the balance between human actions and God's sovereign will. Job's own declarations, such as his desire to be weighed in "balances of righteousness" (Job 31:6), reflect his struggle to understand God's justice [3].
In the New Testament, the author of Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate example of faithfulness, encouraging believers to endure by imitating him (Hebrews 12:1-3) [5]. This call to imitation is set within the context of God's sovereign will, as evidenced by the preceding chapter's discussion of faith and the examples of Old Testament figures.
Theological traditions have grappled with balancing these aspects. The Puritan tradition, represented by commentators like Matthew Henry, emphasizes the importance of human piety and the pursuit of understanding God's ways, while also acknowledging God's sovereignty [4]. Similarly, Reformed theologians like John Gill stress the role of divine sovereignty in human affairs.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Righteousness of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ps 7:9; 116:5; 119:137. Described as Very high. -- Ps 71:19. Abundant. -- Ps 48:10. Beyond computation. -- Ps 71:15. Everlasting. -- Ps 119:142. Enduring for ever. -- Ps 111:3. The habitation of his throne. -- Ps 97:2. Christ acknowledged -- Joh 17:25. Christ committed his cause to -- 1Pe 2:23. Angels acknowledge -- Re 16:5. Exhibited in His testimonies. -- Ps 119:138,144. His commandments. -- De 4:8; Ps 119:172. His judgments. -- Ps 19:9; 119:7,62. His word. -- Ps 119:123. His ways. -- Ps 145:17. His acts. -- J”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Example of Christ, The — Is perfect -- Heb 7:26. Conformity to, required in Holiness. -- 1Pe 1:15,16; Ro 1:6. Righteousness. -- 1Jo 2:6. Purity. -- 1Jo 3:3. Love. -- Joh 13:34; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 3:16. Humility. -- Lu 22:27; Php 2:5,7. Meekness. -- Mt 11:29. Obedience. -- Joh 15:10. Self-denial. -- Mt 16:24; Ro 15:3. Ministering to others. -- Mt 20:28; Joh 13:14,15. Benevolence. -- Ac 20:35; 2Co 8:7,9. Forgiving injuries. -- Col 3:13. Overcoming the world. -- Joh 16:33; 1Jo 5:4. Being not of the world. -- Joh 17:16. Being guileless. -- 1Pe 2:21-22. Suffering wrongfully. --”
- Job “Job 31:6 (Rotherham) — Let him weigh me in balances of righteousness,—and let GOD take note of mine integrity!”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 8 (introduction): This psalm is a solemn meditation on, and admiration of, the glory and greatness of God, of which we are all concerned to think highly and honourably. It begins and ends with the same acknowledgment of the transcendent excellency of God's name. It is proposed for proof (Psa 8:1) that God's name is excellent in all the earth, and then it is repeated as proved (with a "quod erat demonstrandum" - which was to be demonstrated) in the last verse. For the proof of God's glory the psalmist gives instances of his goodness to man; for God's goodness is his glor”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 73:16: When I thought to know this,.... How to reconcile the prosperity of the wicked, and the afflictions of the righteous, to the perfections of God, and his wise providence in the government of the world, by the mere dint of reason, without consulting the sacred oracles, or his own and others' experience: it was too painful for me: too laborious and toilsome, a work he was not equal to; "hic labor, hoc opus"; see Ecc 8:17.”