Scriptural Support for the Doctrine of Concurrence
The doctrine of concurrence refers to the theological concept that God is actively involved in the world, working alongside human actions and natural events to achieve His purposes. This doctrine is rooted in various biblical passages that illustrate God's sovereignty and human responsibility.
One key biblical anchor for the doctrine of concurrence is found in the writings of the Apostle Paul, particularly in his discussion of perseverance and suffering in Romans 5:3-4. Here, Paul notes that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope [1]. This passage highlights the idea that God is at work in the lives of believers, even in the midst of trials and hardships.
The book of Hebrews also provides significant scriptural support for the doctrine of concurrence. Hebrews 12:1 encourages believers to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us," surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses" [2]. This imagery suggests that God is actively involved in the lives of believers, enabling them to persevere through challenges.
Reformed theologians, such as John Calvin, have interpreted these passages as evidence of God's concurrence with human actions. Calvin notes that God "fights against us and for us" in the sense that He provides believers with the strength to resist temptation and overcome adversity [5]. This understanding of concurrence emphasizes God's sovereignty and human responsibility.
In his commentary on Philippians, Calvin further develops this idea, arguing that believers are "armed with the shield of faith" to repel the enemy and that faith is both their "panoply and victory" [7]. This perspective underscores the notion that God is actively working in the lives of believers to achieve His purposes.
The doctrine of concurrence is also reflected in the Methodist/Wesleyan tradition. Adam Clarke, a prominent Methodist commentator, notes that suffering and trials can have a positive effect on believers, enabling them to develop perseverance and character [4]. This understanding is consistent with the Reformed perspective, highlighting the complex interplay between God's sovereignty and human responsibility.
The biblical concept of warfare also informs the doctrine of concurrence. Torrey's Topical Textbook cites various passages that illustrate God's involvement in human conflict, including Exodus 17:16 and Numbers 31:1-2 [3]. These examples demonstrate God's active role in human affairs, working to achieve His purposes through various means.
The doctrine of concurrence has significant implications for Christian theology and practice. It underscores the idea that God is not distant or detached from the world but is actively engaged in shaping events and guiding human actions. As Calvin notes, this understanding should encourage believers to trust in God's providence and to persevere in the face of adversity [6].
Sources
- Romans “and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: -- Romans 5:4”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 12:1 (YLT) — Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us, every weight having put off, and the closely besetting sin, through endurance may we run the contest that is set before us,”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: War — Antiquity of -- Ge 14:2. Originates in the lusts of men -- Jas 4:1. A time for -- Ec 3:8. God Frequently ordered. -- Ex 17:16; Nu 31:1,2; De 7:1,2; 1Sa 15:1-3. Taught His people the art of. -- 2Sa 22:35. Strengthens His people for. -- Le 26:7,8. Gives the victory in. -- Nu 21:3; De 2:33; 3:3; 2Sa 23:10; Pr 21:31. Causes to cease. -- Ps 46:9. Scatters those who delight in. -- Ps 68:30. Large armies frequently engaged in -- 2Ch 13:3; 14:9. Weapons used in -- Jos 1:14; Jdj 18:11. Preceded by Consultation. -- Lu 14:31; Pr 24:6. Great preparation. -- Joe 3:9. Rumors”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 2:18: For in that he himself hath suffered - The maxim on which this verse is founded is the following: A state of suffering disposes persons to be compassionate, and those who endure most afflictions are they who feel most for others. The apostle argues that, among other causes, it was necessary that Jesus Christ should partake of human nature, exposed to trials, persecutions, and various sufferings, that he might the better feel for and be led to succor those who are afflicted and sorely tried. This sentiment is well expressed by a Roman poet: - Me quoque per multas s”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2 (Gen 24-50), section 9.16: it is easy to untie the knot. For we do not fight against him, except by his own power, and with his own weapons; for he, having challenged us to this contest, at the same time furnishes us with means of resistance, so that he both fights against us and for us. In short, such is his apportioning of it is conflict, that, while he assails us with one hand, he defends us with the other; yea, inasmuch as he supplies us with more strength to resist than he employs in opposing us, we may truly and properly say, that he fights against u”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2 (Gen 24-50), section 9.15: dust, because in wrestling the dust is raised. — Gesenius. Although this vision was particularly useful to Jacob himself, to teach him beforehand that many conflicts awaited him, and that he might certainly conclude that he should be the conqueror in them all; there is yet not the least doubt that the Lord exhibited, in his person, a specimen of the temptations — common to all his people — which await them, and must be constantly submitted to, in this transitory life. Wherefore it is right to keep in view this designs of the visi”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 9.3: warfare we are armed with the shield of faith , ( Ephesians 6:16 ,) for repelling the enemy; nay, more, faith is both our panoply and our victory. Hence he added this clause, that he might shew what is the end of a pious connection. The wicked, too, conspire together for evil, but their agreement is accursed: let us, therefore, contend with one mind under the banner of faith. 28 And in nothing terrified . The second thing which he recommends to the Philippians is fortitude of mind, 84 84 “ La force et constance de c”