The Good of Past Mistakes in God's Plan
The concept that past mistakes can be part of God's plan is rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize God's sovereignty over human actions. According to the scriptures, even the wicked actions of individuals can be turned by God to achieve His purposes [2]. For instance, Josephus reflects on the distinction made by Divine Providence between the righteous Jehoshaphat and the wicked Ahab, demonstrating how God's plans are not thwarted by human sin [2].
The biblical narrative is replete with examples where human mistakes and sinful actions are used by God to fulfill His plans. The story of Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, is a classic example where a grave injustice is turned by God into a means of salvation for many [1]. This theme is echoed in various biblical passages that highlight God's ability to use human actions, whether good or bad, to achieve His ends.
The Protestant academic tradition, as seen in the Tyndale House commentary on Proverbs 27:1, underscores the idea that human plans succeed only when they align with God's will. This perspective emphasizes that it is folly to think that one controls the future without acknowledging God's sovereignty over all events [4]. Similarly, the commentary on Nahum 1:9 notes that no human scheme against God can succeed, reinforcing the notion that human plans are futile if they do not match God's plans [5, 8].
The Baptist/Reformed tradition, represented by John Gill's commentary, also highlights God's sovereignty in using past events, including mistakes and sins, to fulfill His purposes. Gill's interpretation of Acts 3:18 emphasizes that God had foretold the suffering of Christ through the prophets, illustrating how past events, including the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus, were part of God's plan [7].
The biblical text itself provides numerous instances where past mistakes are integral to God's plan. one tradition notes that the wicked are estranged from God from birth, indicating a pervasive corruption that can be used by God to demonstrate His power and redemption [3]. Moreover, the commentary on Hebrews 9:9 explains that the old covenant sacrifices were insufficient to cleanse consciences, pointing to a larger divine plan that includes the redemption through Christ, which was foreshadowed by the failures of the old covenant [6].
Sources
- Genesis “If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.” -- Genesis 4:7”
- Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 15, section 19: that although Ahab hoped Jehoshaphat would be mistaken for him, and run the only risk of being slain in the battle, yet he was entirely disappointed, while still the escape of the good man Jehoshaphat, and the slaughter of the bad man Ahab, demonstrated the great distinction that Divine providence made betwixt them.] 44 (return) [ We have here a very wise reflection of Josephus about Divine Providence, and what is derived from it, prophecy, and the inevitable certainty of its accomplishment; and that when wicked men think they ”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 58:3: The wicked are estranged from the womb,.... Which original corruption of nature accounts for all the wickedness done by men: they are conceived in sin, shapen in iniquity, and are transgressors from the womb; they are alienated from God, and from that godly life which is agreeable to him, and he requires; and from the knowledge and fear of him, and love to him; and they desire not the knowledge of him nor his ways; they are far from his law, and averse to it; and still more so to the Gospel of Christ; the doctrines of which, as well as the great things written in the ”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 27:1: 27:1 We should plan (24:27), but our plans succeed only when God so wills (16:1, 3, 33; Jas 4:13-16). Only fools think that they control the future.”
- Nah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Nah 1:9: 1:9 Why are you scheming: No scheme or human plot against God can succeed. Human plans are worthless if they do not match God’s plans (Ps 2; Isa 14:26-27; 23:9).”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 9:9: 9:9 This is an illustration: The problem with the gifts and sacrifices of the old covenant is that they were not able to cleanse the consciences of the people—they could not remove people’s guilt before a holy God (cp. 9:14; 10:2, 22; 13:18).”
- Acts (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Acts 3:18: But those things which God before had showed,.... In the Scriptures of the Old Testament, concerning the betraying of the Messiah, and his sufferings and death, with the various causes, concomitants, and circumstances of them: by the mouths of all his prophets; which were since the world began; some pointing out one thing or circumstance, and some another: that Christ should suffer. The Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions read, "that his Christ should suffer"; but then they leave out the word "his" in the preceding clause, which they put into this; and this entire cla”
- Nahum (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Nahum 1:9: 1:9 Why are you scheming: No scheme or human plot against God can succeed. Human plans are worthless if they do not match God’s plans (Ps 2; Isa 14:26-27; 23:9).”