Dr. David T. Crum is an Assistant Professor of History at Truett-McConnell University. In addition to the B.S. degree, Dr. Crum holds two M.A. degrees (Theological Studies and History, respectively) and the earned Doctor of Philosophy degree in Historical Theology.
The very idea of providence separates deists and theists. Even more, within the Reformed community, the term providence holds two distinct titles: (1) a doctrine that explains God’s involvement in history and current events and (2) a name given to the Lord Himself. Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson regularly referred to God as Providence, as have past American leaders such as George Washington and Calvin Coolidge.
In the Reformed tradition, Loraine Boettner, a highly respected theologian of the 20th century, made considerable contributions to the study of providence. It is clear that once Christians understand providence correctly, their recollection of the past and comprehension of current events change. What role does man play in creation? Do events occur by chance? Providence holds the answers to all these questions. Throughout history, God’s providence has revealed His will.
Defining Providence
Inarguably, Loraine Boettner’s most notable work was his book, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination (1932). What began as a student’s theological research project became a top-selling analysis of the Reformed faith. In this classic, chapter five deals specifically with the idea of providence.
Boettner wrote, “The Scriptures very clearly teach that all things outside of God owe not merely their original creation, but their continued existence, with all their properties and powers, to the will of God… All things, both in heaven and earth, from the seraphim down to the tiny atom, are ordered by His never-failing providence.”[1] Boettner’s understanding of the doctrine is in line with the great reformers such as Luther and Calvin, but also with prominent members of the early church. John Calvin taught:
“There is no random power, or agency, or motion in the creatures, who are so governed by the secret counsel of God, that nothing happens but what he has knowingly and willingly decreed... Let the reader remember that the providence we mean is not one by which the Deity, sitting idly in heaven, looks on at what is taking place in the world, but one by which he, as it were, holds the helm, and overrules all events. Hence his providence extends not less to the hand than to the eye.”[2]
Thomas Aquinas argued, “For we say more appropriately that a blacksmith rather than his hammer makes a knife. God is also directly related to all the effects insofar as he is intrinsically the cause of existing and preserves all things in existing.”[3] Boettner’s reliance on Charles Hodge’s explanation appears to model Calvin’s and Aquinas’ understanding:
“He [God] is present in every blade of grass… present also in every human soul, giving it understanding, endowing it with gifts, working in it both to will and to do. The human heart is in His hands, and he turneth it even as the rivers of water are turned.”[4]
Although seemingly simple yet complex to fully understand, the complete comprehension of life’s multifaceted nature, encompassing everything from mankind’s existence to earthly weather patterns, is under God’s control. Boettner concluded, “God is no mere spectator of the universe He has made, but it everywhere present and active, the all-sustaining ground, and all-governing power of all that is.”[5]
Providence in Daily Affairs
Embracing the idea and reality of providence enables complete submission to God’s sovereignty and reliance on Him, knowing that in the most pressing times, the Creator carries out His divine plan. In death, for instance, Boettner taught, “Some speak of the problem of death. For the Christian, there should be no problem of death than there is a problem of faded flowers or of a clouded sky. God has made this so clear in His word that there can be no grounds to question it.”[6] A person’s time of death and circumstances of their departure are at the mercy and will of God.
Boettner’s teachings make it clear that submitting to providence further assists the believer in respecting God’s authority and remaining as a submission mechanism for fallen creation. Christians have always found themselves praying for guidance, health, and a deliverance from evil. This practice has accompanied the church from its existence and was a direct command from the Lord Himself (John 14:13). Biblical figures such as David and Daniel likewise relied on constant petitions to God.
Providence plays a part in hard times and inexplicable events—both joyful and blessed. Boettner argued every believer knows there have been times when the Divine intervened in the most intimate manner. Boettner taught, “God is no less sovereign in the distribution of His favors. He does what He will with His own. To some He gives riches, to others honor, to others health, to others certain talents for music, oratory, art, finance, statesmanship, etc.”[7] God’s plan includes all creation, believers or not, regardless of their acceptance. Boettner wrote, “Individual personalities and second causes are fully recognized, not as independent of God, but as having their proper place in His plan.”[8]
In another work titled Studies in Theology (1947), Boettner went further, “There is another class of events recorded in Scripture which may be more accurately referred to not as miracles but as extraordinary providences.”[9] Adding, “the importance of these events is not lessened by their being put in a separate class, for while not strictly miraculous, they do give clear evidence of Divine intervention.”[10] Instances like Daniel’s preservation in the lions’ den demonstrate God’s deliberate and purposeful involvement in creation to achieve His will. Boettner continued:
“There was nothing miraculous for instance in the locust plagued considered in itself, for such plagues have continued to visit Egypt even to the present day; but when the plague came at the exact time that Moses as the Lord’s spokesman had said that it would come, and departed at the appointed time, or when the quails came in great numbers to the right place and at the very time Moses had promised or when the walls of Jericho fell at the appointed time, then, these events, taken in connection with the word of the prophet, became as clear evidence of Divine intervention as if they had been pure miracles.”[11]
The terms miraculous and divine are relatively interchangeable. The point is that God was at work. Many accept divine intervention in life, irrespective of social standing or status. President Calvin Coolidge wrote in his autobiography:
“Any man who has been placed in the White House can not feel that it is the result of his own exertions or his own merit. Some power outside and beyond him becomes manifest through him. As he contemplates the workings of his office, he comes to realize with an increasing sense of humility that he is but an instrument in the hands of God.”[12]
Coolidge interestingly aligned with Scripture, notably Romans 13 and Colossians 1:16, in surrendering to divine providence. Coolidge’s perspective, in line with Boettner’s teachings, sees government and appointed officials as under God’s authority. Although God’s plans are often difficult to understand, Boettner saw providence as the essence of God’s character and attributes. Not only do the doctrine and teachings of providence call for a Creator and active God, but they also argue for world events to be at His mercy.
Providence in History
Aside from personal attributes and daily life, divine providence also relates to history and its understanding of historical events. Here, Boettner excels at giving God the proper acclamations of not only the Savior of the world but the Creator of all historical events. Quoting B.B. Warfield, he wrote, “Every historical event is rather treated as an item in the orderly carrying out of an underlying Divine purpose; and the historian is continually aware of the presence in history of Him who gives even the lightning a charge to strike the mark (Job 36:32).”[13]
Plainly, if one seeks to understand God, one should learn history and, notably, the past events of the church. Boettner wrote, “God speaks to us through the developments of Church History which we have seen take place during the past nineteen centuries, in which we have witnessed the transformation of individuals, and of whole nations through the power of the Gospel, a marvelously rich proof of His guidance of His people.”[14]
Boettner’s admiration for the Revolutionary cause was apparent. He noted, “History is eloquent in declaring that American democracy was born of Christianity and that Christianity was Calvinism. The great Revolutionary conflict, which resulted in the formation of the American nation, was carried out mainly by Calvinists.”[15] However, Boettner named other nations, such as England and Australia, historically blessed with freedom and linked to democracy. He argued, “Some [people] are placed in Christian lands where they receive all the benefits of the Gospel others live and die in the darkness of heathenism.”[16]
Life’s events are part of God’s ultimate plan, not chance. Boettner’s logic supports the analysis of Israel’s mere existence, the success of the Reformation, and the flourishing of Christianity in lands that once embraced or allowed its teachings. From Great Britain to the United States, a peculiar relationship between Christianity and freedom and democracy has existed.
Although some question its historical accuracy, the Roman Emperor Constantine opened up the empire to Christianity, as historians argue his visual observation of a cross before a successful battle victory altered his thoughts on Christ and the religion itself. In the same manner, General George Washington claimed a triumph of survival, escaping in clouds of mist at Long Island, in which British forces could have destroyed his entire army. Similar accounts hold true for British troops being rescued in clouds of invisibility from their retreat at Dunkirk during World War II.
God’s involvement in history is clear regardless of the situation or past historical account. Yet, for all the moments of triumph, the critic might ask, what about the injustices done in history, both in the past and present times? Boettner eloquently answers, “The answer to the sins and injustices and unrewarded services of this life is a future life in which there must be a “judgment to come,” such as that which terrified Felix when Paul preached to him (Acts 24:25), a future life in which righteousness and holiness will be the order of all things… No just God could allow a system in which so much evil goes unpunished and so much good unrewarded.”[17] Going further, he explained deliverance from evil found even in death, “Undoubtedly, death has been for many the one way of release from burdens and pains that had become too great to be borne, as with the hopelessly incurable and the aged. For others it has meant escape from suffering or disappointment that would have come to them in later life.”[18]
Understanding divine providence acknowledges God’s proper role in creation. For every blessing, trial, or tribulation, there remains a purpose for life’s events. God’s plan is carried out through His creation, which is made in His image. Boettner’s understanding and teachings of providence sum up all aspects of life whether or not one acknowledges the Lord as God matters not, as each soul is a part of God’s plan in earthly living.
Free Will and Providence
Skeptics might argue that adhering to complete providence interferes with the concept of free will or human freedom. Boettner sees no contradiction, “All that we need to know is that God does govern His creatures and that His control over them is such that no violence is done to their natures. Perhaps the relationship between divine sovereignty and human freedom can best be summed up in these words: God so presents the outside inducements that man acts in accordance with his own nature, yet does exactly what God has planned for him to do.”[19]
Boettner, like Calvin, did not deny free will. However, one must connect a proper understanding of human freedom to God’s sovereignty and plan for creation. He explained, “While the act remains or less to the predisposing agency and efficacy of divine power exerted in lawful ways… His [God’s] will for the course of events is the primary cause and man’s will is the secondary cause; and the two work together in perfect harmony.”[20]
Mankind’s role in creation is always at the providence of God, “His [God’s] decree does not produce the event; but only renders its occurrence certain, and the same decree which determines the certainty of the action at the same times determines the freedom of the agent in the act.”[21] Perhaps Coolidge best illustrated the role of human freedom in relation to providence when he wrote, “As he [the President] contemplates the workings of his office, he comes to realize with an increasing sense of humility that he is but an instrument in the hands of God.”[22] Here, Boettner agreed, “God controls our actions so that they are certain although we act freely.”[23] Quoting Coolidge, mankind is an instrument at the hands and will of God. Concluding, Boettner emphasized:
“The Scriptures teach that Divine sovereignty and human freedom co-operate in perfect harmony; that while God is the sovereign Ruler and primary cause, man is free within the limits of his nature and is the secondary cause; and that God so controls the thoughts and wills of men that they freely and willingly do what He has planned for them to do.”[24]
Boettner used the words “sovereignty” and “providence.” Though similar, sovereignty is God’s rule and authority over all things. Providence inarguably derives from God’s sovereignty in an act to accomplish His will. God certainly uses mankind in every process and actual occurrence; all things align with His plan.
Conclusion
The concept of providence has existed since the days of Moses, with past U.S. presidents noting God’s involvement in daily affairs. Providence occurs in intimate ways, from deemed miracles to tragic events that lead to sorrow. Regardless of the outcome, God accomplishes His will.
In history, God imprinted His hand on His creation, providing examples for future generations, which each offspring often seems to forget. Whether it is a hurricane, famine, or a great war, God’s involvement in mankind is absolute and dictated solely by His will. Providence brings forth wisdom and understanding in the Lord, but it also requires the believer to exercise humility and a humble spirit toward the Savior and Lord Himself. Loraine Boettner’s teachings on providence sum up his theology and understanding of all history, which states that nothing occurs in life outside the will of God.
Although man may possess freedom of will, the Creator has designed every creature with predetermined outcomes. Free will exists for Boettner but in the nature of God’s intended purpose of any said event. God’s sovereignty correlates with providence; God’s direct role in all affairs shows God determines and has dominion and authority over all things.
[1] Loraine Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 1932), 35.
[2] John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, (Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 2008), 116.
[3] Thomas Aquinas, Compendium of Theology, (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009), 106.
[4] Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, 36.
[5] Ibid., 37.
[6] Loraine Boettner, Immortality, (Louisville: GLH Publishing, 2020), 30.
[7] Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, 36.
[8] Ibid., 35.
[9] Loraine Boettner, Studies in Theology (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 1947), 64.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Calvin Coolidge, The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge, (Chicago: Cosmopolitan Book Corp., 1929), 235.
[13] Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, 37.
[14] Boettner, Studies in Theology, 66.
[15] Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, 384.
[16] Ibid., 36.
[17] Boettner, Immortality, 60.
[18] Ibid., 30.
[19] Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, 38.
[20] Ibid., 209.
[21] Ibid., 212.
[22] Coolidge, The Autobiography of Calvin Coolidge, 235.
[23] Boettner, The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination, 212.
[24] Ibid., 222.