FAQs
Theologians discuss God's one will in two main ways—his secret will and his revealed will. His secret will (sometimes referred to as his hidden or decretive will) refers to the fact that God is sovereign and rules meticulously over all. Nothing happens outside of his perfect will.
Does God have a secret will? ›
And it's true: God does have a secret will for your life. As it says in Deuteronomy 29:29, there are “The secret things [that] belong to the Lord”—this is what theologians are referring to when they talk about the hidden will of God.
What is God's revealed will in the Bible? ›
God's revealed will is found in the Bible. The will of God for us today is revealed in the Great Commandment: It is God's will that we love the Lord with all our hearts and that we love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:29-31).
What are the 4 wills of God in the Bible? ›
Emerson Eggerichs, author of The 4 Wills of God, explains the key is to follow the Lord's universally-revealed four wills, as summarized by the acronym "BAGS." Believe in Jesus Christ. Abstain from sexual sin. Give thanks in everything. Submit and do what's right.
What are the 3 will of God? ›
According to Weatherhead, there are three ways in which you can categorize the will of God: Intentional, Permissive, and Ultimate.
What are the two wills of God? ›
As we read the Bible, we quickly discover two ways in which God “wills” human events to happen. Theologians have sometimes called them God's SECRET WILL and God's REVEALED WILL.
How do I know if it's God's will or mine? ›
The most obvious answer to the question, “How can I know God's will for my life?” is to ask Him. Turn to God in prayer and ask Him what He wants you to do. God wants you to go through the process of seeking His will without believing the lie that He is trying to hide it from you.
Can someone have a secret will? ›
The bottom line is that your husband can make a will without your knowledge, as can you. Under the law, a person making a will (or signing a power of attorney) must be of sound mind — also known as “testamentary capacity” — and not under or subject to duress, restraint, fraud or undue influence.
How do I know God's will for my life? ›
Forks in the Road
- First, commit your decision to God. Make it a matter of regular prayer, asking God to guide you and make His will known to you.
- Second, read the Scriptures. ...
- Third, understand your circ*mstances. ...
- Fourth, seek godly advice. ...
- Fifth, trust the Holy Spirit's guidance. ...
- Finally, trust God for the outcome.
How to discern God's will? ›
Discerning God's will involves sifting through your desires and using the data and information you've gathered on each choice before making your decision. When you see the option that brings an increase of faith hope and love to your life, you can have faith and trust in your decision, knowing it's from God.
Luke 12:2-3 New Century Version (NCV)
Everything that is hidden will be shown, and everything that is secret will be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an inner room will be shouted from the housetops.
What's the difference between God's will and God's plan? ›
One thing we need to understand is the difference between God's will and God's plan. I believe that God's will is the same for everyone. However, God also has a divine plan for each of our lives. Sadly, most of us never see that plan come to fruition due to our own pride and sin.
What is the secret of God's will? ›
God's hidden will refers to what He has secretly decreed from eternity past. In His infinite knowledge, the Lord knew all that would come to pass. In His sovereign power, He has ordained events, and nothing happens outside of His hand.
What is God's predestined will? ›
Predestination, in theology, is the doctrine that all events have been willed by God, usually with reference to the eventual fate of the individual soul. Explanations of predestination often seek to address the paradox of free will, whereby God's omniscience seems incompatible with human free will.
How does the Bible define God's will? ›
God's will can also be viewed from its active side as his conscious "deciding, " "willing, " and "choosing" to do something. The Old Testament. The affirmation that there exists with the God of Israel a will that is resolute and bears on his actions and the life of his people is made in all parts of the Old Testament.
What is done in secret will be brought to light scripture? ›
ESV For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. NIV For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.
What is the meaning of God's will? ›
God's will can also be viewed from its active side as his conscious "deciding, " "willing, " and "choosing" to do something. The Old Testament. The affirmation that there exists with the God of Israel a will that is resolute and bears on his actions and the life of his people is made in all parts of the Old Testament.
What is done in secret God will reward you openly? ›
Matthew 6:3-4 King James Version (KJV)
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
What does it mean the Lord will discover their secret parts? ›
“Discover their secret parts.” An idiom meaning that their wickedness would be exposed; the Lord would put them to shame or humiliate them by exposing their nakedness.