Predestination and Providence: Before the worlds were created, the eternal God, for the glory of His great Name, determined everything that shall ever come to pass. "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory forever. Amen" (Romans 11:36). This is His decree of predestination. Throughout the ages, God executes His will and carries out His eternal decree with wisdom, precision and limitless power. This is the doctrine of providence. Hear what the Lord says about Himself in Isaiah 46:11. "I have purposed" - that is His eternal, unchanging decree of predestination. "I will also bring it to pass" - that is His unstoppable and unfailing providence. That which was purposed shall not fail to come to pass, and that which comes to pass happens because it was ordained. God determined all things from the beginning, and He is directing all things toward the end He eternally appointed. - Don Fortner is pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Danville, KY