One thing that is crystal clear in the scriptures is that the one true and living GOD who is described in its pages is an absolute SOVEREIGN whose will shall be done in the earth as it is in the heavens. To this end we are instructed to pray in the model prayer which the LORD gave to HIS disciples when they enquired about how they should pray. True prayer is only manifested when it is done according to HIS will as John tells us, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” (1John 5:14) Thus, if we are instructed to pray that HIS will be done; then indeed it must be done, lest HE has instructed HIS disciples wrongly in the matter of prayer.
I never cease to be amazed that there should even be any sort of controversy among those who profess to believe in the GOD of the Bible, about this matter of whether or not the will of GOD shall always be done. We would ask those who oppose this concept to instruct us as to how one can say that GOD is in control of the world if HE does not cause all things to occur according to HIS own will and purpose. The god of man’s imagination may hope for his will to be done but HE who rules in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth cannot in anywise be thwarted from doing all things according to HIS will as Nebuchanezzar testified, in Daniel 4:35.
When we read GOD’s own testimony of HIMSELF, HE is neither equivocal nor ashamed in declaring HIS own determination to bring all things to pass according to the good pleasure of HIS will. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isa 46:9-11)
The first fourteen times the phrase “I will” is found in the book of Genesis are all spoken directly by the mouth of GOD. HE said, “I will” (2:18) make a help meet for the man, as HE created Eve, the mother of all living and a type of the bride of CHRIST. In this HE manifested HIS determination to redeem those given to CHRIST. HE said “I will” (3:15) put enmity between the seed of Satan and those of the woman, thus illustrating HIS determination to make a difference between those HE chose in CHRIST and those who are of their father the devil, (i.e.; the reprobate) as well as manifesting the natural enmity of men against the HOLY ONE, and HIS ordained triumph over the prince of darkness and the man of the flesh.
HE said, “I will” (3:16) as HE caused the woman to have labor and pain in bringing forth children, manifesting the sorrow of this sinful world and pointing to the ONE who would be a MAN of SORROWS and acquainted with grief. HE also manifested HIS purpose for the woman to be subject to the man, thus illustrating the submission of the bride of CHRIST to her HUSBAND and HIS loving rule over her as the very apple of HIS eye. HE said “I will” destroy man. (6:7,13) in order to demonstrate HIS prerogative to do with HIS own as HE sees fit, making some vessels unto honor and some to dishonor. HE also would manifest HIS hatred of the wickedness of the flesh and HIS destruction of evil doers contrasted with HIS deliverance of those who found grace in HIS sight, being eight souls , against the multitude ordained unto destruction.
HE said “I will” cause it to rain upon the earth, (7:4) manifesting HIS sovereign purpose to ordain the means of destruction as well as HIS determination to utterly destroy all who are outside of the covenant of mercy and grace. HE said “I will” neither curse the ground anymore nor cause all flesh to be destroyed by water, (8:21) thus declaring HIS mercy towards all of those who are ordained to be the recipients of HIS mercy. For Noah’s family came forth from the ark and were greeted by this promise of GOD as HE said “I will” establish MY covenant. (9:11) In this HE set forth both HIS power and HIS purpose to make an everlasting and unconditional covenant which depended solely upon HIS power to establish it as well as to implement it. This is spoken of by the Psalmist when he said, “Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.” (Psa 3:8)
HE set HIS bow in the clouds saying, “I will” remember my covenant (9:15) thus manifesting the tender mercies of GOD in applying HIS salvation to HIS people. HE said “I will” look upon the bow (9:16), thus declaring that HE has regard to the very covenant of promise which HE designed and established and therefore will not at all abandon. Even as we read in Hebrews, “Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.” (Heb 6:17-18) Thus we see that GOD will be obligated only to that which HE does willingly have regard to, even being the redemptive work of JESUS CHRIST upon which all of the promises of GOD to HIS people does fully rest. HE has sworn by HIMSELF for HE could swear by no greater.
Thus we see HIM tell Abram, “I will” shew thee a land. (12:1) The LORD JESUS said to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) This is a “kingdom” or “land” which cannot be “seen” by the natural eye of man, and must be revealed by the LORD HIMSELF. HE both commands HIS people to come unto HIM and “shews” them the WAY by the revelation of HIS SPIRIT as HE told Nicodemus in John 3:8.
Then HE said, “I will” make of THEE a great nation and exalt THEE. (12:2) Thus HE manifests HIS purpose to give the Kingdom to HIS SON and to make those who are hidden in HIM both heirs and joint heirs of the covenant of REDEMPTION as we read in Galatians 3:16. HE said, “I will” bless THEE (12:3) and in THEE shall all families in the earth be blessed. Thus we read that John saw a multitude praising the LAMB and saying “Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Rev 5:9) Indeed CHRIST is the SAVIOR of the world, “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” (Col 3:11) “God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Php 2:9-11)
And so we read in Hebrews 10:16-17, that HE said, “I will” make this covenant. “HE is the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our FAITH.” HE said “I will” put the law in their hearts. GOD does perform the work of salvation in HIS people. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Rom 8:2) HE said, “I will” write them in their minds. Thus Paul says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2Tim 1:7) HE said, “I will” remember their sins no more. If GOD has cast their sins away who can bring them back. “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24) Who or what can overturn it?
mam