Theology Proper (Doctrine of God): Works of God in Creation, Providence, and Miracles
1. Divine Purpose in God’s Works
The works of God are never random or disconnected but arise from his eternal purpose. Isaiah declares, “This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all nations. For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who shall annul it?” (Isaiah 14:26–27). Paul likewise affirms, “In him we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11).
God’s purposes encompass all nations and individuals, “declaring the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10). Nothing surprises him, not even the entrance of sin into creation. He made mankind as free moral agents, and though disobedience brought depravity and suffering, he overrules evil for good. Joseph told his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Likewise, Daniel in the lions’ den and the three Hebrews in the furnace reveal divine sovereignty guiding all things for the blessing of his people and the glory of his name.
This purpose is most clearly displayed in the plan of redemption. Peter writes that Christ was “foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you” (1 Peter 1:20). God’s covenant plan culminates in Christ and his church, “according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:11). From eternity past, God purposed to glorify himself through a redeemed people conformed to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29).
The Gospel, then, is not an afterthought but the center of divine purpose. Though nations rise and fall according to God’s appointed times (Acts 17:26), the culmination of history is already secured in Christ. The promise of eternal life, “which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began” (Titus 1:2), ensures that his purposes cannot fail.
2. Creation as the Work of God
Creation is the foundational work of God. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The Hebrew verb bara is reserved for God’s activity, describing the bringing into existence of what did not exist before. Hebrews 11:3 echoes this truth: “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
The whole Trinity is involved in this work. The Father speaks, the Spirit hovers over the waters (Genesis 1:2), and the Son is declared to be the agent of creation: “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Paul expands, “By him all things were created … all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16). Creation is not impersonal matter but the handiwork of a personal God whose eternal love already existed before “the foundation of the world” (John 17:24).
The work of creation also anticipates the work of redemption. Peter testifies that Christ was chosen “before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:20). God’s plan to create and God’s plan to redeem are bound together, leading toward a new creation where righteousness dwells. Revelation 21 promises a new heaven and new earth where the Lamb reigns forever.
This connection keeps believers from despair in a fallen world. Creation is not purposeless matter but the stage for God’s redemptive drama. The very heavens declare his glory (Psalm 19:1), and the earth awaits renewal when Christ returns. To confess God as Creator is to confess him also as Redeemer, the one who made all things and who will remake all things through Christ.
3. Providence and Preservation
God’s providence is his continual care for creation, preserving and governing all things he has made. Jesus taught, “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). Paul likewise proclaimed that God “did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17).
Providence means that creation is not self-sustaining. Colossians 1:17 declares of Christ: “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Preservation, then, is the ongoing act by which God maintains existence itself. Without his sustaining hand, the universe would collapse.
Scripture shows this providential rule in several areas:
Over nature: “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle” (Psalm 104:14). Seasons, winds, and rains are not accidents but his design.
Over animals: “The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God” (Psalm 104:21). Even creatures depend daily on his care.
Over nations: “For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28). Cyrus was named by Isaiah long before his birth (Isaiah 44:28), showing God’s hand in history.
Over individuals: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5). Even the hairs of our head are numbered (Matthew 10:30).
Over success and failure: “He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate” (Luke 1:52). Promotion comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:7).
Over protection: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).
Over provision: “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Over prayer: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8).
Over final judgment: “The Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” (Psalm 1:6).
Providence confronts human anxiety with divine certainty. Jesus assured, “Not one sparrow will fall to the ground apart from your Father … Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29–31). To trust in providence is to rest in the Gospel, knowing that the God who gave his Son will also govern history for the good of his people (Romans 8:28–32).
4. Miracles as Extraordinary Works of God
Alongside creation and providence, the Bible also speaks of miracles—special works of God that display his power in redemptive history. Miracles are not violations of natural law but God’s sovereign interruptions for his purposes. They reveal his covenant presence and confirm his Word.
The Exodus stands as the great Old Testament miracle, demonstrating Yahweh’s power over Egypt and his covenant faithfulness to redeem his people (Exodus 14:21–31). In the New Testament, miracles center on Christ, who healed the sick, calmed storms, and raised the dead, showing that the kingdom of God had arrived. His resurrection is the climactic miracle, “declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4).
Miracles point beyond themselves to the Gospel. They are signs of the greater redemption in Christ. As Peter declared at Pentecost, Jesus was “a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs” (Acts 2:22). These signs confirmed that he is the Yahweh of Israel now revealed in the flesh.
5. Works of God and the Gospel
The works of God—creation, providence, and miracles—are united in Christ. Creation finds its goal in him, providence works for the good of his church, and miracles testify to his kingdom. From eternity, God purposed redemption, and in Christ the fullness of that purpose is revealed.
Therefore, theology proper is never abstract. To speak of the works of God is to confess the Gospel: that the Creator who made all things and upholds all things has acted in Christ to save his people. This same God will bring creation to its consummation when Christ returns, the new heavens and new earth appear, and God’s dwelling is with man (Revelation 21:3).
Bible Verses on the Works of God
Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Isaiah 46:10 – “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”
John 1:3 – “All things were made through him.”
Acts 17:26 – “He made from one man every nation of mankind … having determined allotted periods.”
Colossians 1:16–17 – “In him all things hold together.”
Matthew 5:45 – “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good.”
Psalm 104:14 – “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle.”
Romans 8:28 – “All things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Hebrews 11:3 – “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God.”
Revelation 21:3 – “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.”
