Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung: Episode Summary Episode Title: What Are the Divine Decrees? Release Date: March 18, 2025

In this enriching episode of Doctrine Matters, Pastor Kevin DeYoung delves into the profound theological concept of Divine Decrees, unpacking its significance within Christian doctrine, particularly from a Reformed theological perspective. The discussion navigates through definitions, attributes, and the interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of this essential doctrine.

1. Introduction to Divine Decrees

Kevin DeYoung opens the episode by positioning divine decrees within the broader category of theology proper, following previous discussions on God's attributes and the Trinity. The focus shifts to the next logical topic in systematic theology: the Decrees of God.

"[...] we're going to do today is look at this new topic of the divine decrees."
— Kevin DeYoung [00:56]

2. Defining Divine Decree

The podcast defines a divine decree by referencing the Westminster Shorter Catechism, emphasizing that it is God's eternal purpose enacted according to His will and for His glory.

*"The divine decree, in other words, is [...]"
“…God's eternal purpose according to the counsel of his will, whereby for his own glory he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.”
— Unknown Speaker 2 [01:25]-[01:29]

Kevin elaborates that a decree is both an exercise of God's will and an expression of His nature. This duality ensures that God's decrees reflect His character impeccably.

"The divine decrees mirror God's own attributes. Number one, the decrees are simple."
— Unknown Speaker 1 [02:02]

3. Attributes of Divine Decrees

Kevin outlines six key attributes of divine decrees, each mirroring the attributes of God Himself:

a. Simplicity

While often referred to in the plural, there is essentially one comprehensive, simultaneous decree. This challenges human tendencies to perceive God's actions in discrete, sequential events.

"And yet that's just to accommodate our own human intellect, when in reality, the divine decree is a single, all, comprehensive, simultaneous act."
— Unknown Speaker 1 [02:27]-[02:54]

b. Eternality

Divine decrees exist outside of time, in eternity. They are not temporally ordered but are eternally present, challenging our finite understanding of time.

"But strictly speaking, we must be clear that these decrees are eternal."
— Unknown Speaker 1 [03:06]-[03:18]

c. Immutability

God's decrees are unchangeable. He acts consistently according to His will without alteration, underscoring His unchangeable nature.

"So God is not composed of parts. [...] the decrees are eternal."
— Unknown Speaker 1 [02:54]-[03:18]

d. Absoluteness

Divine decrees are absolute and not contingent upon external factors like human foreseen faith or good works. They stand firm irrespective of circumstances.

"His decrees are absolute. [...] They are not contingent upon his creatures."
— Unknown Speakers 1 & 2 [04:07]-[04:33]

e. Wisdom

Despite their absolute nature, God's decrees are wise. They reflect deliberate planning and divine prudence, ensuring that His actions are never arbitrary.

"The decrees are wise. [...] Ephesians 1:11."
— Unknown Speakers 1 & 2 [04:33]-[05:07]

f. Goodness

All decrees are inherently good, even when they encompass seemingly wicked events. God orchestrates all things towards good ends, maintaining His righteous character.

"The decrees are good. [...] In him there is no darkness at all."
— Unknown Speakers 1 & 2 [05:10]-[05:38]

4. Divine Decrees and Human Free Will

This section navigates the intricate relationship between divine sovereignty and human free will, addressing common theological queries and misconceptions.

"Now, how do we think about the decrees related to the freedom of our own will?"
— Unknown Speaker 1 [05:52]

a. Understanding Free Will

Kevin differentiates between types of free will, noting that the commonly debated concept—libertarian free will (the ability to choose otherwise)—is not upheld in Reformed theology.

"If freedom of the will means the philosophical term here is a libertarian free will, that is the power to do otherwise than what God has decreed, then no, we do not have a will that is free in that sense."
— Unknown Speakers 1 & 2 [13:38]-[13:48]

b. Turretin's Six Kinds of Necessity

Quoting theologian Turretin, Kevin outlines six types of necessity, two of which (coaction and physical necessity) are incompatible with free will and human responsibility.

"Turretin... talked about six different kinds of necessity."
— Unknown Speaker 1 [08:11]

This framework helps clarify that while God's decrees are absolute, human wills are not mere puppets or robots; they possess a voluntary aspect despite God's overarching sovereignty.

c. Illustrations to Clarify Free Will

Kevin uses vivid illustrations to dispel misconceptions:

• Puppet Analogy: Rejecting the idea that divine sovereignty reduces humans to puppets lacking a will.

  "That's what we're not saying about the decree of God. That's not what we're saying about the will of God."
  — Unknown Speakers 1 & 2 [11:15]-[12:10]

• Big Brother Illustration: Emphasizing that external coercion does not define human will; instead, believers choose willingly unless physically constrained.

  "We are not robots, we are not puppets on a string."
  — Unknown Speakers 1 & 2 [12:28]-[13:34]

5. Conclusion

Kevin reaffirms the balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, underscoring that while God's decrees are absolute and encompassing, humans retain a meaningful will to make decisions, particularly in matters of faith and obedience.

"Not free. [...] Divine sovereignty does not act in people as if they were blocks and stones, nor does [...]"
— Unknown Speakers 1 & 2 [14:09]-[14:59]

The episode closes with an encouragement to listeners to engage further with the doctrine through available resources, emphasizing the practical applicability of understanding divine decrees in the life of a believer.

Key Takeaways

• Divine decrees are God's eternal, immutable, and absolute plans that reflect His wisdom and goodness.
• Understanding these decrees requires recognizing their simplicity and eternal nature, beyond human temporal comprehension.
• Human free will exists in a voluntary sense, allowing for meaningful choices without conflicting with God's sovereign decrees.
• The interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility maintains that while God orchestrates all things, humans engage with genuine will in their decisions.

Notable Quotes

• "The divine decrees mirror God's own attributes."
  — Unknown Speaker 1 [02:02]

• "There is a divine will prior to all human willing and the will of the unregenerate man is enslaved to sin."
  — Unknown Speaker 1 [14:30]

• "We are not robots, we are not puppets on a string."
  — Unknown Speakers 1 & 2 [12:28]-[13:34]

This episode of Doctrine Matters serves as a foundational exploration of divine decrees, offering listeners a nuanced perspective that honors both God's sovereignty and human agency within the framework of Reformed theology.