Theologian John Piper in a teaching video "Has God predetermined every detail in the universe, including sin?" focussed on the Cross of Christ. In a number of other interviews on this general theme, John Piper quotes -
Proverbs chapter 16 verse 33 "The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord." (KJV), or, otherwise expressed in the New Living Translation "We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall".
I was interested in the theological viewpoint from this Proverbs verse, as it challenges the readers to accept the authority of Scripture in all of their life practices and also in their hearts and their thinking.
What is the verse actually expressing? Both 'lot' and 'dice' refer to what we would normally see as chance events, but the second half of the verse in both translations makes it very clear that although we, as mere humans, see coincidence or random events, in reality (beyond our knowledge) there is always a Guiding Hand.
Whatever happens, wherever the dice or the lots falls, ultimately, the providence of God is at work.
John Piper further expounds this, follows it through to its obvious conclusion, that God is ultimately in charge of all things and whatever happens is therefore part of the oversight of God.
A distinction is being made here, that although this includes the good and the bad, illness and health, riches and poverty, place of birth, long life or short, whatever outcome, a person's decisions and choices are never frozen in such a scenario.
This is part of the mystery of life, yet in faith, it is of the Lord.
Only faith can perceive this, it is not part of a rationale of science or philosophy. It is of God and it is perfect.
Theologians have discussed this and written of this over the centuries.
On a personal level on righteousness and sin, theologian D L Bailey (whose writings we studied at seminary in the 1970's) describes this in the first person as: "When I do right and it is pure, it is all of God; and when I do wrong, therefore impure, it is all of me".
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand. Dr Mark Tronson’s Press Service International in 2019 was awarded the Australasian Religious Press Association’s premier award, The Gutenberg.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at
