Westhill Church - Auburn & Federal Way, WA

The WEekly Word

A Blog of Encouragement from our Pastors

weekly word 6/26/2025

God's Attributes: The Decrees of God

Explaining the Decrees of God is such a difficult task because it goes far beyond the definition of the term decree as we find it in the dictionary.

Wikipedia defines a decree as a legal proclamation, usually issued by a head of state, judge, royal figure, or other relevant authority, according to certain procedures. As we know, God is infinitely supreme to any other authority and He does not declare things according to certain procedures or as the result of other circumstances.

Cambridge Dictionary defines it as an official statement that something must happen. This helps understand God's decrees in that they will come to fruition. God's decrees will also never change nor can they be altered.

While God's decrees are described and mentioned throughout Scripture in plurality form, they all stem from a single Decree, God's Eternal Purpose. They are explained through many passages that begin with, "Thus saith the LORD...", "the LORD declares...", through His commandments, through the prophets, and in many other forms. They are all tied to and are a part of his Divine Eternal Purpose. Romans 8:28 points to this singular decree, "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose."

While it may be difficult to define God's Divine decrees, we can explain it in terms of their properties.

First, God's decrees are eternal. They were determined from eternity past. No event or occasion caused God to come up with a decree in order to resolve an issue. His decrees along with us as His children were chosen before the foundation of the world, Eph 1:4. They were established, never to be changed or altered.

Secondly, they are wise. God's decrees always result in the best possible outcome for those who obey or follow them. "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways!" Rom 11:33

Thirdly, they are absolute and unconditional. In every instance where God has decreed an end, He has also decreed every means to that end. In other words, He is providential in ensuring success towards His will. We will never come up empty-handed. "I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will." Isaiah 46:10. "God worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.' Eph 1:11.

Psalm 19:7-10, points to and describes forms of God's decrees. "The Law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much pure gold; sweeter also than the honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

While we cannot simply define the decrees of God, it's important that we understand why they are so important. God's decrees point to His sovereignty in all things and to His faithfulness. It reminds us that He has already determined the outcome of all things and they will all occur just as He has planned. His decrees give us full confidence in stepping out in faith and following Him.

Praise God for His decrees!

Pastor Bryan

6/19/2025 – Between the Bread and the Storm – Ed

6/12/2025 – Isaiah 6: 1-7 David

6/05/2025 – God's Attributes: The Solitariness of God – Bryan

5/29/2025 – Walking in Humility – Ed

5/22/2025 – Isaiah 5 – David

5/17/2025 – The Attributes of God – Bryan

5/08/2025 – Reflecting on Our Walk – Ed

5/01/2025 – Isaiah 4 – David

4/24/2025 – Patience and Long-suffering – Bryan

4/17/2025 – Forgiveness is a Big Deal – Ed