"The will of God is eternal because He does not begin to will what He did not will before, nor cease to will what He willed before"
About this Quote
William Ames's quote, "The will of God is everlasting due to the fact that He does not start to will what He did not will in the past, nor stop to will what He willed before", reflects a theological view worrying the changeless and timeless nature of God's will. This declaration is soaked in classical theism, which presumes that God is immutable, indicating His nature and qualities do not change gradually. This immutability extends to His divine will, emphasizing its eternal and continuous nature.
Ames suggests that God's will does not operate within the restrictions of time as human wills do. Unlike human decisions that can evolve with new experiences or info, God's will is viewed as being forever consistent. This concept strengthens the attribute of magnificent omniscience; because God is all-knowing, His decisions and desires do not need to change since they already incorporate perfect knowledge and foresight.
The expression "does not start to will what He did not will before" implies that God's objectives and desires were set from eternity and are not subject to the unfolding of time or occasions. It suggests a magnificent foreknowledge and preordination of all that occurs in deep space. Likewise, "nor stop to will what He willed before" implies that God does not pull back or withdraw His will based upon temporal advancements. This particular is foundational in particular doctrinal circles, especially those adhering to predestinarian doctrines, where God's strategies and purposes for production and private destinies are considered fixed and certain.
The constancy of God's will offers believers comfort and guarantee, representing a trustworthy and foreseeable magnificent nature in the middle of the chaos and unpredictability of human presence. Such an analysis motivates rely on God's everlasting plan and purpose, stressing magnificent sovereignty and the supreme fulfillment of divine will. This everlasting viewpoint obstacles followers to align their will with God's, knowing it rests upon unshakeable ground.