Scripture and providence – Wyn Hughes

Part of our ‘truths in tension?’ 2025 Colin Hart lecture series.
We considered pairs of Christian truths that are often perceived to be held in tension, as if to assert one is to sacrifice the other. But if we are to ‘correctly handle the word of truth’ we cannot engage in any ‘trade-offs’. Rather we do as the Bible does and proclaim both joyfully, fearlessly and without compromise.

The accounts of Abraham, Joseph and Esther reveal that from our limited perspective God’s promises and their fulfilment can sometimes appear to conflict. But God will always ensure that his providence fulfils his Word. This offers no excuse for passive fatalism, rather it should encourage Christians to trust in God’s sovereignty while confronting the evils of this fallen world.

Wyn Hughes is Pastor of Heath Evangelical Church, Cardiff.