God's Perfect Will vs. God's Permissible Will

Attribute	God's Perfect Will	God's Permissible Will
Definition	God's ideal plan for individuals	God's allowance for choices outside of His ideal plan
Outcome	Results in the best possible outcome	May not result in the best outcome, but still within God's allowance
Alignment	Aligned with God's character and purposes	May not align perfectly with God's character and purposes
Control	God's complete control and sovereignty	God allows for human free will and choices

Introduction

When it comes to understanding God's will, many Christians grapple with the concept of God's Perfect Will versus God's Permissible Will. These two aspects of God's will play a crucial role in shaping our lives and guiding our decisions. In this article, we will explore the attributes of God's Perfect Will and God's Permissible Will, highlighting their differences and similarities.

God's Perfect Will

God's Perfect Will refers to the ideal plan that God has for each individual's life. It is the path that God has ordained for us to walk in, the best possible outcome that aligns with His divine purpose. When we are in God's Perfect Will, we are in alignment with His desires for us, experiencing His blessings and favor in abundance.

One key attribute of God's Perfect Will is that it is unchanging and infallible. God's Perfect Will is not subject to human whims or external circumstances; it is rooted in His eternal wisdom and sovereignty. As such, when we are walking in God's Perfect Will, we can have confidence that we are on the right path, regardless of the challenges we may face.

Another attribute of God's Perfect Will is that it is always good and pleasing. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2 that God's will is "good, pleasing, and perfect." When we are in alignment with God's Perfect Will, we experience His peace, joy, and fulfillment in ways that surpass human understanding.

Furthermore, God's Perfect Will is ultimately for His glory. When we walk in God's Perfect Will, we bring honor and glory to His name, reflecting His character and love to the world around us. Our lives become a testimony to His faithfulness and grace, drawing others to Him through our obedience.

In summary, God's Perfect Will is the ideal plan that God has for each of us, rooted in His unchanging nature, always good and pleasing, and ultimately for His glory.

God's Permissible Will

God's Permissible Will, on the other hand, refers to the choices and decisions that God allows us to make within the boundaries of His sovereignty. While God's Perfect Will is the ideal path that He has ordained for us, His Permissible Will encompasses the various options and opportunities that we have in life.

One key attribute of God's Permissible Will is that it allows for human free will. God, in His sovereignty, has given us the freedom to make choices and decisions that align with His moral law and principles. While God desires for us to walk in His Perfect Will, He also respects our autonomy and agency as His created beings.

Another attribute of God's Permissible Will is that it can include both blessings and consequences. When we make choices that are in line with God's moral law and principles, we experience His blessings and favor. However, when we stray from His will and make decisions that are contrary to His Word, we may face consequences for our actions.

Furthermore, God's Permissible Will is characterized by His grace and mercy. Even when we make mistakes or choose paths that are outside of His Perfect Will, God's grace is always available to forgive, restore, and redeem us. His mercy is extended to us in abundance, allowing us to learn and grow from our experiences.

In summary, God's Permissible Will encompasses the choices and decisions that God allows us to make within the boundaries of His sovereignty, respecting our free will, including blessings and consequences, and characterized by His grace and mercy.

Comparison and Conclusion

While God's Perfect Will and God's Permissible Will may seem like opposing concepts, they actually work together in harmony to fulfill God's purposes in our lives. God's Perfect Will provides the ideal path for us to walk in, guiding us towards His best for us, while His Permissible Will allows for our free will and choices within His sovereignty.

Ultimately, both aspects of God's will are rooted in His love and desire for relationship with us. Whether we are walking in His Perfect Will or making choices within His Permissible Will, God's presence, guidance, and grace are always available to us. As we seek to align our lives with His will, may we trust in His wisdom, sovereignty, and goodness to lead us on the path He has ordained for us.