Dame Fortune is a pagan myth. Random chance is a pagan myth. Things do not just happen, even if it might seem that way to us. Getting to grips with the doctrine of providence is central to our piety. Ursinus reminds us,

From these things it appears that the whole truth of religion, and the very foundation of piety would be overthrown if the providence of God, as it has been defined and explained, be not maintained: Because, 1. We would not be patient in adversity if we did not know that these things are sent upon us from God our Father. 2. We would not be grateful for the benefits which we receive if we did not know that they are given to us from above. 3. We would not have a good and certain hope in relation to future things if we were not fully persuaded that the will of God, in regard to our salvation, and that of all his people, is unchangeable.

We are not the final arbiter of the meaning of life. We barely know our own minds and hearts, let alone God’s or the future. We are mere creatures. God spoke into nothing and made all that is, and he will bring everything to a glorious conclusion. In the interim, between the ascension and Christ’s bodily return, we work for him out of gratitude for his mercy and grace to miserable sinners.

R. Scott Clark, The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological & Pastoral Commentary (Lexham Academic, 2025), 189.

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Post authored by:

• Tony Phelps

  

  Tony grew up in Rhode Island. He was educated at University of Rhode Island (BA) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He worked in the insurance industry for ten years. He planted a PCA church in Wakefield, RI where he served for eleven years. He has pastored Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Colorado Springs (2015–18), and  Living Hope Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Allentown PA (2019–25). He is currently pastor of Christ Our Hope Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Charlestown, RI. Tony is married to Donna and together they have three children.

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