Heidelberg Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism / Lord's Day 10 / Q. 27

Q. 27. What dost thou mean by the Providence of God?

Question. What dost thou mean by the Providence of God?

Answer. The almighty, and every where present power of God (Acts 17;28); whereby, as it were, by his hand, he upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures (Heb. 1;3); so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea all things (Acts 14;17), come not by chance, but by his fatherly hand (Matt. 10;29, 30).

Proofs.

  • [proof-1] Acts 17;28.—In him we live, and move and have our being.— Ps. 139;7-10.—Isa. 40;26.—Acts 17;27.
  • [proof-2] Heb. 1;3.—Upholding all things by the word of his power.— Isa. 40;12.—Acts 17;26.—Acts 17;27.
  • [proof-3] Acts 14;17.—He left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.—Ps. 104; 13-15.—Jer. 5;24.—Ps. 145;15-16.—Gen. 8;22.—Ps. 74;16, 17.
  • [proof-4] Matt. 10;29; 30.—Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.— Acts 17;25.—Job 5;18, 19.—Ex. 15;26.—1 Sam. 2;7.—Isa. 45;7.—Prov. 22;2.