Providence in the Story of Scripture: A Review

Co, Adamson. Providence in the Story of Scripture: The Work of God through Creation, Fall, Redemption, and New Creation. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2025.

The doctrine of providence is an important, yet often neglected, part of what we are called to teach. It was not always the case. In the letters of the Civil War, you will find several references to the doctrine. One such reference can be found in Major Sullivan Ballou's letter to his wife before the battle at First Bull Run. He wrote, "I know I have but few claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me, perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar, that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed."(reference) Sullivan understood something of the way that the Lord cares for his people. He did not feel as if he had earned any attention from the Lord, but at the same time, he did recognize that the Lord was active in our world. Today, we have drifted from trusting in divine providence to carry us through our days. But why is that? That is part of what Co seeks to address in his new book on providence.

Seeking Understanding

In his short book, Co seeks to give an introduction of sorts to the doctrine of providence. He notes that we have struggled with the doctrine in recent years because "we live in an era influenced by what philosopher Charles Taylor calls "the immanent frame.” (p.1) Quoting a question from Taylor, Co answers why in the 21st century people struggle with believing in God when the same could not be said for the 16th century by pointing to the idea of the immanent frame. The idea that we are wholly self-sufficient and do not need anything transcendent. However, we are not truly self-sufficient, and we need the doctrine of providence to give us hope. Co writes, "For providence conveys the soul-nurturing truth that God not only created us but also graciously provides for all of our human needs and guides us along throughout our human existence. So, it should be one of the most cherished and useful doctrines in Christian theology." (p.1)

An Outline

While seeking to help his reader understand the importance of the doctrine of providence, Co also understands that the way that the doctrine has been approached in recent years has not been as helpful as it should be. The reason he gives for this is that we have come at it from an academic perspective, seeking to dispute and defend the doctrine against those who would deny it, rather than seeking to exposit the doctrine for the people of the church. Co writes, "John Webster points out that there are two basic tasks in the work of theologizing: expounding and disputing. The former seeks to explain, while the latter seeks to persuade. Webster wisely observes that disputation must be subordinate to exposition." (p.157-158) When a doctrine takes on this scholastic tendency, focusing merely on the disputing, it becomes difficult for the average churchgoer to take hold of it. This is where Co seeks to provide some help. He addresses the doctrine of providence within the story of creation, particularly looking at the seventh and eighth days of creation as the means to accomplish this task.

The Seventh and Eighth Day

It is likely that many of you are not familiar with the idea of the eighth day of creation and are a bit confused as to how the seventh day plays into all of this. Simply put, the idea is that on the seventh day of creation, the day of rest, the Lord ceases from his creative work and transitions to working through his creation. In the first six days, the Lord spoke, and out of nothing, all that we see now came into being. Then on the seventh day, the Lord started to work differently. He now works through his creation, specifically through his image bearers, that is, us, humanity. The eighth day then represents the already and not yet reality of the new creation. The new heavens and new earth that we will inhabit in glory. There will be no more sun and no temples, because the Lord will dwell with us and his glory will be our light.

The Good and the Slightly Less Good

Co does a fantastic job of laying out the doctrine of providence within this framework. Along the way, he addresses some of the concerns that come along with the doctrine of providence, while not getting too distracted from his main point. Not an easy task to be sure. The only problem I notice in my read-through of this excellent book is that I am not sure that Co accomplishes his task of giving an introductory look at the topic. In his preface, he says that he envisions his book being used for introductory students. In a lot of ways, he does justice to this goal. He outlines some of the issues that various groups have brought against the doctrine of providence, while not delving too deeply. At the same time, if the reader does not have some foundational reading in theological writings, much of the book is likely to go over their head. Co uses technical theological language throughout the book to express his points, which can make it difficult for introductory students to fully grasp what he is trying to communicate.

Summary

Overall, this is a fantastic book for anyone seeking to grow in their knowledge and understanding of the doctrine of providence. While technical language is used throughout, it is still at a low enough level that diligent students will be able to work their way through without much issue. Co's approach of looking at providence through the lens of creation makes the doctrine come alive in a way that larger theological treatises on the subject struggle with. The church today, and in every age, needs a firm grasp on the doctrine of providence. It is our hope that the Lord truly is working all things for good. While we may not understand why everything is happening around us the way it is, when we know the providence of God, we can trust that there is a plan and that our good God is in control of it all. I hope that you will read Co's book and rest in the grace and providence of our Lord.

Soli Deo Gloria