Providence
From Urantia Wiki, the encyclopedia of The Urantia Book
All things work together for good, as the Father, using diverse forces and personalities, upholds his purpose and sustains his creatures, guiding the universe through seemingly chaotic events to ultimately reveal his glory and benefit all who love and know him. (4:1.4,11) 10:7.5-6 48:4.7 54:4.7 67:7.8 67:8.4 94:6.4 118:10.18 182:2.1
Providence is the harmonious manifestation of the evolving Supreme Being, guiding the unity of the universes of time and space through the co-ordination of cosmic events. 4:1.10 9:1.3
God has intervened in human affairs with a Father's hand, but religious interpretations of history as purely miraculous are mistaken. 97:8.5 118:10.6
Throughout all time and space, there is an inexorable and impersonal cosmic providence governing the universe, with attributes of mercy and impartiality guiding God's love and rule over all reality. 12:7.1 118:10.4
The providence of God is manifested through the interlocking activities of celestial beings who labor for the honor of God and the spiritual advancement of his children, promoting progress and harmony in the universe. (4:1.1-2,7) 5:1.8 9:2.3-5
God's love for every creature shines throughout eternity, as providential intervention highlights the crucial role of each being in the grand scheme of evolution. 118:10.5
Providence is partial and unpredictable due to the incomplete actualization of the Supreme Being and fluctuating creature attitudes. 118:10.20-22
Providence represents the deliberate and gradual emergence of the Supreme through the changing attitudes of those who pray for intervention. 118:10.23
Do not trust in a fictitious providence but be valiant in defense of righteousness and aggressive in preaching the gospel. 178:1.14
In the Urantia Book
Historical teachings
- Egyptian teaching that prosperity was reward for serving El
- El Shaddai bestowed material prosperity as a reward for serving him, reflecting the Egyptian concept of divine Providence in this era. 96:1.6
- Hebraic belief in Providence is integral to the system of morality, ethics, and theology centered around the supreme Yahweh. 98:7.5
- The Jews derived the concept of divine Providence from the Egyptians, who were deeply rooted in Egypt before spreading to Europe. 95:2.1
- Moses was a believer in Providence, teaching the Hebrews to obey God for blessings and prosperity. 96:5.4
- The Jews, unable to develop a nontheologic philosophy, grappled with divine rewards and punishments, leading to the pessimism of Ecclesiastes as a reaction to overoptimistic beliefs in Providence. 97:8.2
- The olden shamans were regarded as custodians of providence through their rituals and traditions. 90:2.10
Misunderstandings of providence
- Catastrophes are not divine judgments or visitations of providence, as Jesus taught freedom from superstitions and exposed the fallacy of materialistic worship. 149:2.10
- Mortal man has worshiped all earthly and celestial beings, fearing and worshiping powerful natural forces as mysterious dispensations of providence. 85:0.4
- The true meanings of life circumstances are often obscured by mortal judgments of providence. 118:10.9
Bible parallels
Passages that the paragraphs cited above parallel, quote or reinterpret, from Duane Faw’s Paramony cross-references. Hover a reference to read it.
- All things work together 48:4.7 — Ro 8:28.
- All things work for good 54:4.7 — Ro 8:28; Heb 12:5-11; Rev 3:19.
- Most Highs rule kingdoms 97:8.5 — Dn 4:17,25,32; Dn 5:21.
- God loves creatures as children 118:10.5 — Jn 3:16; Jn 15:9-13; Jn 17:22-23; Ro 5:8; Tit 3:4; 1 Jn 4:9-11,19.
- Great Commission 178:1.14 — Mt 24:14; Mt 28:19-20a; Mk 13:10; Mk 16:15; Lk 24:47; Jn 17:18; Acts 1:8b.
- He will love you, bless you 96:5.4 — Dt 7:13-15.
- Remember the Lord your God 96:5.4 — Dt 8:18.
- Lend to many nations 96:5.4 — Dt 15:6.
- Ecclesiastes is pessimistic 97:8.2 — Ec 1:1-18; Ec 2:12-17.
- Disasters not judgments 149:2.10 — Lk 13:1-5.
- Error of slavish worship 149:2.10 — Mt 23:1-39.
- Sons of living God 149:2.10 — 1 Ch 22:10; Ps 2:7; Is 56:5; Mt 5:9,16,45; Lk 20:36; Jn 1:12-13; Jn 11:52; Jn 20:17b; Acts 17:28-29; Ro 8:14-17,19,21; Ro 9:26; 2 Co 6:18; Ga 3:26; Ga 4:5-7; Eph 1:5; Phil 2:15; Heb 12:5-8; 1 Jn 3:1-2,10; 1 Jn 5:2; Rev 21:7; 2 Sam 7:14.
- Worship God's works 85:0.4 — Wis 13:2.
Where it appears
Providence is linked in 10 paragraphs of the text.