God’s will is as wide as His character and purpose allow. His character is based on justice. “Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne; mercy and truth shall go before your face.” (Psalm 89:14) God created man with free will and He, therefore, justly respects man’s ability to direct his own life. However, man is also accountable for his decisions.
Not only is God just but He is also good and merciful. “The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works.” (Psalm 145:9) His will is for the ultimate blessing of all when His plan is complete. There might be short term or immediate difficulties, but the Lord is permitting (not causing) these troubles so that everyone may learn the horrible consequences of sin and the pain the sin of others and their own behaviors cause (Romans 7:13).
God is working all things according to his loving purpose. “You have created all things and for your pleasure they are and were created.” (Revelation 4:11) His purpose is further revealed in Ephesians 1:9, 10 “He made known to us the secret of His will…God’s merciful purpose for the government of the world when the times are ripe for it–the purpose which He has cherished in His own mind of restoring the whole creation to find its one Head in Christ; yes, things in Heaven and things on earth, to find their one Head in Him,” (Weymouth Translation).
There are two important points regarding “the government of the world when the times are ripe for it.” The world is not now ready for God’s government, but as mankind’s frustration with earthly rulers mounts, people should look to the Lord in meekness (Zephaniah 2:3). Jesus is at the helm and after Armageddon, He will bring world peace. (Isaiah 2:2-4) There will be at-one-ment and harmony with Christ, both in heaven and in earth. God created the earth to be inhabited forever, not destroyed. (Isaiah 45:18)
Are there limits to God will? Yes. He works within His purpose. He could not do anything detrimental to that purpose, nor can He commit sin. “Surely as I have thought so shall it come to pass and as I have purposed so shall it stand. For the Lord of hosts has purposed and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out and who shall turn it back?” (Isaiah 14:24, 27) He cannot lie. (Hebrews 6:18) He cannot deny Himself. (2 Timothy 2:13) “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5
For more on God’s purpose, we suggest you look at our website: https://chicagobible.org for a booklet entitled “God’s Grand Plan of the Ages.” It reveals a plan centered in Christ the Redeemer with blessings to all the willing and obedient in God’s Kingdom.
