Creation and Providence

Abstract

Luther refers to creation both as a past event dealing with the Christian life (wanting to place more emphasis on the present work of the Holy Spirit), but more frequently and with other concerns in view as ongoing. Likewise we find this diversity in his treatment of Providence, stressing that God is sovereign and determines all events when he deals with works–righteousness. The hidden God is even said to work evil. But in most other contexts (in according with his Alexandrian Christology) the Reformer is more inclined to contend that God is not in complete control of the created order, that evil is a force with which He contends and does not cause.