Question 8: God's Works

Question 8: How doth God execute his decrees?

Answer: God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.

While pondering the decrees of God stretches our minds as far as they can go, considering the works of God is much more straightforward. God's decrees are plans, not actual "things" in any concrete sense. God's works are the unfolding of those plans in real life experience. There are two basic works identified here. The first is the work of creation, which was accomplished in six days at the beginning of time. The second is the work of providence, which continues to this day as God cares for and upholds the world.

Since the catechism goes on to define each of these, it is not necessary to elaborate further here. But there is one important reminder here that we should notice: God is working! God is not an ivory tower God who has no interest in the world. God is not a clockmaker, who crafts a masterpiece and then never has any interest in seeing how it runs. God made plans, God has executed some of those plans, and God will continue to execute his plans to their fullness, for his glory.

When you think of God, do you think of a God who is always distant or a God who is actively involved with this world?

Reference: Explanation of the Shorter Catechism by Thomas Vincent