The Invisible Hand: Do All Things Really Work for Good?

by R.C. Sproul

Too often in today's age of secularism we fail to see God's hand in both the rewards and the trials of our lives. Because He is invisible to us, we erroneously think that many events happen by coincidence; we don't sense God's active presence in the course of human affairs. With these blinders in place, we look at the world's past, present, and future and speculate, "What if...?"
But, as R. C. Sproul convincingly writes in The Invisible Hand, "There is no 'what if?' in God." He doesn't roll dice! Nor does He have to wait to see which fork in the road we choose.... He knows the future precisely because He wills the future as He did the past. "He is a God whose providence is in the details."
Examining the perplexing question of God's providence, this talented author and teacher points to God's intimate involvement in every aspect of life on earth. R. C. Sproul writes, not just from a doctrinal viewpoint, but through the concrete experiences of flesh-and-blood people, including those whose lives and struggles are recorded in Scripture. In doing so, he proves the cardinal point of the doctrine of God is for us. Then he follows with the apostle Paul's empowering question, "If God is for us, who can be against us?"
When we know and accept God's providence we can face life with courage and perseverance, even when things occur that bring pain, sorrow and affliction into our lives. God's providence is our fortress, our shield, our eternal reward, because the God who moves the heavens is also the God who lovingly guides the most intimate details of our lives.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Christianity, Spirituality, Faith

Hardcover

First published August 12, 1996

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging easy read. In R. C. Sproul’s words, “This book but scratches the surface of the mysteries that are hidden in His great Providence.”

[Rod Innis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book by one of my favorite authors. I have read 15 of Dr. Sproul's books and own 5 more that I plan to read. I may even acquire others as well.

This book is about God, about His sovereignty. Good books about God are important; good books about His sovereignty are very important. this is one such book.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Sproul gives a fantastic description of the Biblical doctrine of providence, that God really does ordain, cause, and uphold all things. The Invisible Hand is widely accessible for the average reader but does not oversimplify the philosophical issues related to God's governing of all events. For an easy-to-read, comprehensive introduction to a difficult doctrine, this is a great place to start.

[Anette · Rating 5 out of 5]

"While the popular adage declares that “the devil is in the details,” it is more accurate to avow that God is in the details. The doctrine of providence declares that God’s providential rule extends to all things great and small, from the huge to the minute, the infinite to the infinitesimal." (R.C. Sproul)

Even though the reading process of this book was rather prolonged, I enjoyed pulling out this book in some quiet moments of the day and focusing on the wisdom, might, omnipotence- but most of all, the love- of God. If you are able to keep up with dr. Sproul's theology references and latin terminology (which he explains of course, hahah) and make time to meditate on the truths of God, it is a great resource!

[Jared Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought-provoking discussion on how God’s sovereignty impacts our lives and the world around us. Sproul, a philosopher as well as a theologian, weaves logic and reason into his exposition of scripture in an approachable and multifaceted way.

And he’s honest. When talking about why evil exists if God is truly good and truly sovereign, he simply says “I don’t know.” But, he adds, a question which is at least equally valid is why does good exist?

Sproul passed away recently, but his impressive body of work stands as a testament to Christ, reason, and the full execution of one’s gifts.

Recommended.

[Stephen P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book that demonstrates the sovereignty of God in all situations and provides comfort to the Christian who experiences those times when God's plan for their lives results in them having to deal with difficult circumstances. If I have one criticism of the book it is that, at times, it seems like it is written for two types of readers. The author generally demonstrates from Biblical accounts and other real-life situations how God's sovereignty plays out in the life of God's people. At other times he goes into a deep philosophical or logical argument that may not interest some readers. Other than that, a good book and well worth the time.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent! I’m not sure why this is my first completed book by RC Sproul, but I am looking forward to reading many more. I am enthralled by the concept of “providence” and want to continue to learn. This book was an excellent first step in explaining the biblical concept of providence- a word that isn’t used too often anymore. The last several chapters about providence and miracles and providence and prayer were especially good. Sproul was a brilliant philosopher and theologian, so reading him can be slow going at times. But wow, what riches of truth in his writing! Very grateful that I read this.

[Joe Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

PROVIDENCE is usually not a word or topic that permeates a lot of conversations in the church today. Yet the theology of providence is woven throughout our faith and faith communities. R.C. Sproul has produced a masterful work by bringing accurate, scriptural understanding to the facets of our faith where providence resides and drives us as Christians. Great read for lay people and seminarians alike.

[Chianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC and easy to read...

Full of insight that will be a good anchor and great for framing difficult or even confusing times.

This is a good addition into the library of a true Christian. I love that God gifts some people and I get blessed by their books!

Also, anyone speaking about God after a tragedy should read this repeatedly lest they say something unwise that implies God either didn't know or couldn't stop it...

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is the providence of God? How do we reconcile the absolute sovereignty of God with the sad state of world affairs? Is God culpable with the existence of evil in any way? What is the purpose of prayer in a world where God has foreordained literally everything? Read this book for some answers.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of how God's providence works in regards to trials, government, prayer, salvation. Covers theologically intense material while still always pointing the reader back to praise of our glorious Saviour.

[Madeline Balicoco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very practical exploration of God’s providence. I liked the incorporation of scripture and personal anecdotes. It made the theology relatable and understandable while also acknowledging the mysterious concepts God hasn’t revealed but explaining the perfect logic of what is revealed to us.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

R C Sproul goes into great detail about the providence of God. Nothing takes God by surprise, and nothing escapes His attention . We can trust Him with our lives.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book - well written and thought out… just what you expect for Mr Sproul…

[Davis Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

As per usual, Sproul is excellent. This book is both an easy read and mentally stimulating, causing deep reflections and praise to the Lord!

[Marius Zarnescu · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can a God of love allow suffering and injustice in the world? Why we had to go through such awful events last year? Why is He allowing confusion sometimes, to cry and be in pain. Why there’s no answer to my prayer?

Although people today have some answers and approach this subject in different ways, the biblical answer to the problem of evil and suffering is the only true and liberating answer you can find.

Sproul is presenting God and His ways with a wonderful logic and clear insight. He is very biblical in his style of defending the truth about God’s sovereignty and providence.

In a very generous and warm environment, he is calling us to trust this good and loving God who really has all things in His hands and does not allow something in your life without a holy purpose, often misunderstood by us.

We are called to embrace these dark moments with hope, always recognizing God’s love and care, and believe that, as he is saying … tthe providence of God is our fortress, our shield, and our very great reward. It is what provides courage and perseverance for His saints.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

chapter 8 on the difference between contradiction and mystery is excellent.
I read this book while in Los Banos. Parts are over my head but then the author was a philosophy major in university days.'
Have to remember that "fear not" was the most negative command that Jesus most frequently uttered.
Another statement was "in truth we may be confident that nothing bad will ever happen to us if we belong to Christ. This does not mean that nothing painful will ever happen to us"
He uses too many Latin phrases and I wonder why? Is that supposed to be impressive? I read a novel he wrote probably 25 years ago. I still remember it as it about how two friends' lives diverged. The one who became a Christian was soooo Reformed with his pipe and Augustine and Calvin that it was a tad irritating. I think I am "Reformed" in my theology then I read someone who is ultra and think, "maybe not."

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book thought provoking. It clarified some things that I already believed and helped me understand some things better. There were a couple of chapters that were difficult but the Providence of God is a deep subject. I was reminded that things are often not as simple or straightforward as we would like them to be, but also reminded that God would not be God if we could understand everything he does.

[Jeff Bjorgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciated the insights by Sproul (first time reading him), but found the book a little more general than what I had hoped. I don't know if it was the dogmatic flavor, or the classic apologetic feel, or just the literary style, the book just didn't appeal to me. Particularly, the chapters on prayer and miracles seemed a bit trite, although certainly both of these topics could take up full books all on their own.

[Leslie Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book....Sproul does a wonderful job of explaining and Biblically defending the doctrine of Providence. This book is more theological and a little more in depth than Jerry Bridges' TRUSTING GOD EVEN WHEN LIFE HURTS but I very much recommend both.

This is another of my read and re-read books......

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous work on the will of God, providence, and how all things work together for "good". Amazing author, of course, with a solid background in philosophy. He tackles some of the more difficult issues of the will of God and how God works in providence. Not sure about his answer on the problem of evil, but the rest of it was spot on.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sproul's writing is always excellent. He has a unique ability to take a deep theological doctrine and make it easy to understand for the man in the pew. This book on the doctrine of Divine Providence is no exception. I used many of his ideas in preaching this doctrine recently in a small church in Michigan. I am very thankful for our brother's keen insights and practical illustrations.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does everything work together for good? Really? This book tackles that question and all its underlying points. Dr. Sproul takes a deep topic and expounds it in an understandable way. Not only do I feel like I learned something, I also see how much MORE I need to learn about God and His Word. Two thumbs up on this one and five stars!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sproul asks the hard question about God's goodness toward us and His intending to only do us good even during life's most difficult trials. It is a good work on the sovereignty and goodness of God in ALL THINGS.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I was left more in awe of God's Providence than his miracles because the providence seems so much more complicated. I have a new appreciation for God's hand in the world. It does not remove the pain of evil in the world but yet it is comforting.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Includes some chilling and sobering stories by R.C. Sets forth God as the sovereign Lord of the universe, which is always good and accurate. He makes many great statements and reasons why God is good and should be believed.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do all things really work for Good, chance and luck don't have a lot to do with it,
God is soveriegn over all coincidences and circumstances

[Chris Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd time reading almost 20 years later this time as a devotional with my wife. A good introduction to an important doctrine.

[Tiffiny Corbett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't finish. The writing was too academic for me.

[Bill MacDonald]

It was a timely reminder of the sovereign providence of God, and that God is good in all he is and does.