The Sweet Designs of God: Unpacking the Permissive Will of God
Isaac Megbolugbe
February 19, 2025
The conversion of the Apostle Paul is one of the most pivotal events in Christian history. Paul’s transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a passionate follower of Christ is a testament to the sovereignty and redemptive power of God. In Galatians 1:15, Paul writes, “He set me apart before I was born, and called me by his grace.” This verse reveals the intricate dynamics of God’s permissive will, which allows sin and suffering to occur while ultimately serving a greater purpose.
The Sovereignty of Christ
Paul’s statement, “He set me apart before I was born,” indicates that God had chosen him for a specific purpose before he was even conceived. This sovereign act of God’s will is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. The Bible teaches that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving, and that He works all things according to His own purposes (Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:11).
The Permissive Will of God
Between Paul’s birth and his conversion on the Damascus road, he was an instrument of God’s sovereignty, albeit an unwitting one. Paul’s persecution of Christians was a manifestation of God’s permissive will, which allows sin and evil to occur while ultimately serving a greater purpose. This concept is difficult to grasp, as it seems to imply that God is responsible for evil. However, the Bible teaches that God is not the author of evil, but rather that He permits it to occur in order to achieve a greater good (Isaiah 45:7, Lamentations 3:37-38).
The Purpose of Paul’s Sins
So, what was the purpose of Paul’s sins? Why did God permit him to persecute Christians? The answer lies in Paul’s own words: “But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16). Paul’s sins were permitted in order to demonstrate the patience and mercy of God. His conversion serves as a powerful example of God’s ability to redeem even the most hardened sinners.
The Sweet Designs of God
The story of Paul’s conversion is a testament to the sweet designs of God. Despite Paul’s sinful past, God had a plan to use him for His glory. This plan involved permitting Paul to sin, but ultimately redeeming him and using him to spread the gospel to the Gentiles. The permissive will of God is a mysterious and complex concept, but it is ultimately a demonstration of God’s sovereignty, mercy, and patience.
In conclusion, the conversion of Paul is a powerful example of the permissive will of God. Despite the complexities and mysteries of this concept, it is ultimately a testament to the sweet designs of God, who works all things according to His own purposes. As we reflect on the story of Paul’s conversion, may we be encouraged by the patience and mercy of God, and may we trust in His sovereignty, even in the midst of sin and suffering.
