We believe and teach that God created out of nothing the physical universe and all that it contains, including metaphysical beings, in six literal days (e.g. Genesis 1:1-31; Exodus 20:11; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 11:3). He also sustains for His own purposes the whole of that which He has created (e.g. Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3).
We also believe and teach the sovereign providence of God (e.g. Psalms 103:19; 135:6; Isaiah 14:26-27; Daniel 4:34-35; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11). His absolute sway is all inclusive, including, for example history (e.g. Daniel 2:20-21), circumstances of life (e.g. James 4:13-15), duration of life (e.g. Job 14:5), manner of death (e.g. John 21:18-19), helpful acts of men (e.g. Isaiah 44:28-45:7), harmful acts of men (Genesis 45:4-8; 50:20; Acts 4:27-28), salvation of sinners (e.g. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14), eternal punishment of ungodly men (e.g. Proverbs 16:4; Romans 9:22; 1 Peter 2:8; Jude 4), the greatest world events (e.g. Revelation 13:8), seemingly trivial circumstances (e.g. Proverbs 16:33; Matthew 10:29-30), etc. These truths, however, never nullify the responsibilities of created, moral beings (e.g. Acts 2:22-23).
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