[P-Marlowe]

If you mean in the above preceptive will, I agree. If you mean decretive will, I disagree.

Expain the difference in common elizabethan english so that we can all understand.

Are there things in the universe that God allows, but that he would have prefered did not occur (such as sin)? Or does God prefer that sin occurs so that his "decretive" will is satisfied?

Do you see the paradox?

[drstevej]

Preceptive will = (from the word precept or command) is His revealed moral will. Ex. Thou shall not..., Thou shall...

Decretive will = (from the word decree) that which God has determined shall come to pass which Eph. 1:11 says includes "all things."

***Are there things in the universe that God allows, but that he would have prefered did not occur (such as sin)?***

He allowed Satan to kill Job's children. The Chaldeans and the Sabeans killed Job's servants (murder). He used that to demonstrate to Satan that unselfish worship is possible. He used it in Job's life to teach him. He used it in my life to teach me and through me to comfort others.

He allowed Israel to have a king, Saul, rather than have God as their king. Yet even in establishing the role of king He replaced Saul with David, a type of Jesus, Our King.

***Do you see the paradox?***
Certainly there are questions I can't answer. I have said before Divine Sovereignty and Human Accountability are placed side by side, without explanation or apology.

Can I resolve the two fully? NO. Do I lose any sleep over it? I used to but haven't for 25 years.

I can't unscrew the inscrutible.