Outside God Quote by Gary M. Burge
““It is possible to be outside God’s revealed will—by oppressing the poor, for instance, or rejecting the authority of Scripture—but we cannot, by definition, be outside God’s hidden will. Such a distinction entails both a warning and a promise. On the one hand, God does grant us the freedom to make decisions, and a repeated pattern of active disobedience against God may well result in our final separation from him. Herod and Pontius Pilate acted according to the “will” of God, but we do not want to follow their example (Acts 4:27-28).””
About This Quote
The quote distinguishes between God’s explicit commands and a hidden purpose, warning that disobedience can lead to separation while acknowledging divine freedom.
In simple terms: God’s hidden will can’t be ignored; disobedience risks separation.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden purpose, avoid willobedience.
Themes
theology
free will
morality
consequences
scripture
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- political leadership
- social justice
- religious obedience
- interpretation of scripture
Key Concepts
Divine sovereignty
human agency
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern hidden will?
- What limits human freedom in divine plans?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes a clear binary between revealed and hidden will, which may be debated.
![“Since God, therefore, gave [to man] such mental power (magnanimitatem) man knew both the good of obedience and the evil of disobedience, that the eye of the mind, receiving experience of both, may with judgment make choice of the better things; and that he may never become indolent or neglectful…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d84/the-church-fathers-1438_better-things_since-god-therefore-gave-to-man-such-men_1003632.jpg)
![“[W]e declare it is a grievous sin before God to adopt restrictive measures in disobedience to God's divine command from the beginning of time to 'multiply and replenish the earth.' Surely those who project such measures to prevent life or to destroy life before or after birth will reap the…” quote by Harold B. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0e0/harold-b-lee-7452_birth_w-e-declare-it-is-a-grievous-sin-before_93464.jpg)
