“All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?'” – Daniel 4:35

August 6, 2025, will be remembered across Ghana as “Black Wednesday.” Social media platforms overflowed with grief as news broke that a helicopter carrying high-ranking government officials had crashed in the Sikaman Forest of the Adansi South District, Ashanti Region. The officials were travelling on official business to support the government’s anti-illegal mining efforts under the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme.

This tragedy plunged the nation into profound discussions about safety, divine providence, and the role of prophecy in national affairs. While investigations into the crash commenced and condolences poured in from across the nation, the government announced an unprecedented response: the creation of a desk within the Office of the Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations to receive “prophecies that bother on national security.” According to the Presidential Envoy, this initiative aims to ensure “responsibility, discernment, and stewardship over the nation’s destiny.”

Although I can understand the rationale behind this strange move by the government, I am convinced that this is a dangerous path to take and one that is not grounded in sound biblical thinking. It is my goal in this article to show why this meddling of the government in matters of faith is a dangerous precedent both for the country and the Christian community.

The Biblical Foundation: How God Rules the World

The Comprehensive Scope of Divine Providence

Scripture consistently testifies to God’s active governance over all creation. The biblical witness reveals that divine providence extends to every realm of existence, from the cosmic to the personal. Wayne Grudem reflects in Chapter 16 of his Systematic Theology that “God is continually involved with all created things in such a way that he (1) keeps them existing and maintaining the properties with which he created them; (2) cooperates with created things in every action, directing their distinctive properties to cause them to act as they do; and (3) directs them to fulfil his purposes.”

The Old Testament establishes this foundation clearly. Psalm 135:6 declares the universal extent of God’s authority: “Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.” This comprehensive dominion encompasses both visible and invisible realms, as Proverbs 15:3 confirms: “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

Daniel’s prophecy further illuminates God’s control over human history: “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him” (Daniel 2:21–22).

New Testament Affirmations

The New Testament continues this theme with equal clarity. Paul declares in Acts 17:24–28 that “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything… for ‘in him we live and move and have our being.'” The author of Hebrews adds that God the Son “upholds the universe by the word of his power” (Hebrews 1:3).

This collective biblical witness establishes that God maintains active control over all aspects of heaven and earth—not as a distant observer, but as the sovereign ruler whose purposes cannot be thwarted.

Historic Christian Teaching on Divine Providence

Centuries before our present circumstances, the church engaged in deep theological reflection about how God rules the world. The 1689 London Baptist Confession and the Westminster Confession of Faith—both reliable summaries of historic Christianity—begin Article 3 with this profound declaration:

“God hath decreed in Himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass…”

These confessions capture the biblical understanding of God’s sovereignty, asserting that God is never caught off guard by any event in human history. Nothing occurs outside His wise and holy counsel. In theological terms, He ordains everything that comes to pass.

Implications for National Tragedy

The implication is that the calamity that happened on the 6th of August did not take God by surprise; he was in complete control. From a biblical perspective, the helicopter crash occurred within God’s sovereign will. Isaiah affirms this principle when he quotes the Lord: “I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things” (Isaiah 45:7).

This truth provides profound comfort: the universe operates not by random chance or human foresight, but according to God’s unshakable decree. While this may challenge our natural inclinations during times of grief, it offers the solid foundation that nothing—not even tragedy—falls outside God’s ultimate control.

The Relationship Between Divine Decree and Human Responsibility

Importantly, the Confessions do not render prayer or human action meaningless. They teach something far more nuanced: God ordains both ends and means. Prayer, wise planning, and protective measures remain meaningful precisely because God employs them as instruments through which His will is accomplished.

Acts 27 provides a compelling illustration. During Paul’s storm-tossed voyage to Rome, God promised safety for all aboard (Acts 27:23-25). Yet this divine assurance coexisted with human effort—the crew’s diligent work and wise navigation did not avert the eventual shipwreck. The ship’s ultimate loss and the passengers’ preservation both fulfilled God’s decree, accomplished through ordinary means.

This understanding means that when tragedy occurs, it is not because we “missed” a prophetic warning. Similarly, when disaster is averted, it is not because a prophet intercepted God’s plan, but because God decreed prevention through whatever means He chose.

Why Institutionalising Prophecy Threatens Biblical Faith

While the government’s desire to prevent future tragedies is understandable, establishing a national prophecy desk poses significant theological and practical dangers.

Replacing Divine Sovereignty with Human Mysticism

The first danger lies in making God’s purposes contingent on human visions. This approach risks reducing the Almighty to a genie to pull out of the lamp whose plans depend on prophetic insight. Scripture teaches the opposite: “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21). Job declares with confidence: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2).

This theological confusion reflects a broader misunderstanding of God’s sovereignty within Ghana’s Christian landscape. While acknowledging the deep grief of families affected by the tragedy, biblical truth compels us to recognise that the helicopter crash occurred according to God’s will, accomplished through secondary causes. No amount of prophetic warning or spiritual intervention could have altered what God decreed. As the Psalmist affirms: “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases” (Psalm 115:3).

This reality may raise difficult questions about suffering and divine justice. Yet biblical faith calls us to worship the God whose “kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19) and who numbers even “the hairs of your head” (Matthew 10:29-30). God’s governance of creation is perfect, and no situation—regardless of its magnitude or suddenness—occurs outside His knowledge or control.

The doctrine of divine sovereignty affirms that complete authority and absolute right to govern all creation, including human beings and their actions, rests solely with God. Not even Satan can alter what God has decreed.

Creating Chaos Instead of Clarity

The second major concern involves the inevitable confusion that results from institutionalising prophecy. Competing and contradictory “prophecies” will naturally arise, forcing government officials to make impossible determinations about divine communication.

Early reports suggest this problem has already emerged. In less than two weeks after the desk’s creation, over 200 prophecies were reportedly submitted, with only a few deemed credible. This raises critical questions: Who determines authenticity? By what criteria? What constitutes credible versus incredible prophecy? Such subjective determinations represent a problematic waste of government resources and administrative energy.

Biblical prophecy operated under vastly different standards. Moses established the test for authentic prophecy: “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken” (Deuteronomy 18:22). True biblical prophets delivered specific, accurate predictions without confusion, for “God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

The current chaotic landscape of competing prophetic voices contrasts sharply with biblical examples, where “the word of the LORD is right and true” (Psalm 33:4). The authentication process becomes both theologically problematic and practically unworkable, creating a slippery slope that could undermine rational governance.

Scripture warns extensively about false prophets (Jeremiah 23:16, Matthew 24:11). Moreover, even genuine biblical prophets were never intended to serve as security consultants for the state. Their role typically involved confronting rulers with divine truth rather than integration into administrative machinery.

A Biblical Path Forward

Combining Faith with Responsibility

The proper response to national tragedy involves neither fatalistic resignation nor frantic pursuit of mystical insights. Instead, Scripture calls for combining unwavering faith in God’s sovereignty with diligent human responsibility.

The Westminster Confession reminds us that God “orders [events] to fall out, according to the nature of second causes, either necessarily, freely, or contingently.” This means we cannot excuse negligence or policy failure by appealing to divine decree. Similarly, we cannot imagine that prophetic hotlines will secure our nation’s future.

True national security emerges from trusting the God who “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11) while faithfully executing our earthly responsibilities. Leaders and citizens must work diligently and wisely in the duties God has entrusted to them. 

Where Real Security Is Found

If Ghana’s future is to be secure, it will not be because a prophecy desk predicted danger, but because both leaders and citizens take seriously the truth that is revealed in his word, that God’s decree is unshakable. Real peace comes not from collecting confusing prophecies, but from biblical faith combined with responsible governance.

As a wise friend of mine recently observed, “God has left His mind in the Bible. Let’s go after it.” Rather than seeking divine guidance through subjective prophetic claims, we should diligently study the written revelation God has already provided in Holy Scripture.

Conclusion

The August 6th tragedy that claimed the lives of dedicated public servants deserves thoughtful reflection rather than reactionary policies. While the government’s desire to prevent future disasters is commendable, the path of institutionalized prophecy leads away from both biblical truth and effective governance.

Scripture offers a better way: trusting in the sovereign God who declares, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (Isaiah 46:10), while faithfully fulfilling our human responsibilities. This approach honours both divine sovereignty and human accountability without descending into confusion or superstition.

Ghana’s security and prosperity depend not on collecting competing prophetic visions, but on leaders and citizens who embrace both the comfort of divine sovereignty and the call to responsible stewardship. In times of national grief and uncertainty, may we find our anchor not in human predictions, but in the unchanging character of the God who governs all things according to His perfect will.

“For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.” – Isaiah 46:9-11

God bless our homeland, Ghana, and make it great and strong!

The post Divine Providence and National Security: Reflections on Ghana’s Response to Tragedy appeared first on TGN.

On Saturday, December 7th, 2024, Ghana heads to the polls to elect the next President and Members of Parliament to represent its 216 constituencies. 12 candidates are vying for the Presidency and about 800 for Parliament. Who will you vote for? What factors will guide your choice?

I want to offer some guiding principles for believers on how to approach politics and voting. This article will not endorse specific candidates or policies, but it seeks to frame national politics under God’s sovereignty and provide a biblical perspective. Regardless of the outcome, believers can confidently affirm that God is in control, and His will shall prevail. “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). No candidate will ascend to leadership outside of God’s sovereign will.

This article will reflect on four themes: i) The Sovereignty of God in Government, ii) The Responsibility of Government, iii) The Responsibility of Citizens, and iv) The Redemptive Implication of Government.

I) The Sovereignty of God in Government

God’s sovereignty means His absolute control over all creation, including human governments. Romans 13:1 reminds us that all authority comes from God, and He ordains governing bodies. This underscores two truths:

1. The source of the government’s authority is God
2. Government is God-ordained

Whoever emerges victorious in these elections derives their authority from God. God is not indifferent to politics; rather, governance is one of the means by which God administers His purposes on earth. The historical Reformed confessions of the Christian faith affirm this truth. The London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) states:

“God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates to be under Him, over the people, for His own glory and the public good; and to this end has armed them with the power of the sword for defense and encouragement of those who do good and for the punishment of evildoers.” (24.1)

This theological foundation is consistent with Scripture (Daniel 2:21; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Ultimately, Jesus Christ—the risen Lord—rules over all nations. “He upholds the universe by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). Jesus is deeply concerned with the affairs of nations. Scripture emphasises His authority and involvement in global matters. Jesus is actively involved in and concerned about the events and moral directions of nations (see Matthew 28:18-19; 25:32). As followers of Christ, we cannot afford to be indifferent to the affairs of our nations.

II) The Responsibility of Government

Imagine a society without laws and regulations, where everyone acts solely according to their own desires. Picture drivers navigating roads with no regard for direction or rules simply because they are in a rush. The resulting chaos would be unimaginable, leading to disorder, conflict, and harm. God has ordained human government precisely to prevent such anarchy and maintain order. Governments exist to promote peace, ensure stability, and uphold justice, providing the framework necessary for a functional and harmonious society.

The primary role of government is to maintain peace and order within society. As Romans 13:3 states, “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.” How does government fulfil this responsibility? A key way is through the restraint of evil.

Restraint of Evil

Governments exist because humanity, by nature, is sinful. Without any restraint, human selfishness and wickedness would create an unlivable society. One of the primary functions of government is to deter evil by enforcing laws and maintaining order. As Romans 13:3 suggests, rulers serve as a “terror to bad conduct.” In other words, the government instils a healthy fear of consequences in evildoers, thereby restraining their actions. This role is essential to ensuring societal stability and preventing chaos.

The Threefold Use of God’s Law

In Reformed Theology, the law of God is understood to serve three purposes. These are commonly referred to as the threefold use of the law, as articulated by John Calvin. Each of these uses has implications for government and its role in society:

 a) The Law as a Mirror
The first purpose of the law is to reflect God’s holiness and humanity’s weakness. It reveals God’s perfect standards and exposes our inability to meet them, driving us to Jesus Christ for grace and salvation. The law reminds us that none of us, by our own merit, can stand justified before God. It is only through faith in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law, that we can be saved.

 b) The Law as a Restraint
The second use of the law is to restrain evil, which finds expression in secular laws and governance. Calvin writes, “By means of its fearful denunciations and the consequent dread of punishment, [the law serves] to curb those who, unless forced, have no regard for rectitude and justice” (Institutes of the Christian Religion7.10). This highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: people often comply with the law not out of a desire for righteousness but out of fear of punishment. Government functions within this framework by enforcing laws to curb wrongdoing and promote good behaviour.

 c) The Law as a Guide for Believers
The third use of the law is to instruct believers in how to live lives that please God. For Christians, the law provides a roadmap for obedience and godly living, demonstrating how to glorify God in daily life.

Through its authority to make and enforce laws, the government reflects the second use of the law, restraining evil and deterring misconduct. Without this function, society would quickly descend into disorder. However, it is essential to remember that while government can restrain outward evil, it cannot transform hearts—this is the work of the gospel through Jesus Christ.

 Punish Evil

Governments are not only tasked with restraining evil through laws but are also responsible for punishing wrongdoing when laws are broken. Romans 13:4 states that the government does not bear the sword in vain, symbolising its God-given authority to administer justice. The sword signifies the power to enforce laws, including the use of punitive measures when necessary. This authority is a delegated responsibility from God to uphold justice and maintain order.

When a government fails to punish evil, the consequences are dire—chaos and lawlessness prevail. By punishing wrongdoers, governments serve as agents of God’s justice, deterring others from following a path of wrongdoing and ensuring the stability of society.

Reward Good

Romans 13:3 also highlights another key responsibility of government: rewarding good behaviour. “Do what is good, and you will receive his approval.” Governments are meant to commend and support law-abiding people who contribute positively to society.

Governments should ensure an environment where individuals who obey the laws and live uprightly can live confidently and freely without fear of persecution or punishment. By recognising and protecting good conduct, governments foster a culture of peace and mutual respect.

However, for those who engage in evil, the judgment of the law is inevitable. This dual role—punishing evil and rewarding good—forms the foundation of a just and functional society, reflecting God’s design for human governance.

III) The Responsibility of Citizens

Having examined the responsibilities of government, we now turn to our duties as citizens. Romans 13:1 instructs, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.” This call to subjection emphasises obedience to lawful authority. Verse 5 reiterates this point: “Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.” As citizens, we are called to live in obedience to the laws of the land. For Christians, this is both a legal and spiritual obligation.

Obedience to Authority

A lawful citizen respects the laws established by governing authorities, as this reflects the delegated authority granted by God. Romans 13:6-7 provides practical examples of this obedience, including paying taxes. While many of us may not have the option to evade taxes due to automatic deductions, the temptation might exist if given the chance. Often, people justify this by pointing to poor infrastructure, inadequate services, or bad governance. However, God’s command to obey—including the payment of taxes—is not contingent upon the quality of governance but upon the government’s authority.

Obedience also extends to fostering peace and order during critical events like elections. As citizens, we have a duty to act responsibly and ensure the process is conducted peacefully. This means voting, refraining from actions that incite unrest, and trusting in the democratic process.

Limits to Governmental Authority

It is essential to remember that government’s authority is not absolute; it is delegated by God. When a government’s directives conflict with God’s commands, Christians are called to obey God rather than human authorities. Several biblical examples illustrate this principle:

• Daniel refused to stop praying, even when commanded to do so by law (Daniel 6:10).
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego defied the king’s order to worship an idol (Daniel 3:18).
• Peter and John boldly declared, “We must obey God rather than men,” when instructed to stop preaching about Jesus (Acts 5:29).

These examples underscore the importance of discerning when it is appropriate to resist governmental authority. Such resistance must be grounded in faithfulness to God’s law rather than personal or political motivations. 

IV) The Redemptive Implication of Government

In the larger framework of God’s sovereignty, governments serve as a temporal expression of justice on earth. While their role is limited, they reflect God’s divine purpose to maintain order and punish wrongdoing until the final judgment. Romans 13:4-5 describes government as “a servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” In this way, government functions as God’s earthly instrument of justice, expressing His wrath against sin and serving as a deterrent to evil.

However, the justice administered by human governments is imperfect and temporary. It points us to a future, ultimate government under God’s rule, when He will judge all humanity. At the last judgment, God will avenge sin and pour out His righteous wrath on those who have rejected His grace. Every individual will stand before the judgment seat of God, and their eternal destiny will hinge on their response to Jesus Christ, God’s provision for atonement (John 3:16).

Politics vs. Eternal Peace

As we approach the elections, our collective desires for peace, justice, and prosperity are evident. Yet, it is crucial to recognise that the peace and order human governments offer, while valuable, are limited and temporary. True and lasting peace can only be found in Christ. Through His redemptive work on the cross, Christ reconciled humanity to God, providing ultimate peace for those who believe. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

The gospel offers a peace that surpasses all human efforts at governance—a peace rooted in the assurance that in Christ, God’s wrath is satisfied. For believers, there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1). As we participate in civic responsibilities, we should do so with the understanding that the hope of the world is not in politics but in the redemptive work of Jesus.

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