Before we look at divine providence in more detail there is one major matter that has to be settled. This is the question whether, according to Scripture, divine providence is a risky or risk-free matter; risky or risk-free for God, that is. This is a difference of view between Christians which runs very deep; it is at the heart of the conflict between Augustine and Pelagius, and also at the heart of the Reformation conflict. This being so, there is little hope of
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