--- title: "Chapter 5: Of Providence | RP Testimony" description: "Chapter 5 of the RP Testimony: Of Providence. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter." canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-5-providence/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=31" --- # Chapter 5: Of Providence | RP Testimony 1. We reject all theories of the continuation or dissolution of the universe due to any other cause than the will of the Creator. 2. God’s providence should lead the believer to be patient in adversity and thankful in prosperity, resting confidently in his Lord. He is to seek to understand the meaning and purpose of God’s dealings with him in the light of the Word of God. Deut. 29:29; 1 Thess. 5:18; 2 Cor. 1: 3-5; Amos 4:6-12. 3. We reject the belief that God does not exercise His providence in all parts of His creation, and in all actions of His creatures; or that some areas of life are controlled by so-called luck or chance. Amos 3:6. 4. Gambling is a sin against God because it denies His providential care and increases dependence on the erroneous notion of luck or chance. It involves and encourages greed and the desire to get something for nothing at the expense of others. Its satanic character is demonstrated in the way it obsesses individuals. Some examples of unwarranted gambling the Christian should avoid are lotteries, bingo for gain, wagerings, raffles and bets. Many of the same objections may be brought against sweepstakes, door prizes, drawings and other similar practices. The Church should testify against the dependence of public agencies on revenues derived from gambling sources. 2 Thess. 3:9-10; Prov. 15:27; Prov. 16: 33; Ex. 20:15, 17; 1 Tim. 6:9-11. 5. Satan has power in the world which includes predictions of the future, signs and wonders that deceive, and possession of persons. Satan often duplicates that which belongs to God even to the establishment of churches that serve him. Therefore Christians are to flee the working of Satan in such things as fortune telling, horoscopes, astrology, palmistry, witchcraft, conjurings, seances, drug experiences and Satan worship. 2 Kings 23:24; Acts 16:16; Eph. 6:12; Lev. 20:27; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; Dan. 4:7; Isa. 47:12-15; Deut. 18:10-14; 2 Thess. 2: 8-10; Rev. 2:11. ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowProvidenceGod’s continuing care and government of everything he made.MeansThe ordinary things God uses to accomplish his purposes, such as food, work, and people’s help.RejectsSays that a teaching is wrong and must not be accepted. ### Testimony 5.1 The Testimony rejects explanations of the universe’s survival or end that leave out the Creator’s will. [Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-5-providence/#point-1) ### Testimony 5.2 God’s care should help believers endure hardship, give thanks in good times, and understand their lives in light of Scripture. [Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-5-providence/#point-2) ### Testimony 5.3 The Testimony rejects the idea that some events or areas of life are governed by luck rather than God’s providence. [Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-5-providence/#point-3) ### Testimony 5.4 The Testimony condemns gambling because it promotes reliance on luck, greed, and gain at others’ expense. It also calls the church to oppose public funding that depends on gambling. [Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-5-providence/#point-4) ### Testimony 5.5 The Testimony warns that Satan deceives people. Christians should avoid occult practices such as fortune-telling, astrology, witchcraft, and attempts to contact spirits. [Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-5-providence/#point-5) ### Talk about it How can God’s care help you when life is difficult? ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - How is God caring for His world right now? - How can we trust His care when we do not understand what happens? #### Scripture to remember Psalm 103:19 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Psalm%20103%3A19) Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week. #### Put it into practice Recall one way God has provided for your family and thank Him. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=31) ## Related reading - [Assurance of salvation](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/assurance-of-salvation/) - [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 3: Of God’s Eternal Decree](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-3-gods-eternal-decree/) - [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 7: What are the decrees of God?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-7-what-are-the-decrees-of-god/) - [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 12: What are the decrees of God?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-12-what-are-the-decrees-of-god/) - [Westminster Confession · Chapter 5](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-5-providence/) - [Chapter 4](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-4-creation/) - [Chapter 6](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-6-fall-of-man-of-sin-and-of-the-punishment/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-5-providence/