Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about the will of god?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God’s will is holy, wise, and good, calling his people to trust him, obey his Word, and live for his glory through faith in Christ. Romans 12:2 urges believers to be transformed in mind so they may discern God’s good will, while 1 Thessalonians 4:3 names sanctification as his will and 1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls for thankful dependence in every circumstance. Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your will be done,” in Matthew 6:9-13, and identifies his true family as those who do God’s will in Mark 3:35. God does not delight in judgment but patiently calls sinners to repentance through Christ, as 2 Peter 3:9 declares.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 10 votes

    In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.

  • 1 Peter 3:17 8 votes

    For it is better, if the will of God should so will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:3 7 votes

    For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality,

  • Matthew 6:9-13 7 votes

    [9] Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. [10] Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. [11] Give us today our daily bread. [12] Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. [13] Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.'

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:6 4 votes

    Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.

  • 1 Peter 3:18-22 4 votes

    [18] Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; [19] in which he also went and preached to the spirits in prison, [20] who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ark was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. [21] This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you-- not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.

  • Romans 12:2 4 votes

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • Mark 3:35 3 votes

    For whoever does the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."

  • 1 John 2:17 3 votes

    The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God's will remains forever.

  • 2 Peter 3:9 3 votes

    The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about the will of god and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about the will of god