- … prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2
God’s will has three aspects — permanent, perfect, and permissive. The permanent aspect is those things in which God directly and actively brings to pass.
- It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding. - Daniel 2:21
- …But He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, What have You done? - Daniel 4:35
The perfect and permissive aspects exist within the permanent aspect of God’s decree. The permissive describes those things which God allows. The perfect describes those things that God has commanded His people to do.
- Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:1-2
Following the perfect will results in blessing, whereas following the permissive results in chastening.