For a brief introduction to the interpretation of the verses below and the concept of God’s will being described as ‘desire’ see the Introduction on Historic Reformed Quotes on God’s Revealed Will Being His Will, Desire, Pleasure and Wish. Also be sure to read the careful articulation of John Howe (†1705) on God’s Revealed Will is Actually His Will.
That God’s Revealed Will is His Will:
Matt 6:10
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Matt 7:21
Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matt 12:50
For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
John 4:34
Jesus saith unto them, ‘My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish his work.’
John 7:17
If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself.
Rom 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 Thess. 4:2,3
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication
That God Desires His Revealed Will to be Done
Ps. 51:16
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
Ps. 68:16
Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the Lord will dwell in it for ever.
Hos. 6:6
For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
That God’s Revealed Will is his Wish
Deut. 5:29
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
Deut. 32:29
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
Ps. 81:13-16
Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. The haters of the Lord should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.
Isa. 48:18
O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:
That God’s Revealed Will is his Pleasure
1 Chron. 29:17
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
Ezra 10:11
Now therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.
Psalm 5:4
For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
Ps. 103:21
Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
Isa. 44:28
That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Eze. 18:23
Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
Eze. 18:32
For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
Eze. 33:11
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Micah 6:7-8
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Related Pages
Historic Reformed Quotes on the Distinction Between God’s Revealed Will and His Will of Decree
Bible Verses on Common Grace and the Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel
The Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel
Historic Reformed Quotes on the Sincere Free Offer of the Gospel