What are the decrees of God?

Which Bible passages support this answer?

The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 7. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.

1. Ephesians 1:4, 11

   ⁴For he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before him in love. ¹¹In Christ we too have been claimed as God’s own possession, since we were predestined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will (NET)

2. Romans 9:22-23

   ²²But what if God, willing to demonstrate his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath prepared for destruction? ²³And what if he is willing to make known the wealth of his glory on the objects of mercy that he has prepared beforehand for glory— (NET)

What does this answer mean?

God's decrees are his eternal plan. Before the world began, he purposed according to the counsel of his own will, and he foreordained whatever comes to pass. The answer also gives the reason: for his own glory. Nothing in history surprises God or happens outside his purpose.

What can we ask our children?

1. When did God make his plan?
2. Is there anything that happens that God did not know would happen?
3. Why does God do everything he does, according to this answer?