Every sincere Christian wants to know and follow the will of God. Sometimes the path is clear because the Bible speaks directly about the matter. At other times, we may face two or more choices and wonder which one God wants us to make. During such moments, some Christians draw names, flip a coin, open the Bible at random, or cast lots, believing that God will control the result.
Casting lots is mentioned several times in Scripture. Therefore, the question is reasonable: Should Christians today cast lots to discover God’s will?
We must study the whole Bible and notice when lots were used, why they were used, and whether the practice continued after the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the church. When we do this, we discover that casting lots had a special purpose during a particular period of biblical history. It was never presented as God’s permanent method of guiding believers.
What Were Lots?
Casting lots was an ancient method used to choose between two or more possibilities. The Bible does not explain the exact procedure. It may have involved stones, marked pieces of wood, or other objects placed inside a container or the fold of a garment. The result was then accepted as the decision.
“The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.” Proverbs 16:33
When God authorized the use of lots, the outcome was not left to blind chance. God controlled the result and revealed His decision.
However, this verse does not mean that every random event is a message from God. It does not give us permission to turn every decision into a game of chance. The text describes God’s sovereignty over a practice that He sometimes authorized; it does not command Christians to use that practice whenever they are uncertain.
When Did God Authorize Lots?
The Old Testament records several occasions when God approved the use of lots. These were usually connected with national, ceremonial, or official matters concerning Israel. They were not normally used for personal choices such as whom to marry, where to live, or what work to undertake.
The Division of the Promised Land
God commanded that the land of Canaan be divided among Israel’s tribes by lot.
“Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.” Numbers 26:55
Joshua later carried out this instruction:
“And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.” Joshua 18:10
The Israelites did not invent this method because they were unable to agree. God specifically commanded it. Since the lots were cast “before the LORD,” each tribe could accept its inheritance as coming from Him.
The Two Goats
God commanded Aaron to cast lots over two goats on the Day of Atonement.
“And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.” Leviticus 16:8
One goat was offered as a sacrifice, while the other had a different role in the ceremony. Aaron did not choose according to his preference. God directed that the distinction be made by lot because the ceremony represented sacred truths in the plan of salvation.
The Identification of Achan
Following Israel’s defeat at Ai, God revealed that someone had taken forbidden items from Jericho. The Lord instructed Joshua to bring Israel before Him by tribes, families, households, and individuals until the guilty person was identified.
“In the morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which the LORD taketh shall come according to the families thereof.” Joshua 7:14
Eventually, Achan was identified, confessed his sin, and admitted that he had hidden the stolen items in his tent. This was a special act of divine judgment. It does not authorize Christians to use random methods to determine whether someone is innocent or guilty.
The Organization of Priests
During David’s reign, lots were used to arrange the order in which the priests and Levites would serve in God’s house.
“Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another.” 1 Chronicles 24:5
This prevented favoritism and maintained order in the sacred services. Once again, this was an official religious responsibility—not an individual casting lots over an ordinary personal decision.
Lots Were Not the Normal Method
Although lots appear in several Old Testament accounts, they were never the normal way God’s people sought guidance. Abraham followed God’s spoken command. Moses received instruction from God. Joshua was told to meditate upon the written law. David prayed and listened to God’s prophets. Daniel studied the Scriptures and sought God through prayer and fasting.
God told Joshua:
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night.” Joshua 1:8
Joshua’s success would come through knowing and obeying God’s written Word. He was not told to cast lots whenever he faced uncertainty.
David prayed:
“Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me.” Psalm 25:4–5
Casting lots was therefore the exception, not the rule. It was used on particular occasions under God’s specific direction.
The Choice of Matthias
The only recorded instance of believers casting lots after Christ’s resurrection is found in Acts 1. Judas had betrayed Jesus and died, leaving a vacancy among the twelve apostles.
The believers first identified two men who met the necessary qualifications. Both had accompanied Jesus and His disciples from John’s baptism until Christ’s ascension. Joseph Barsabas and Matthias were presented before the Lord.
“And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen.” Acts 1:24
They believed that Christ had already made His choice and asked Him to reveal it.
“And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:26
This event occurred during a transitional period. Jesus had ascended to heaven, but the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost had not yet taken place. The account records what the disciples did, but it does not command the church to repeat the practice. This is the final recorded use of lots by God’s people in Scripture.
After Pentecost, Lots Disappeared
Acts 2 records the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. From that point onward, Acts repeatedly describes the Spirit guiding believers, choosing workers, directing missionaries, and leading the church into truth. Yet it never again records Christians casting lots.
When the church needed men to care for the widows, the apostles instructed the believers:
“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom.” Acts 6:3
The church prayerfully considered the men’s character, wisdom, reputation, and spiritual experience.
When Barnabas and Saul were chosen for missionary work, no lots were cast.
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” Acts 13:2
The Spirit also directed Paul concerning where he should preach. When church leaders met in Jerusalem to settle an important doctrinal question, they considered Scripture, testimonies, and the evidence of God’s working. They concluded:
“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us.” Acts 15:28
After Pentecost, decisions were made through Scripture, prayer, spiritual wisdom, godly counsel, and the Holy Spirit’s leading. The disappearance of lots from the New Testament church is significant.
The Danger of Random Methods
Casting lots, flipping coins, drawing names, or opening the Bible at random may appear harmless. A person may sincerely ask God to control the outcome. However, Scripture does not promise that God will reveal His will through methods He has not authorized.
Such practices can become a form of seeking signs. Someone may already have a preferred answer and repeat the process until the desired result appears. Another person may treat every coincidence as a special message from God. This can produce confusion, disappointment, and serious mistakes.
Jesus warned:
“An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign.” Matthew 12:39
Jesus was speaking to people who rejected the clear evidence God had already given and demanded another sign. We must not ignore Scripture, sound judgment, or known facts while looking for an extraordinary sign.
Every impression and apparent sign must be tested by God’s Word.
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20
A method may feel spiritual, but feelings cannot determine whether it comes from God. Our safety is found in the written Word.
How Should Christians Seek God’s Will?
God has not left His children without guidance. He has provided safer and clearer means than casting lots.
Study God’s Word
Our first question should be, “Has God already spoken about this matter?”
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105
The Bible may not name a particular job, city, or person, but it teaches principles concerning honesty, purity, stewardship, marriage, responsibility, service, and faithfulness. God will never lead us contrary to His Word.
Pray for Wisdom
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally.” James 1:5
Prayer is not asking God to approve what we have already decided. True prayer surrenders our preferences and asks God to shape our thinking. Some answers become clear quickly, while others require time. God may use the waiting period to correct our motives or prepare the way.
Follow the Holy Spirit
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Romans 8:14
The Holy Spirit never contradicts Scripture. He inspired the Word and brings its truths to our minds. He convicts us of sin, gives wisdom, and helps us recognize the path that honors Christ.
Sometimes we struggle to recognize God’s will because our own will is too strong. Jesus gave us the perfect example:
“Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42
Use Sanctified Judgment
Faith does not require us to ignore facts or refuse to think. God has given us minds and expects us to use them under the Holy Spirit’s influence.
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost?” Luke 14:28
We should gather accurate information, consider the consequences, examine our responsibilities, and ask whether the decision will strengthen or hinder our Christian witness.
Seek Godly Counsel
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14
Counsellors do not replace Scripture, prayer, or personal responsibility. However, mature believers may recognize dangers we have overlooked. We should seek counsel from people who understand God’s Word and have no selfish interest in our decision.
Consider Providence
God sometimes guides by opening or closing doors. However, an open door is not automatically God’s will, and a difficult road is not necessarily outside His will. Paul often faced opposition while doing exactly what God had called him to do.
Providence must be considered together with Scripture, prayer, wisdom, and the Spirit’s leading. Circumstances should never become our only guide.
Counsel From the Pen of Inspiration
Clear counsel has been given regarding the use of lots:
“I have no faith in casting lots. We have in the Bible a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord’ in regard to all church duties. There is no sanction in the Word for casting lots in the choice of officers for the church.” Letter 37, 1900
Church leaders should be selected by considering their spiritual character, faithfulness, abilities, reputation, and the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives.
We are also warned:
“Let none regard it as a virtue to cast lots. We have a sure Word of prophecy, and we should search the Scriptures with humble hearts.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 2, p. 326
This counsel directs us away from random methods and back to the sure Word of God.
When Both Choices Are Acceptable
Sometimes two choices may both agree with biblical principles. In such cases, we do not need to become fearful or demand a supernatural sign. We may compare the choices, consider our gifts and responsibilities, seek counsel, and then make the best decision we can.
God is a loving Father. He is not waiting to punish us because we failed to discover a secret answer. He can guide and redirect a sincere believer who is committed to doing His will.
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Conclusion
Casting lots was used on particular occasions under God’s direct authorization. It was never the normal method for making personal decisions, and after Pentecost, the practice disappeared from the New Testament church.
Christians today do not need lots, coins, random Bible verses, or unusual signs. God guides through His Word, prayer, the Holy Spirit, sanctified judgment, godly counsel, and providence. Our responsibility is to surrender our will, obey the light we already have, and patiently trust Him.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5–6
When we walk closely with Christ and sincerely seek to obey Him, we can move forward with confidence. God knows the path before us, and in His own way and perfect time, He will direct our steps.
