Sovereignty of God

The biblical teaching is that God is king, supreme ruler, and lawgiver of the entire universe.

He “has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Ps. 103:19 NIV) as the “Most High,” (Ps. 135:6 and Ps.115.3)

I. God is “sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes” (Dan. 4:17, 25, 34; 5:21; 7:14). Israel’s King David acknowledges “the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor” of God “for everything in heaven and earth” is his (I Chr. 29:11). This prayerful acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty is echoed in the traditional conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer: “for yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever” (Matt. 6:13 NIV). God is indeed the “only Ruler, the King of Kings and Lord of lords” (I Tim. 6:15; cf. Rev. 19:16). The sovereignty of God thus expresses the very nature of God as all-powerful and omnipotent, able to accomplish his good pleasure, carry out his decreed will, and keep his promises.

Several divine names express God’s sovereignty. He is called “God Most High” (‘elyon, Gen. 14:18-20), “God almighty” (el sadday, 17:1; cf. Exod. 6:2), “Sovereign Lord” (adonay yhwh, Gen. 15:2: Deut. 3:24 NIV), and “Lord God Almighty” (kyrios pantokrator, Rev. 1:8).

II. God’s sovereignty is expressed in the comprehensive plan or decree for world history; he “works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Eph. 1:11). His sovereignty is exercised and displayed in history in the work of creation, providence, and redemption. The “Sovereign Lord” has “made the heavens and the earth” and “nothing is too hard” for him (Jer. 32:17-23), indeed, “all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27; 14:35: Luke 1:37). God also sovereignly upholds and governs the created world in his providence. He rules the destiny of men and nations (Acts 14:15-17; 17:24-28). Adam’s fall occurred within the context of his arrangement (Gen. 2:16-17) as did Christ’s crucifixion (Acts 2:23; 4:27-28) and all other events. Nothing surprises God!!

His providential rule is all-comprehensive. “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things (Isa. 45:7; cf. Eph. 1:ll).

II. The work of redemption also manifests God’s sovereignty. He promises covenants and works redemptive history. The Messiah is himself “Mighty God” (Isa. 9:6-7), “the Son of the Most High” whose “kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:33). From the beginning of his public ministry to its end Jesus’ message concerns “the kingdom of God” (Mark 1:15; Acts 1:3; more than 100 instances in the gospels). After the resurrection Christ claims “all authority in heaven and earth” (Matt. 28:18), and the ascended Christ is exalted “far above all rule and authority, power, and dominion” (Eph. 1:19, 21-23; Phil. 2:9-11; I Cor. 15:24-28; Rev. 5:9-14). Hence the earliest Christian confession was simply: “Jesus is Lord” (Rom. 10:9).

God’s sovereign will and power are not arbitrary, or determined by the actions of others; (“free-will” is a myth; “free-choice” on the other hand is real) his sovereignty is characterized by his justice and holiness. We can’s stop Him or help Him!

God commands us to live according to his sovereign law (Gen. 2:16-17; Exod. 20; Matt. 22:37-38). Yet God exercises his will even through sinful, disobedient human actions (Gen. 45:5, 7-8; 50:19-20). The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, certainly the most horrible crime in history, occurred within the boundaries of “the determinate will and foreknowledge of God,” for the crucifiers did what God’s “power and will had decided beforehand should happen” (Acts 2:23; 4:26-28; cf. John 19:11.

God’s sovereignty should be reflected in the Christian’s life. We should rejoice!! The Christian who is being renewed in the image of God and progressing in sanctification should be proclaiming the kingdom of God in human history to the glory of the Sovereign Lord.