Sovereignty of God

The sovereignty of God is a foundational doctrine in Christian theology, affirming that God is the supreme authority and all things are under His control. This concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing God's ultimate power and authority over creation, history, and the lives of individuals.

The Bible begins with the assertion of God's sovereign act of creation: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). This establishes God as the Creator, who not only brings the universe into existence but also sustains it by His will. The psalmist declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein" (Psalm 24:1), underscoring God's ownership and rule over all creation.

God's sovereignty is also evident in His governance of human history. The prophet Isaiah records God's declaration: "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose’" (Isaiah 46:9-10). This passage highlights God's omniscience and His ability to bring His purposes to fruition, regardless of human actions.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul affirms God's sovereign choice in salvation: "For He says to Moses: 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy" (Romans 9:15-16). This underscores the belief that God's will is paramount in the salvation of individuals, further illustrating His sovereign authority.

Glory of God

The glory of God is a central theme in the Bible, referring to the manifestation of His divine attributes and the honor due to Him. God's glory is intrinsic to His nature and is revealed in various ways throughout Scripture.

In the Old Testament, God's glory is often associated with His presence. When Moses encountered God on Mount Sinai, the glory of the LORD was visibly manifested: "The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day He called to Moses from within the cloud" (Exodus 24:16). This event signifies the holiness and majesty of God, as well as His desire to reveal Himself to His people.

The psalms frequently extol God's glory, calling all creation to worship Him: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands" (Psalm 19:1). This verse illustrates how the natural world reflects God's glory, pointing to His creative power and divine craftsmanship.

In the New Testament, the glory of God is supremely revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. The apostle John writes, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Jesus embodies the glory of God, revealing His character and redemptive plan for humanity.

Believers are called to live for the glory of God, as Paul exhorts: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). This instruction emphasizes that every aspect of a Christian's life should reflect and honor God's glory, acknowledging His sovereignty and majesty.