Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Scope God's sovereignty refers to His supreme power and authority over all creation. It encompasses His ability to govern and control all things according to His will and purpose. This doctrine is foundational to understanding God's nature and His relationship with the world. It affirms that nothing occurs outside of God's knowledge and control, and everything ultimately serves His divine plan.
Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently affirms God's sovereignty. In
Isaiah 46:9-10, God declares, "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.’" This passage highlights God's unique ability to declare and bring about His purposes.
Psalm 115:3 states, "Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases." This verse underscores the freedom and authority of God to act according to His will without constraint. Similarly,
Daniel 4:35 proclaims, "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: ‘What have You done?’"
Creation and Sustenance God's sovereignty is evident in His role as Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
Genesis 1:1 affirms, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational truth establishes God's authority over all creation.
Colossians 1:16-17 further elaborates, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
Providence and Governance God's sovereignty extends to His providential care and governance of the world.
Proverbs 16:9 states, "A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This illustrates how human plans are ultimately subject to God's sovereign direction.
Romans 8:28 assures believers that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
Salvation and Election The doctrine of God's sovereignty is also central to the understanding of salvation and election.
Ephesians 1:4-5 reveals, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage emphasizes God's sovereign choice in the salvation of individuals.
Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty While God is sovereign, Scripture also affirms human responsibility. The tension between divine sovereignty and human free will is a mystery that the Bible holds in balance.
Philippians 2:12-13 encourages believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This passage highlights the cooperative relationship between God's sovereign work and human effort.
Conclusion The doctrine of God's sovereignty over all is a profound and comforting truth for believers. It assures them of God's ultimate control and purpose in all circumstances, providing a foundation for trust and worship.