Topical Encyclopedia
Sovereignty of GodThe sovereignty of God is a fundamental attribute that denotes His supreme authority and power over all creation. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God is depicted as the ultimate ruler who orchestrates the affairs of the universe according to His divine will. The sovereignty of God is evident from the very first verse of the Bible: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (
Genesis 1:1). This act of creation underscores His authority over all that exists.
Throughout Scripture, God's sovereignty is portrayed in His control over nature, history, and individual lives. In the book of Psalms, the psalmist declares, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all" (
Psalm 103:19). This verse affirms that God's dominion is not limited by earthly boundaries but extends over the entire cosmos.
The prophet Isaiah emphasizes God's unmatched power and wisdom, stating, "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 what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish'" (
Isaiah 46:9-10). This passage highlights God's ability to declare and fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His sovereign control over time and events.
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul reiterates God's sovereignty in his letter to the Romans: "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen" (
Romans 11:36). This doxology encapsulates the belief that all things originate from God, are sustained by Him, and ultimately exist for His glory.
Eternal Nature of GodThe eternal nature of God is another essential attribute that signifies His existence beyond the confines of time. Unlike His creation, which is bound by temporal limitations, God is described as everlasting and unchanging. The psalmist proclaims, "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God" (
Psalm 90:2). This verse affirms that God's existence precedes creation and extends infinitely into the future.
God's eternal nature is further emphasized in the book of Revelation, where He is referred to as the "Alpha and Omega," the beginning and the end (
Revelation 1:8). This title signifies that God encompasses all of time and is the origin and culmination of all things.
The prophet Isaiah also speaks to God's eternal nature, declaring, "The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not grow weary or tired. His understanding is unsearchable" (
Isaiah 40:28). This passage highlights not only God's eternal existence but also His inexhaustible strength and wisdom.
In the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews affirms the unchanging nature of God: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (
Hebrews 13:8). This statement underscores the consistency and reliability of God's character throughout all ages.
The sovereignty and eternal nature of God are intertwined attributes that reveal His majesty and authority. As the sovereign ruler, God exercises His will over creation with absolute power, while His eternal nature assures believers of His unchanging presence and purpose throughout history and into eternity.