Topical Bible: Power of God: Sovereign

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The sovereignty of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His supreme authority and power over all creation. This concept underscores God's ultimate control and governance over the universe, human history, and individual lives. The sovereignty of God is not merely a theological abstraction but a profound truth that impacts the believer's understanding of God's nature and His interaction with the world.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently affirms God's sovereign power. In Isaiah 46:9-10 , God declares, "Remember the former things of old; for 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, emphasizing His control over time and events.

In the New Testament, the sovereignty of God is further illustrated in Ephesians 1:11 , which states, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." This verse underscores God's active role in orchestrating all things according to His divine will and purpose.

God's Sovereignty in Creation and Providence

The sovereignty of God is evident in His role as Creator. Genesis 1:1 affirms, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." As the Creator, God exercises authority over all that exists. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This ownership implies God's right to govern and direct His creation according to His purposes.

God's providential care is another aspect of His sovereignty. In Matthew 10:29-31 , Jesus teaches, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." This passage reassures believers of God's intimate involvement in the details of their lives, reflecting His sovereign care and concern.

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

While God's sovereignty is absolute, the Bible also affirms human responsibility. The tension between divine sovereignty and human free will is a mystery that Scripture holds in balance. Proverbs 16:9 states, "A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." This verse illustrates that while humans make plans, it is ultimately God who directs their paths.

The account of Joseph in Genesis provides a narrative example of this balance. Joseph's brothers acted with evil intent, yet God used their actions to bring about a greater good. In Genesis 50:20 , Joseph tells his brothers, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Sovereignty in Salvation

God's sovereignty is also evident in the realm of salvation. Romans 9:15-16 quotes God saying to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." Paul concludes, "So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy." This passage highlights that salvation is ultimately a work of God's sovereign grace, not human effort.

Ephesians 2:8-9 further emphasizes this truth: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Salvation is a divine gift, underscoring God's sovereign initiative in the redemption of humanity.

Conclusion

The sovereignty of God is a profound and comforting doctrine that assures believers of God's ultimate authority and control over all aspects of life. It calls for trust in His perfect will and encourages a life of worship and obedience in response to His majestic power.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 9:21
Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel to honor, and another to dishonor?
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

935. basileus -- a king
... Cognate: 935 -- a (sovereign); often referring to Christ who ... over all creation --
also being God the Creator. ... the notion of a foundation of power); a sovereign ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/935.htm - 7k

3841. pantokrator -- almighty
... prevail") -- properly, ; unrestricted power exercising absolute ... the all-ruling, ie
God (as absolute and universal sovereign) -- Almighty, Omnipotent. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3841.htm - 7k

Library

The Power of God
... I. He has a sovereign right arid authority over man ... or say unto him, What doest thou?'
God sits judge ... up another.' He has salvation and damnation in his power. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/6 the power of god.htm

My God Will Hear Me
... everything would be set aside to make time and room for this one only power that
can ... There is the question as to God's sovereign, all-wise, all-disposing will. ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xii my god will.htm

The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Salvation
... Creator, and there are multitudes of professing Christians who deny that God is
absolute Sovereign. Men boast of their free will, prate of their power, and are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/4 the absolute godhood of.htm

Of the Sovereign Praise which God Gives unto Himself, and How we ...
... can worthily match his sovereign goodness with sovereign praise ... desire of being able
to praise God sufficiently; yet ... she would not wish to have power to praise ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii of the sovereign.htm

That we have not Naturally the Power to Love God Above all Things.
... things of God, yea even his eternal power also and ... knew God, they have not glorified
him as God, or given ... in some sort, attributing to him sovereign titles of ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvii that we have.htm

The God who Dwells with Men
... strong and victorious energy, a warrior-God, a conquering King, one whose word is
power, who rules ... first idea, then, is that of sovereign rule; the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the god who dwells with.htm

The New Hampshire Baptist Confession. AD 1833.
... it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the ... the end;
[2108] that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being ...
/.../the new hampshire baptist confession.htm

A Plain Description of the Essence and Attributes of God, Out of ...
... 32] (1 Chronicles 29:14); as also such a plenitude of power, that he ... From all these
attributes ariseth one, which is God's sovereign blessedness or perfection. ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/a plain description of the.htm

Christ --The Power and Wisdom of God
... That he is the power of God now, Scripture very ... he sitteth at the right hand of God."
He hath ... is the great umpire of all disputes, the great Sovereign Head of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/christthe power and wisdom of.htm

A Prehistoric Conflict.
... Moral power is the opposite of violent or physical power. ... is right, namely, when
it can be clearly established that God the giver and sovereign of life ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/a prehistoric conflict.htm