Topical Bible: The Power of God: Sovereign

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The sovereignty of God is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing His supreme power and authority over all creation. This concept is foundational to understanding God's nature and His relationship with the world. The sovereignty of God is not merely about His ability to do all things but also about His rightful authority to govern all things according to His will and purpose.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently affirms God's sovereignty. 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, underscoring His sovereign control over history.

In the New Testament, the sovereignty of God is further emphasized. Ephesians 1:11 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 illustrates that God's sovereign will is at work in the lives of believers, orchestrating events according to His divine plan.

God's Sovereignty in Creation and Providence

God's sovereignty is evident in His role as Creator. Genesis 1:1 begins with the declaration, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." As Creator, God has absolute authority over the universe. Psalm 24:1 affirms, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This ownership implies His sovereign right to rule over all creation.

In His providence, God sustains and governs the universe. Colossians 1:17 states, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." God's sovereign power ensures the continued existence and order of the cosmos. His providential care extends to the minutiae of life, as Jesus taught in Matthew 10:29-31 , "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

Sovereignty in Salvation

The sovereignty of God is also a key aspect of the doctrine of salvation. Romans 9:15-16 declares, "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." This passage emphasizes that salvation is ultimately a result of God's sovereign choice and mercy, not human effort.

Furthermore, God's sovereign power is displayed in the work of redemption through Jesus Christ. Acts 2:23 speaks of Jesus' crucifixion as being "delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge," indicating that even the most pivotal event in history was orchestrated by God's sovereign will.

Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty

While God's sovereignty is absolute, Scripture also affirms human responsibility. The tension between divine sovereignty and human free will is a mystery that has been the subject of much theological reflection. Philippians 2:12-13 captures this dynamic: "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence—continue 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."

Implications of God's Sovereignty

The sovereignty of God provides comfort and assurance to believers. Romans 8:28 promises, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This assurance rests on the belief that God's sovereign power is always exercised for the ultimate good of His people.

Moreover, God's sovereignty calls for worship and reverence. Revelation 4:11 proclaims, "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created." Recognizing God's sovereign authority leads to a life of submission and devotion to His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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