The Biblical teaching on God’s sovereignty has to do with His absolute authority and rule over all of His creation. The English word “sovereign” is a derivative of a Latin word meaning “super above.” When it is used in reference to God, sovereignty implies that God’s rule is far superior or “super above” all else. Everything pales in comparison to God. There is nothing that can limit, rival, or thwart God’s power and purposes. The sovereignty of God expresses the nature of God as almighty, able to accomplish His good pleasure, carry out His decree, and keep His promises.
Some of God’s names help to define His nature in sovereign terms. God is referred to by Melchizedek as “the most high God” (Genesis 14:18-20). The Psalmist addresses God as “King” (Psalm 44:4). The Apostle John calls Him “the Lord God Almighty” (Revelation 11:17). God even calls himself by the title “Almighty God” (Genesis 17:1).
God’s kingdom-rule has no boundaries. It extends to all of Heaven and earth (Psalm 89:11). God is the King (Psalm 47:7). His throne is in Heaven and He rules all of His creation (Psalm 103:19). He even rules over the kingdoms of the heathen (2 Chronicles 20:6), and His enemies will need to submit to Him (Psalm 66:3). He determines the time, place, and circumstances under which each person lives and dies (Acts 17:25-26; Job 14:5). He controls the events of human history (1 Samuel 2:6-8), promoting some people and not others (Psalm 75:6-7). He freely distributes favors according to His will and plan (Psalm 115:3; Romans 9:14-16). He is “exalted as head above all” (1 Chronicles 29:11-12). God’s rule cannot be terminated, for He will continue ruling forever (Exodus 15:18). His sovereignty is not despotic or deterministic. It is always exercised according to God’s complete nature which includes all of His attributes (i.e. justice, holiness, love, etc.).
The teaching of God’s sovereignty does not negate the idea of human responsibility. The Bible clearly declares that individual people are responsible for their moral choices and even their eternal destinies. Both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility are taught side by side in the Scriptures, sometimes even in the same text (See Acts 2:23 and John 6:37).
A proper understanding of God’s sovereignty will deepen our reverence for the true and living God, and will give us comfort, encouragement, and security during times of need.
May/June 1991