We are studying the attributes of God in our discussion of Theology Proper or otherwise known as the doctrine of God. Remember that an attribute could be defined as a quality, character, characteristic, or property that describes the essence of who God is. Defining God’s attributes helps us to understand the particular manner in which divinity exists and operates. For the purpose of these articles, we are describing God’s attributes in relation to his intellect, sensibility, and will. Today we continue our discussion on the attributes that relate to God’s will, which include His omnipotence and sovereignty. The focus of this newsletter is on God’s sovereignty.
At the most basic level, sovereignty means that which is principal, chief, or supreme. The doctrine of God’s sovereignty refers to His being first in the universe and relates to His supremacy in power. Theologically, sovereignty speaks to God’s absolute authority and control over all things, events, and people both directly and indirectly. Hannah understood this principle when she sang, “The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.” 1 Samuel 2:6–8 (ESV) The Psalmist understood this principle when he stated, “Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.” Psalm 135:6 (ESV) Isaiah understood this when he wrote of God, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.” Isaiah 46:10 (ESV) This is similar to Paul’s assertion that God “works all things according to the counsel of his will.” Ephesians 1:11 (ESV) Even old Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, recognized that God’s “dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” Daniel 4:34–35 (ESV)
God has the right to sovereign authority over all as He is creator of all (Job 38-40; Palm 95:3-6, Genesis 14:22). Further, all things belong to God (Psalm 24:1, Isaiah 45:9). God chose to act on His sovereign authority by establishing both physical and moral laws within His universe (Psalm 115:3; Revelation 4:11), by creating the beings He desires and setting groups to an assigned place, and by determining conditions and circumstances for every individual in birth, life, and death (Acts 17:26; Deuteronomy 32:8). Finally, God is sovereign over those whom He wills to display the blessings of grace and mercy (Ephesians 1:11; Romans 9:14-29; James 1:18; 2 Corinthians 4:6; and 1 Peter 1:23).
On a practical note of application, the sovereignty of God, which relates to his power, can be difficult for us to accept during circumstances that we do not understand, especially those which involve suffering. Humanity has often questioned God’s sovereignty, wisdom, or His goodness during these times. Further, there are doctrines that can also confuse us, which relate to the attribute of God’s sovereignty, especially those doctrines of grace such as God’s election or predestination. However, we must remember, as Paul stated, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33–36 (ESV)
Consider the Prayer of Ebb and Flow by Henri Nouween:
Dear Lord, today I thought of the words of Vincent van Gogh: “It is true there is an ebb and flow, but the sea remains the sea.” You are the sea. Although I experience many ups and downs in my emotions and often feel great shifts and changes in my inner life, you remain the same. Your sameness is not the sameness of a rock, but the sameness of a faithful lover. Out of your love I came to life; by your love I am sustained; and to your love I am always called back. There are days of sadness and days of joy; there are feelings of guilt and feelings of gratitude; there are moments of failure and moments of success; but all of them are embraced by your unwavering love. My only real temptation is to doubt in your love, to think of myself as beyond the reach of your love, to remove myself from the healing radiance of your love. To do these things is to move into the darkness of despair. O Lord, sea of love and goodness, let me not fear too much the storms and winds of my daily life, and let me know that there is ebb and flow but that the sea remains the sea. Amen.
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
*Material for this newsletter article are taken from the notes of Jim Smith, Professor of Bible and Theology at Brookes Bible College.