Articles
The Sovereignty of God
Dictionary.com defines sovereignty as “having supreme power or authority” and “dominion, power or authority.” True sovereignty means having the right and ability to do whatever you want to do and never having to answer to anyone for your actions. It is being devoid of consequences imposed from an outside power or authority.
That’s a mouthful, but when we talk about God’s sovereignty, we mean that He can do what He wants to do and owes no man or being an answer. Consider God’s response to Job when Job demanded an audience with God:
“Then Job answered and said: "Today also my complaint is bitter; my hand is heavy on account of my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! I would lay my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me. Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; he would pay attention to me”. (Job 23:1-6)
And God’s response?
“Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” (Job 38:1-3) and what continues is a series of questions to Job which proves that no man can demand anything of God. In Job 40:2, God says, “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.”
Job learned what it means that God is sovereign.
“Then Job answered the LORD and said: ‘Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.’” (Job 40:3-5)
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me. I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:2-6).
Job learned that God can do what He wills. God owes no man an answer. God will never be placed on trial to give account of His actions.
In 2017, we will take a closer look at these aspects of the sovereignty of God in future issues of The Bible Way:
- God’s sovereignty in creation
- God’s sovereignty in nations
- God’s sovereignty in the church
- God’s sovereignty in my life
