Who's In Charge Here? - God's Sovereignty

"Most Christians salute the sovereignty of God but believe in the sovereignty of man."  - R. C. Sproul (1939-2017)

When I was child, I can recall one of my favorite go-to retorts toward someone who I thought was being abrasively bossy was, "You can't tell me what to do. You're not the boss of me!" As an 8-year old, this was my way of refusing to be bullied.

My childhood aside, throughout the history of mankind we've had problems related to authority. This doesn't mean that "authority" is a bad thing. It's just that there are some who are better at wielding it than others.

And there lies the problem. You never know what you're going to get with someone who is in a position of authority. We've all had positive and negative experiences in our work and personal lives that we can identify with.

There is One, however, whose authority and supreme power over ALL creation is beyond our comprehension. In fact, it is one of the central themes in Christian theology; better known as: the Sovereignty of God.

According to this doctrine, or teaching, God is the universal Creator and Sustainer Who generously employs his boundless will as He sees fit. The idea of divine sovereignty is embedded in Scripture, attesting to God's supreme authority over everything.

This is disclosed in Genesis 1:1. You'll find the same point impressed upon us in Psalm:115:3. The prophet Isaiah was also well aware of the Sovereignty of God, as he proclaims in Isaiah 46:9-10. 

Isaiah's passage draws attention to God's extraordinary ability to proclaim and carry out His purposes, establishing His control over world events and human progress. Let’s now examine God’s sovereignty as illustrated in the New Testament, as well.

Needless to say, the doctrine of God's sovereignty is notably evident in its connection to salvation (Ephesians 1:4-5). This verse underscores God's sovereign choice in regards to our salvation, while stressing His free choice and design in the redemptive process.

We see this concept also demonstrated for us in Romans 9:15-16. The apostle Paul calls to our attention that the concept of salvation is, in the end, a product of God's sovereign mercy, and not due to any effort on our part. i

As I mentioned, man has always had a problem with authority; unfortunately this includes our relationship towards God, too. And though this dilemma has been the subject of theological discussion for centuries, there is no viable answer. 

Perhaps the best thing we can do is stop resisting God's authority, and try working with, instead of against Him. The key here is to foster a cooperative relationship with God between our own endeavors and His divine plan.

Scripture: Exodus 18:11; Deuteronomy 4:39; Joshua 2:11; Acts 17:24-26; Romans 4:11

Prayer: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." - Revelation 4:11

Blessings always,

Vaunda