Sovereignty of God

Closely connected to God's infinite power is the Biblical teaching of God's absolute sovereignty. This simply refers to the fact that all things are under His rule and control, and that nothing happens in this Universe without His direction or permission. He is a God Who works, not just some things, but all things after the counsel of His own will (see Eph. 1:11). God's purpose is all- inclusive and is never thwarted (see Isa. 46:11).

Consider the extent of God's sovereignty. He controls rulers such as Nebuchadnezzar (read Dan. 4), Ahab (read I Kings 22), and the ten kings in the last days (read Rev. 17:12-17). Satan, as seen in Job 1-2, is clearly under God's control, touching Job only as God allows and as far as God allows. In the saga of Jonah, all events, from the storm, the fish, the gourd, the worm, to the hot east wind, are prepared and orchestrated by God (see Jonah 1:4, 17; 2:10; 4:6-8). Success, promotion, safety, and even the disposition of the casting of the lot is totally under God's control (see Psalm 127:1; 75:6-7; Prov. 16:33).

What about man? Is he exempt from God's rule? Not according to scripture! Though man doesn't realize it, his steps are governed by His God (see Prov. 16:9). Even the wicked acts of men--from the selling of Joseph into slavery by his brothers, or that most hideous of acts, the crucifixion of Christ--are declared to be according to God's purpose (see Gen. 45:4-8; 50:15-20; Acts 2:23; 4:27-28).

While an exhaustive study of this subject is not possible in an article of this size, and, admittedly, many intellectual problems arise in considering it, we must not retreat from what is the clear testimony of scripture. Further, to the people of God, in the midst of their trials and sorrows, there is no message so sweet, no sound so joyful, than the Good News of Isa. 52:7: "Thy God reigneth!"