Theology: Sovereignty Sovereignty is the right of God to do as he wishes (Psalm 50:1; Isaiah 40:15; 1 Timothy 6:15) with his creation. This implies that there is no external influence upon him and that he also has the ability to exercise his power and control according to his will. The sovereignty of God is related to his omnipotence, providence, and kingship, yet it also encompasses his freedom. It refers to God being in control and directing all things - nothing can stop God doing what He wants. This attribute has been particularly emphasized in Reformed theology. The Calvinist writer A. W. Pink appeals to Isaiah 46:10 (My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please) and argues, Subject to none, influenced by none, absolutely independent; God does as He pleases, only as He pleases always as He pleases. His complete sovereignty is completely compatible with another of His magnificent attributes—His immutability, His unchanging nature. What God says He will do, He will do. No question about it. Isaiah 14:24 says Jehovah of Hosts has sworn, saying, ‘Surely as I have thought, so it shall come to pass; and as I have purposed, it shall stand. Samuel writes He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind (1 Samuel 15:29). What God has planned from before the foundation of the world, He will bring to pass. He doesnt revise His plans according to what people do, a popular notion called ‘open theism, the ridiculous idea that God doesnt know the future and He is constantly having to adjust His plans according to what man does. But if the creature has such power over the Creator that our actions cause Him to change His plans, that would make the creature God, wouldnt it? Of course we know the root of that heresy—the desire to be God that lurks in the heart of everyone since Satan tempted Eve to believe she would be like God (Genesis 3:5). But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations (Psalm 33:11). When He says ‘forever, thats exactly what He means. When He makes a covenant, He keeps it. His plans are not affected by changing, unfaithful man so that He has to be constantly updating them. What comfort would it be to pray to a god who, like the chameleon who changes color depending on its environment, God changed His mind every minute? Who would put up a petition before an earthly ruler who was so changeable as to grant it one day, then deny it the next? Most importantly, our salvation is secure because the One who secured it doesnt change, nor does He change the rules on us so that we may be saved one day and lose our salvation the next. We have His solemn oath that all who come to Christ in faith will be saved, not because we are faithful, but because He is. Because of His unchanging nature, we can be assured that once we are in His hand, we will remain there, for Gods gifts and his call are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 23:52:41 +0000