Sovereignty
“Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.” Daniel 2.20-22
Do you believe in the sovereignty of God? While neither the word “sovereign” nor “sovereignty” appears in the King James Bible, the doctrine described by this word is essential to the Christian faith. Concerning God, Easton says that it is “His absolute right to do all things according to his own good pleasure.” Charles Buck, in his “Theological Dictionary” published in 1802, writes that it “Is his power and right of dominion over his creatures, to dispose and determine them as seemeth him good. This attribute is evidently demonstrated in the systems of creation, providence, and grace; and may be considered as absolute, universal, and everlasting.”
To the world at large, God’s sovereignty indicates that He not only has control but is actively controlling all things. Regardless of the vanity of the intelligentsia or the power of the mighty, none compare to the majestic superiority of the Sovereign God who in His Oneness created and maintains all that is held in place. God caused Nebuchadnezzar to understand that Babylon was not something that the earthly king had built, but a kingdom granted by the Sovereign of all things. Following his humiliation, Nebuchadnezzar declared: “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say to him, What doest thou?” (Daniel 4.35)
To the powerful, Daniel declares that their power has come as a direct result of God’s sovereignty. No one who has power has obtained that power apart from God’s will. As a matter of fact, God can and will even change the seasons in order to accomplish His purpose – He has that right, authority and power to do so. “And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings….” (Daniel 2.21a) Even the leaders of the greatest countries on earth have been placed by and are under the control of His sovereign Majesty.
To the believer who is in the world struggling to identify with this mighty God, Paul offers that “…we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2.10) God’s sovereignty ensures the ability of the saints to bring glory to Him because, ultimately, He has planned our lives and works to bring those lives into His plan. “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” (Ephesians 1.11, 12)
To all, each individual is responsible to recognize God’s authoritative sovereignty. There is coming a time when every person will praise the LORD as the sovereign God. Believers are enjoined to: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12.32) What He has promised, He will do.
While the world in which we live seems to be desperate, dismal and out of control; God has not abdicated His throne. Therefore, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 150.6)
To the world at large, God’s sovereignty indicates that He not only has control but is actively controlling all things. Regardless of the vanity of the intelligentsia or the power of the mighty, none compare to the majestic superiority of the Sovereign God who in His Oneness created and maintains all that is held in place. God caused Nebuchadnezzar to understand that Babylon was not something that the earthly king had built, but a kingdom granted by the Sovereign of all things. Following his humiliation, Nebuchadnezzar declared: “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say to him, What doest thou?” (Daniel 4.35)
To the powerful, Daniel declares that their power has come as a direct result of God’s sovereignty. No one who has power has obtained that power apart from God’s will. As a matter of fact, God can and will even change the seasons in order to accomplish His purpose – He has that right, authority and power to do so. “And he changeth the times and the seasons; he removeth kings, and setteth up kings….” (Daniel 2.21a) Even the leaders of the greatest countries on earth have been placed by and are under the control of His sovereign Majesty.
To the believer who is in the world struggling to identify with this mighty God, Paul offers that “…we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2.10) God’s sovereignty ensures the ability of the saints to bring glory to Him because, ultimately, He has planned our lives and works to bring those lives into His plan. “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” (Ephesians 1.11, 12)
To all, each individual is responsible to recognize God’s authoritative sovereignty. There is coming a time when every person will praise the LORD as the sovereign God. Believers are enjoined to: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12.32) What He has promised, He will do.
While the world in which we live seems to be desperate, dismal and out of control; God has not abdicated His throne. Therefore, “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 150.6)
Copyright © 2023 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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