THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD

PSALM 111

He provided redemption for His people; He ordained His covenant forever—holy and awesome is His name

(Ps. 111:9 niv).

We conclude our brief study of the doctrine of election by taking a closer look at the complexities surrounding the sovereignty of God. God’s sovereignty, as presented in the Bible is not fatalistic determinism that robs man of his freedom to make choices. Exactly how God’s sovereignty relates to man’s freedom is a mystery. We will never know in this life how the two co-exist. We must simply accept that they do.

Any attempt throughout Christian history to explain how they work has ended in a deviation into the extreme, either in one direction or the other. Critics of God’s sovereignty have ended up embracing pantheistic notions that barely distinguish God from His creation. They make God an “open” God, one who is vulnerable, and subject to the choices of His creation. On the other hand, critics of man’s freedom of choice (freedom as defined by liberty to act true to one’s nature without any external coercion) end up espousing fatalistic philosophies wherein man is a mere puppet in the hand of a cold and heartless God.

We must always be aware of these two extremes when we consider the sovereignty of God. It is important, as always, to stay close to the Scriptures, to let them speak, and to put all those questions that inevitably lead to idle speculation to rest. Of this we can be sure, that God has ordained all things to be, and that in particular, He has ordained some to salvation while passing over others. At the same lime, we are responsible for our sin and are responsible to answer the call of the Gospel. If we reject God’s offer of salvation, it is our rejection. God is not forcing us to refuse His Gospel. It is our decision, and we will face the consequences.

But for those whom God has chosen to save, He will give a new heart. He will not force rebellious sinners to believe in Him, but He will change them at the root, enabling them to put their faith in His Son. This divine action is not a senseless, arbitrary decision, but it is an act of purposeful love.

If you are left with nothing else from these studies, remember this, “God is sovereign.” He is in control. Therein is our hope and our comfort.

CORAM DEO

Isaiah 4–6

Galatians 3

Read Acts 2:22–24 and 4:23–31 (as well as the passages below, if you have time). How are God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility reflected in these passages? Do you ever blame God for the consequences of your sin? Do you struggle to believe that God is in control? Meditate on the sovereignty of God’s goodness.

For further study: Gen. 45:1–8; 50:15–21 • Ex. 9:1–35 • Luke 22:14–23

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