God is Sovereign: He Exercises That Sovereignty in Actively Ordaining Everything

God is Sovereign: He Exercises That Sovereignty in Actively Ordaining Everything

In the Bible, the sovereignty of God stands as a central theme, a foundation upon which the understanding of His character, His works, and His relationship with creation is built. The Scriptures unequivocally declare that God is sovereign (Exo 15:18; 1Chr 29:11-12; 2Chr 20:6; Psa 22:28). His rule and reign extend over all things, from the vast expanse of the cosmos to the minutiae of daily life. This exposition will elucidate the depth of God's sovereignty, specifically as it pertains to His active ordination of everything.

The scope of God's sovereignty is comprehensive, encompassing every aspect of existence (Deu 32:39; 1Sam 2:6-8; Job 9:12; Job 12:6-10; Psa 33:11; Psa 115:3; Psa 135:6; Isa 14:24; Isa 45:7; Act 15:18; Eph 1:11). This means that nothing occurs outside of His divine decree, including matters we might consider "chance" (Pro 16:33; 1Ki 22:20, 34, 37). In His wisdom, God exercises control over the seemingly random events in life, ensuring that all things serve His ultimate purposes.

Furthermore, God's sovereignty extends over the wicked actions of men (Gen 45:5; Gen 50:20; Exo 4:21; Jdg 14:1-4; Psa 76:10; Pro 16:4; Isa 44:28; Amos 3:6; Act 2:22-23; Act 4:27-28). Though mankind may choose evil, the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, turns these wicked deeds to serve His divine plan. In this way, He preserves human agency and moral responsibility, while still directing the course of history according to His will.

Similarly, God exercises sovereignty over the actions of evil spirits (1Sam 16:14-16; 1Ki 22:19-23; 1Chr 21:1/2Sam 24:1), as well as the good actions of men (John 15:16; Eph 2:10; Phi 2:12-13). Even the actions of good angels are under His divine orchestration (Psa 103:20; Psa 104:4). This truth offers comfort and assurance, knowing that the forces of both darkness and light ultimately serve the purposes of the Almighty.

The operations of all creation fall under the sovereign hand of God (Gen 8:22; Psa 104:5-10; Psa 104:13-14; Psa 104:19-20; Mark 4:39). The actions of animals (Num 22:28; 1Ki 17:4; Psa 29:9; Jer 8:7; Eze 32:4; Dan 6:22), as well as the natural rhythms of the earth, are all subject to His governance. As Creator and Sustainer, God's sovereignty is demonstrated in the intricate workings of His handiwork.

In light of God's absolute sovereignty, man is not permitted to question His sovereign acts (Job 33:12-13; Isa 29:16; Isa 45:9-10; Mat 20:1-16; Rom 9:19-24). To do so is to place ourselves in a position of judgment over the One who is infinitely wise, just, and good. As finite creatures, we cannot comprehend the full scope of His plan or the intricate ways in which He weaves together the events of history to accomplish His purposes. Therefore, our role is to humbly submit to His will, trusting that He is working all things together for His glory and our ultimate good.

In conclusion, the Bible presents a comprehensive understanding of God's sovereignty, which encompasses every aspect of creation and its unfolding story. This deeply thought-provoking truth serves to ground our faith and provide comfort, knowing that nothing is outside the control of our Almighty God. In response, we are called to a life of reverence, introspection, and humble submission to His divine will, recognizing that He actively ordains all things for His glory and our eternal benefit.

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