…about God’s Sovereignty

There is always lots of talk about free-will versus election or predestination.  I rarely hear any discussion about the Sovereignty of God.

Many Christians believe that we have the “free-will” to choose or reject salvation.  Others believe that the ability to choose God died in the Garden of Eden when Adam disobeyed God’s only “Thou shalt not” to him.  Many believe that the doctrine of God’s election is unfair and makes Him somehow unjust.  They try to soften the seeming harshness of God’s Sovereignty in choosing whom He will save and those who are doomed.  How is this softening accomplished?  According to some, God knew, before He created anything, who would choose Him and who would reject Him; He gave everyone the choice but knew who would refuse His offer.

Two verses come to mind: “"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 55:8)

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33)

John Piper has said that there are two big things to grasp about God’s sovereignty.  First, it is unstoppable power and authority over all things including the human will.  Second, it is in accord with God’s infinite wisdom, God’s infinite justice, and God’s infinite mercy through Jesus Christ.

It seems to me that God’s sovereignty is something to welcome.  Believing in and accepting God’s total authority is not fatalism, nor does it relieve me from making informed, godly decisions.  God has made His children partners in the family business (Romans 8:17, 1 John 1:3).  We are to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, live according to the instructions we have been given, and be the salt that causes the thirst for God in others - always trusting that God will do that which is wise, just, and merciful.