The Sovereignty of God (3)

The Sovereignty of God: Specific Truths

We move now in our analysis from the general truth of God’s over-arching sovereignty to more specific cases revealed in the Bible. Though there are numerous ways the Bible demonstrates God’s sovereignty over a particular thing, for the purpose of this paper we will limit our discussion to seven areas.

God’s Sovereignty Over Creation

“Let there be light,” and there was light (Genesis 1:3). The Bible doesn’t haste in letting us know right away that God created by his sovereign word. God spoke, and the universe came into being. So it was with the rest of creation. God himself confirms this when he rebuked Job:

Job 38:4-7: Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

It follows then that since God created the universe by his sovereign word, he likewise sustains it moment-by-moment by his sovereign word:

Isaiah 10:12-13: It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses.

Job 38:12-13: Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth and the wicked be shaken out of it?

Hebrews 1:3: He [Christ]…upholds the universe by the word of his power.

God is sovereign over all creation. He causes the wind to blow (Gen. 8:1; Ex. 15:10; Ps. 78:26, 107:25; Jonah 1:4, 4:8) and the seas to part (Ex. 14:21; Isa. 11:15). He sends fire and causes hail and snow to fall (Ps. 148:8). He makes the clouds rise and forms lightning (Ps. 135:7). Even the trees obey his command (Isa. 41:19-20; Jonah 4:6). Jesus also exhibited this sovereign control over nature (Mark 4:39), causing everyone to marvel at his power.

Truly God has power over his creation. This should be a great comfort in our lives. We should rest in the fact that because God is so intimately involved in his creation (Matt. 6:26, 30), he will even more so make sure to meet our needs (Matt. 6:30).