The issues concerning world events and the sovereignty of God have been debated since the beginning of the history of the church. Almost all theologians claim to believe in some concept of the sovereignty of God. However, many of the views concerning God’s sovereignty leave off much of the depth and proper understanding of how God’s sovereignty affects everything including salvation, godliness, faith, and eternal destiny. The more a person understands and appreciates God’s sovereignty over all events the more the person is led to blessings, and peace through the many difficult circumstances of life.

What is the sovereignty of God? According to the Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia, “The term sovereignty expresses the biblical teaching of the absolute, irresistible, infinite, and unconditional exercise of God’s will over every area of His creation. God is the disposer of all events throughout both time and eternity, as well as the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists.” Others express His sovereignty as His supremacy and kingship. All of this is correct and much more. I like to simply think of it in terms that God is God. All verses of Scripture throughout the Bible refer either directly or indirectly to the sovereignty of God. The Bible itself expresses all history at every level as the working out of His sovereignty.

In Ephesians 1:11, near the end of a long doctrinal statement about the work of God in salvation Paul says, “having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” The Lord’s sovereign work is seen in His working of all things, by His power, and His preeminent ability to do all He sets out to do. As it is in salvation, so it is in all events of life. God works everything out and completes what He plans. It is not sufficient to think that God is only involved in some occurrences and not others. Everything that has ever occurred from the smallest molecule to the massive universe is His plan and is moving precisely as He has directed. Isaiah says of the massive incomprehensible universe, “Raise your eyes on high and see who has created these stars, The One who brings out their multitude by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing” (Isa. 40:26). The design of God’s sovereignty in relation to salvation is spoken of by Isaiah as being our God’s greatest work. In Psalm 19 we are told that the universe is God’s finger work, yet in Psalm 52:10, speaking of His work of salvation it says, “The LORD has bared His holy arm In the sight of all the nations, so that all the ends of the earth may see The salvation of our God.” Just as our great salvation requiring God baring His arm, or showing the full measure of His might, everything that exists is purposed to give God the glory.

Paul speaks of the knowledge of God’s sovereignty seen in creation as something that God purposely placed by design in all people. He said, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:18-20). In other words God’s sovereignty is evident within us; for God made it evident to us. So the basis of that is what we see coupled with the reasoning God has given us, so that we are without excuse for any unbelief. The reality of all creation and with it the continuous mass of interacting events moving in time are all working in harmony under the glorious sovereign design and ongoing purpose of God. In Isaiah 46:9 -11 we read, “I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure; calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of My purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, surely, I will do it.” Any person reading this passage should be amazed to consider the illustration of a bird of prey. This passage says that even the flight of every bird is planned, and sovereignly controlled by God. Each flight of every bird has a purpose. The argument behind the passage is that God is absolutely and essentially administering every complex small detail of all activity on earth.

The sovereignty of God is one of the most neglected and misunderstood doctrines of the Bible. But for those who rest their confidence alone in God, His sovereignty is a great comfort. Consider that He has all things under His absolute control. What does the sovereignty of God mean for the true child of God? It means that “all is well.” God is good, and God is accomplishing exactly and precisely what He wants to accomplish; and when and how He wants to accomplish it. No matter what the present circumstances, those trusting Him know that God is not surprised. All that God has promised and purposed to do; He will do! Therefore, the child of God can rest in His benevolent sovereign loving arms. He is the same God that promised He will never leave or forsake those who are trusting in Him. Rest in His sovereignty!