By Isaac Megbolugbe
February 18, 2025
The sovereignty of God is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, emphasizing God’s supreme authority and control over all creation. Within this framework, several key components work together to illustrate the intricacies of God’s sovereignty. In this article, we will delve into these components, exploring how they collectively demonstrate God’s majestic plan.
Chosen: Predestination
The concept of predestination is often misunderstood, but it is a vital aspect of God’s sovereignty. According to Romans 8:29-30, “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
Predestination refers to God’s eternal decision to choose certain individuals for salvation. This choice is not based on human merit or actions but rather on God’s sovereign will. Those who are predestined are chosen to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, demonstrating God’s desire to create a people who reflect His character.
Struggles: The Permissive Will of God
The permissive will of God is another essential component of His sovereignty. This concept acknowledges that God allows certain events or circumstances to occur, even if they seem contrary to His perfect will. The permissive will of God is evident in passages like Genesis 50:20, where Joseph says, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”
The permissive will of God is not the same as His perfect will. Rather, it is a manifestation of His sovereignty, where He allows human freedom and the consequences of sin to play out. This component of God’s sovereignty highlights His ability to work all things together for good, even in the midst of struggles and adversity.
Called: Anointing
The calling of God is an essential aspect of His sovereignty, where He invites individuals to participate in His divine plan. According to Romans 8:30, “And those whom he predestined he also called.” The calling of God is not merely an invitation; it is an anointing that empowers individuals to fulfill their God-ordained purpose.
The calling of God is evident in the lives of biblical characters like Moses, David, and Paul. Each of these individuals received a specific calling from God, which they obeyed, and through which they accomplished great things for the kingdom of God.
Justified: Grace
Justification is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, highlighting God’s gracious act of declaring sinners righteous. According to Romans 3:24, “And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Justification is not based on human merit or works but rather on God’s sovereign decision to extend grace to humanity.
The justification of God is a demonstration of His sovereignty, where He chooses to forgive sinners and declare them righteous. This act of justification is a testament to God’s love and mercy, which are fundamental aspects of His character.
Sanctified: Sovereign Will
Sanctification is the process by which God sets apart believers for His purposes, making them holy and blameless in His sight. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.”
Sanctification is a manifestation of God’s sovereign will, where He works in believers to produce holiness and righteousness. This process is not solely dependent on human effort but rather on God’s gracious work in the lives of believers.
Glorified: Future Grace
Glorification is the ultimate goal of God’s sovereignty, where believers are transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ and receive their eternal inheritance. According to Romans 8:30, “And those whom he justified he also glorified.” Glorification is not solely a future event but also a present reality, as believers experience the transformative power of God’s grace in their lives.
Glorification is a demonstration of God’s future grace, where He pours out His blessings and favor on believers in the ages to come. This component of God’s sovereignty highlights His eternal plan to bring believers into the fullness of His glory.
Eternity with God: Sovereign Will
The ultimate purpose of God’s sovereignty is to bring believers into eternal fellowship with Himself. According to John 17:24, “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”
Eternity with God is the culmination of His sovereign will, where believers experience the fullness of His love, joy, and glory. This eternal fellowship is not solely a future reality but also a present experience, as believers commune with God through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word.
The sovereignty of God is a majestic and complex doctrine that underscores His supreme authority and control over all creation. The seven components of God’s sovereignty – predestination, permissive will, calling, justification, sanctification, glorification, and eternity with God – work together to demonstrate His eternal plan to redeem and restore humanity.
As we ponder the sovereignty of God, may we be humbled by the realization that our lives are not our own, but are rather part of a larger divine plan. May we find comfort in the knowledge that God is in control, working all things together for our good and His glory. And may we be motivated to surrender our lives to His sovereign will, trusting that He will guide us into the fullness of His eternal purpose.
In conclusion, the sovereignty of God is a doctrine that should inspire our worship, inform our theology, and transform our lives. As we gaze upon the majesty of God’s sovereignty, may we be drawn into a deeper understanding of His character, a greater appreciation for His love, and a more profound trust in His eternal plan. May the sovereignty of God be our confidence, our comfort, and our guide, as we navigate the complexities of life and eternity.
The Implications of God’s Sovereignty
Understanding the sovereignty of God has significant implications for our faith and daily lives. Here are a few:
Trust and Assurance
Recognizing God’s sovereignty fosters trust and assurance in His plan. We can rest in the knowledge that He is in control, working all things together for our good and His glory.
Humility and Submission
The sovereignty of God promotes humility and submission. As we acknowledge His supreme authority, we are reminded of our finite nature and the importance of surrendering our will to His.
Comfort and Hope
The sovereignty of God offers comfort and hope in times of uncertainty. When faced with challenges or tragedies, we can find solace in the fact that God is sovereign, and His plan is unfolding exactly as He intended.
Evangelism and Missions
The sovereignty of God motivates us to share the gospel and participate in missions. As we recognize His desire to redeem all people, we are compelled to join Him in His mission to spread the message of salvation.
Worship and Praise
The sovereignty of God inspires worship and praise. As we contemplate His majesty and power, we are drawn into a deeper appreciation for His character and a more profound reverence for His name.
Conclusion
The sovereignty of God is a majestic and complex doctrine that underscores His supreme authority and control over all creation. As we explore the components of His sovereignty – predestination, permissive will, calling, justification, sanctification, glorification, and eternity with God – we are reminded of His eternal plan to redeem and restore humanity. May our understanding of God’s sovereignty inspire us to trust in His plan, submit to His will, and worship His name. As we gaze upon the majesty of God’s sovereignty, may we be drawn into a deeper relationship with Him, and may our lives be transformed by the power of His eternal purpose.
The Relationship Between God’s Sovereignty and Human Freedom
One of the most debated topics in Christian theology is the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human freedom. Some argue that if God is sovereign, then human freedom is an illusion. Others claim that human freedom is necessary for moral responsibility, and therefore, God’s sovereignty must be limited.
However, the Bible teaches that God’s sovereignty and human freedom are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are complementary aspects of God’s relationship with humanity. While God’s sovereignty ensures that His plan is fulfilled, human freedom allows us to make choices that have real consequences.
The Mystery of God’s Sovereignty
Ultimately, the sovereignty of God is a mystery that we cannot fully comprehend. While we can understand some aspects of His sovereignty, others remain beyond our grasp. As the prophet Isaiah wrote, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sovereignty of God is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith. It asserts that God is the supreme ruler of the universe, and His plan is unfolding exactly as He intended. While we can trust in God’s sovereignty, we must also acknowledge the mystery that surrounds it. As we ponder the sovereignty of God, may we be drawn into a deeper reverence for His majesty, a greater trust in His plan, and a more profound appreciation for His love. May these resources help you deepen your understanding of God’s sovereignty and inspire you to trust in His majestic plan.
Concluding Remarks
As we conclude our exploration of the sovereignty of God, we are reminded of the profound implications of this doctrine for our faith and daily lives. The sovereignty of God is a majestic and complex doctrine that underscores His supreme authority and control over all creation.
In our examination of the components of God’s sovereignty – predestination, permissive will, calling, justification, sanctification, glorification, and eternity with God – we have seen how each aspect contributes to a rich tapestry of divine purpose and human responsibility.
We have also considered the relationship between God’s sovereignty and human freedom, acknowledging that while God’s sovereignty ensures that His plan is fulfilled, human freedom allows us to make choices that have real consequences.
Ultimately, the sovereignty of God is a mystery that we cannot fully comprehend. Yet, as we ponder the majesty of His sovereignty, we are drawn into a deeper reverence for His character, a greater trust in His plan, and a more profound appreciation for His love.
As we reflect on the sovereignty of God, may we be inspired to:
- Trust in His plan: Recognizing that God’s sovereignty ensures that His plan is unfolding exactly as He intended.
- Submit to His will: Acknowledging that our lives are not our own, but are rather part of a larger divine purpose.
- Worship His name: Inspired by the majesty of His sovereignty, we are drawn into a deeper reverence for His character.
- Share His love: As we experience the transformative power of God’s sovereignty in our own lives, we are compelled to share His love with others.
May the sovereignty of God be our confidence, our comfort, and our guide, as we navigate the complexities of life and eternity.
Final Thoughts
In the words of the Apostle Paul, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33).
As we conclude our exploration of the sovereignty of God, may we be left in awe of the majesty of His character and the complexity of His plan. May we be inspired to trust in His sovereignty, submit to His will, worship His name, and share His love with others.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.
