The Absolute Sovereignty of God

(Article for publication week of 7-21-2010 AD)

"Being predestinated according to the purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His Own will" (Ephesians 1:11).

Last week we showed the sovereignty of God in creation, providence and salvation. This week, we wish to show that God is absolutely sovereign. Actually, the term "sovereignty of God" is being used more today than in my earlier years, and for this we are thankful. The renewed interest in the doctrines of grace and calvinism is an encouraging sign. But I suspect that many who are using the term "sovereignty of God", do not really believe it as the Bible says.

The great theologian, Lorraine Boetner once remarked, "there is no consistent stopping place between absolute predestination and atheism." This is the reason I entitle this week's article "The ABSOLUTE Sovereignty of God." According to our text here in Ephesians 1:11, God is not only sovereign, but He actually excercises His sovereignty. He works all things after the counsel of His Own will. God is the First Great Cause of all things. God has foreordained everything that comes to pass. "All things" means "all things"! As Boetner expresses it, to move from this high pinnacle of God's sovereignty is to move toward atheism.

This is a most comforting truth to know and to believe. I do not have to worry about what is going to happen tomorrow, for God has already ordained what will happen. He is working all things out for my eternal good and His eternal glory. The great Christian, General Stonewall Jackson was absolutely fearless in battle. When asked of his calmness on the battlefield, he responded, "I am as safe here as at home in my bed." This is the faith and confidence of those who understand that God has predestinated all things and that He is too wise to be mistaken, and too good to be unkind. Our lives and our deaths are predetermined by Him, and we cannot die a second before our appointed time, for he "worketh all things after the counsel of His Own will."

And most comforting of all, God has exercised His sovereignty in the matter of our salvation. Our salvation is certain and we cannot lose it, because it has been foreordained of God from all eternity. Not one that God predestinated to an eternal inheritance shall lose that inheritance. Our sovereign God has worked salvation according to His purpose which cannot fail. Praise be to Him Who rules over all!