Sovereignty of God

The sovereignty of God is a fundamental attribute that underscores His supreme authority and power over all creation. It is the doctrine that God, as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, exercises complete control and governance over everything that occurs. This concept is woven throughout the entirety of Scripture, affirming that nothing happens outside of God's will or permission.

In the Old Testament, God's sovereignty is evident in His creation and sustenance of the world. Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational statement establishes God as the ultimate authority over all that exists. Furthermore, Psalm 115:3 states, "Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases," emphasizing His freedom to act according to His divine will.

The New Testament continues to affirm God's sovereign rule. In Ephesians 1:11 , Paul writes, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." This passage highlights God's active role in orchestrating events according to His purpose and plan.

God's sovereignty is also evident in His control over nations and rulers. Proverbs 21:1 declares, "The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases." This illustrates that even the decisions of earthly leaders are subject to God's sovereign direction.

Jealousy of God

The jealousy of God is an attribute that reflects His passionate commitment to His own honor and the exclusive devotion of His people. Unlike human jealousy, which can be rooted in insecurity or envy, God's jealousy is a righteous and holy zeal for His name and His covenant relationship with His people.

In the Old Testament, God's jealousy is often associated with His demand for exclusive worship. Exodus 34:14 states, "For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." This command underscores God's expectation that His people worship Him alone, without turning to idols or false gods.

The jealousy of God is also linked to His covenant with Israel. In Deuteronomy 4:24 , Moses warns the Israelites, "For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." This imagery of a consuming fire conveys the intensity of God's desire for His people's faithfulness and the seriousness of the consequences for idolatry.

In the New Testament, the concept of God's jealousy is echoed in the call for believers to remain faithful to Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11:2 , Paul expresses his concern for the Corinthian church, saying, "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, for I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ." Here, Paul reflects God's own jealousy for the church's purity and devotion to Christ alone.

God's jealousy is ultimately an expression of His love and commitment to His people. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of idolatry and the importance of maintaining an exclusive relationship with the one true God.