Topical Encyclopedia
Sovereignty of GodThe sovereignty of God is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, emphasizing God's supreme power and authority over all creation. This doctrine asserts that God is the ultimate ruler, whose will is decisive and whose purposes are unthwartable. The Bible consistently affirms God's sovereignty, portraying Him as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who governs all things according to His perfect will.
In the Old Testament, God's sovereignty is evident in His creation and control over nature.
Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational statement establishes God as the originator of all that exists. Furthermore,
Psalm 115:3 states, "Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases," underscoring His absolute authority and freedom to act according to His divine purposes.
The New Testament continues to affirm God's sovereign rule. In
Ephesians 1:11, the Apostle 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 involvement in the unfolding of history, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine plan.
God's sovereignty extends to His governance 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.
Daniel 4:35 further emphasizes this truth: "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'"
Majesty of GodThe majesty of God refers to His greatness, splendor, and exalted status above all creation. It is a recognition of His infinite worth and the awe-inspiring nature of His being. The Bible frequently describes God's majesty in terms of His glory, power, and holiness.
In the Psalms, God's majesty is celebrated with poetic grandeur.
Psalm 93:1 proclaims, "The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved." This imagery conveys the regal and unassailable nature of God's rule.
Isaiah 6:1-3 provides a vivid depiction of God's majesty in the prophet's vision: "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings... And they were calling out to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth.'" This passage highlights the overwhelming holiness and glory of God, inspiring reverence and worship.
In the New Testament, the majesty of God is revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 1:3 describes Christ as "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word." Through Christ, the majesty of God is made manifest, demonstrating His power and authority over all creation.
Revelation 4:11 captures the worship of God's majesty in heaven: "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and came to be." This heavenly scene underscores the eternal recognition of God's majestic nature by all of creation.
In summary, the sovereignty and majesty of God are central themes in Scripture, affirming His ultimate authority and unparalleled greatness. These attributes inspire awe, worship, and trust in the God who reigns supreme over all.