GOD IS SOVEREIGN

GOD IS SOVEREIGN

"For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and He is the governor among the nations."(Psalm 22:28) "For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods" (Psalm 95:3)"One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:6)

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY "SOVEREIGN"? There are several synonyms offered for the word "sovereign." Among them are, "king," "lord," "monarch," and "potentate." All of these fall woefully short of the Scriptural presentation of the Living God. In the Word of God, key words and concepts are defined doctrinally, not etymologically. The Holy Spirit started with human language, but He did not end there. He gave signification to vernacular that is unique, appreciated only by those who are reconciled to God. Men may consider earthly monarchs to be "sovereign," as the king or queen of England, etc. However, the thoughts conveyed by such reference do not approximate those related to a Sovereign God. The power of earthly potentates is derived – coming from a family name, a vote, or even usurpation. It is not so with the sovereignty of our God.

DOMINANT POWER. Strength belongs to the Lord! It is not His by assignment, but by nature. Angels are strong (Psa. 103:20), yet their strength is derived: it has been given to them by God. However, with God, strength is part of His Person, integral to His nature, one of His inherent qualities. It cannot be taken from Him, nor can another successfully compete with Him. Further, the source of strength resides with Him alone. No personality in heaven or earth can increase in strength independently of our God. Only His power is dominant power! If circumstance appears to indicate that God is not exercising HIS power, or that He has no power, our assessment is simply wrong. The Throne of the universe is never idle or vacant!

RIGHTFUL AUTHORITY. Sovereignty, however, is more than dominating power; it includes authority. In this world, there are ruthless men who exercise unscrupulous power. They have no authority but that of coercion. Their's is a usurped power that is neither right nor beneficial. But it is not so with our God. Power without rightness is tyranny. It is ever true that "a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of His kingdom" (Heb. 1:8). The divine rule is "in righteousness" (Isa. 32:1; Acts 17:31). The Lord can never be charged with doing anything wrong, being unequal, or inconsiderate. His Sovereignty is never self-contradictory.

ACTIVE GOVERNMENT. The government of the Lord is not theoretical, even though it is often approached in this manner. His is an active rule, always executed in accordance with His "eternal purpose." Nothing is ever out of God's control, attention, or government. He continually works "according to His own will" (Dan. 4:35), regardless of man's perception of the situation. Currently, the government has been placed upon the shoulder of the Lord Jesus Christ (Isa. 9:6; Matt. 28:18; 1 Pet. 3:22). Jesus is now "upholding all things by the Word of His power" (Heb. 1:3). The Lord neither sleeps nor slumbers in the execution of His reign (Psa. 121:4). Thus His rule is always contemporary, vital, and effectual. This is the God whom we trust! He is the One in whom we believe "by" Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:21).

– Given O. Blakely