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The author uses the words "sovereign" and "sovereignty" nearly thirty times in his article, but astonishingly, he never defines it. Nearly as astonishing is the fact that though the author does manage to quote a few Scriptures regarding ancillary topics, he never quotes a single one that deals with God's sovereignty.
We must deem this Bad Bible Teaching.
It is interesting that Calvinists and Reformists give so much emphasis to the sovereignty of God. The KJV doesn't use the sovereign/sovereignty at all, while the ESV first uses the words in Acts 4:24, then again in 1 Tim. 6:15, and lastly in Rev. 6:10. Strangely, the old NIV (the version we use) employs the words over 300 times. Very odd indeed.
Let's explain what sovereignty is, since the author never does. Acts 4:24 reads,
Act 4:24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them..."
The Greek word for "sovereign" is despotés, a word used ten times in the NT: (despótēs) implies someone exercising "unrestricted power and absolute domination, confessing no limitations or restraints..."
Mostly used in terms of a monarchy, sovereignty describe a position of highest authority and absolute rulership. A king has unquestioned authority, with even the law itself being subject to him. His commands are law, his desires are carried out without question.
Sovereignty is a position, not an activity. Sovereignty doesn't describe actions, because the king as sovereign determines his own actions as he chooses. His subjects operate according to his rulership, but he does not go to every field and tell the plower how to do his plowing. He does not show up to explain to the baker how to make bread. He does not personally go to the seamstress to see if she's sewing correctly.
The king is the ultimate authority, but he has no need to control every single thing in his kingdom, because he delegates his authority. He has agents to do his bidding, and they operate with authority under the king's authority. We see this in Gabriel's words:
I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. Lk. 1:19
The centurion amazed Jesus when he placed himself in subjection to Him:
For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, "Go," and he goes; and that one, "Come," and he comes. I say to my servant, "Do this," and he does it. Lk. 7:8
This chain of authority descends down to the lowliest subject in his kingdom. Even the poorest sap has a modicum of authority as he lives out his life in the kingdom. That is why the king has no need to dictate every action of every soul in his kingdom. His authority descends down to the lowest place.
So we must understand that sovereignty doesn't speak to actions. Sovereignty doesn't require action or forbid his action, because the king determines his sovereignty as it pleases him. He is not subject to any required action. He is not forbidden from any action. If he was required to to act, he would not be sovereign. If he was required to stand there and make sure the baker made every single loaf of bread correctly, he would be at the mercy of what he was required to do.
Thus sovereignty is a position, not an action. The actions of a sovereign are a matter apart from his position.
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Few doctrines generate more questions among Christians than the sovereignty of God.
For some, it is a source of deep comfort. For others, it feels unsettling. Many believers hear phrases like “God is sovereign” and immediately wonder: What about free will? Are our choices real? Does human responsibility matter? (The author immediately sets up a binary equation, that somehow sovereignty and free will are in opposition to each other. He will never explain this.)
These are important questions. Yet often the debate is confused from the very beginning because people are not arguing against biblical sovereignty. They are arguing against a caricature of it.
The God of the Bible is not a cosmic tyrant forcing unwilling people to act against their desires. (Is this really the opposing point of view?)
Few doctrines generate more questions among Christians than the sovereignty of God.
For some, it is a source of deep comfort. For others, it feels unsettling. Many believers hear phrases like “God is sovereign” and immediately wonder: What about free will? Are our choices real? Does human responsibility matter? (The author immediately sets up a binary equation, that somehow sovereignty and free will are in opposition to each other. He will never explain this.)
These are important questions. Yet often the debate is confused from the very beginning because people are not arguing against biblical sovereignty. They are arguing against a caricature of it.
The God of the Bible is not a cosmic tyrant forcing unwilling people to act against their desires. (Is this really the opposing point of view?)
Nor is He a passive observer wringing His hands while history unfolds according to human decisions. (It seems the author is trying to color the debate by insinuating that his theological opponents believe ridiculous things.)
Scripture presents something far richer, more beautiful, and ultimately more comforting: a God who is absolutely sovereign and human beings who are genuinely responsible for their actions. (In other words, both are true in the author's mind. Let's see how he explains. Or if.)
Rather than seeing these truths as enemies, the Bible presents them as friends.
Rather than seeing these truths as enemies, the Bible presents them as friends.
The Bible Doesn’t Ask Us to Choose
One of the first mistakes we make is assuming that we must choose between God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. The Bible never does. (So the equation set up by the author is actually false. He claims that the Bible doesn't discuss it.
Well, maybe. But why would the Bible discuss a thorny theological issue created by Calvinism?)
Consider Joseph’s words to his brothers after years of betrayal and suffering “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
Notice what Joseph does not say. He does not excuse his brothers. Their actions were genuinely evil. They were responsible for what they did. But neither does he conclude that God was absent from the situation. Behind their sinful intentions stood God’s good and sovereign purpose.
The same event had two actors and two intentions: human beings acting wickedly and God working sovereignly.
Or consider the crucifixion of Jesus. Peter declares “This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2:23).
The greatest sin in human history, the murder of the Son of God, was simultaneously the outworking of God’s eternal plan. Human responsibility and divine sovereignty are not competing explanations. They are both true at the same time.
The Bible does not explain away either truth. It simply teaches both. (Well yeah, but these are very specific instances. The author will need to explain how he extends Joseph and Jesus to the rest of humankind, and why he thinks this.)
Is “Free Will” the Right Question?
Much of the confusion arises because Christians often use the phrase “free will” without defining it. (Irony Alert...)
If by free will we mean that people make real choices, then of course the Bible teaches that. ("Real?" If God predetermines things than can any subsequent result be deemed a real choice?)
Every day we make decisions for which we are accountable before God. (The author simply reassert his position, adding no new information.)
But if by free will we mean that fallen human beings possess moral neutrality and can independently choose God apart from his grace, (The author certainly has a way of phrasing his sentences, doesn't he?
But if by free will we mean that fallen human beings possess moral neutrality and can independently choose God apart from his grace, (The author certainly has a way of phrasing his sentences, doesn't he?
So, what Christians believe in "moral neutrality" combined with making choices "apart from his grace?" Well, no one. This is a strawman designed to color the debate in the author's favor.)
Scripture says otherwise.
Jesus says “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34).
Paul writes that unbelievers are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). (Good Scriptures, for sure. But How to they come to bear on the author's assertions?)
And in Romans 8 he explains that the mind set on the flesh is hostile to God and “cannot” submit to God’s law.
This is why the Bible’s primary categories are not “free people” and “determined people.” ("Free?" "Determined?" What? What does this mean?)
Jesus says “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34).
Paul writes that unbelievers are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). (Good Scriptures, for sure. But How to they come to bear on the author's assertions?)
And in Romans 8 he explains that the mind set on the flesh is hostile to God and “cannot” submit to God’s law.
This is why the Bible’s primary categories are not “free people” and “determined people.” ("Free?" "Determined?" What? What does this mean?)
The Bible’s categories are slaves to sin and slaves to righteousness.
Ironically, the modern understanding of free will often imagines freedom as complete independence. Scripture presents a different picture. We always act according to our nature and desires. (Free choice does not require that every choice is always available. Similarly, free choice does not require that a person only is able to act "according to our nature." This is a false equation. The author is leading us astray.)
The sinner freely chooses sin because he loves sin. (The sinner is also to freely choose to do good and not sin:
Ironically, the modern understanding of free will often imagines freedom as complete independence. Scripture presents a different picture. We always act according to our nature and desires. (Free choice does not require that every choice is always available. Similarly, free choice does not require that a person only is able to act "according to our nature." This is a false equation. The author is leading us astray.)
The sinner freely chooses sin because he loves sin. (The sinner is also to freely choose to do good and not sin:
Ro. 2:14-15 Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.
Certainly, doing good does not recommend the sinner, but that is not the issue. The author is simply wrong to suggest that the sinner is only able to choose sin.)
The believer increasingly chooses righteousness because God has given him a new heart. (Sigh. The author is trying to set us up. Notice how he's trying to establish a series of statements as if one follows the author. Notice also how his Scriptural documentation has disappeared.)
The human will is never autonomous. (What Christian thinks this?)
The human will is never autonomous. (What Christian thinks this?)
The question is not whether we are influenced, the question is who or what rules us.
True Freedom Is Found in Christ
One of the great paradoxes of Christianity is that true freedom is found in surrender. (There is no verse in the entire Bible that tells us we surrender. Go ahead, dear reader, check it yourself.)
Paul writes “Having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:18).
At first glance that sounds contradictory. How can slavery be freedom?
Because biblical freedom is not the ability to do whatever we want. It is the ability to become what we were created to be.
A fish is most free in water. A train is most free on tracks. Human beings are most free when living in joyful obedience to God.
Sin promises freedom but delivers bondage. Christ demands surrender but gives liberty. The sovereignty of God is therefore not a threat to freedom. (The author still hasn't explained. What does sovereignty have to with freedom?)
It is the foundation of it.
Because God is sovereign in salvation, (??? What does this mean?)
Because God is sovereign in salvation, (??? What does this mean?)
he is able to rescue people who could never rescue themselves. Because God is sovereign in sanctification, (??? What does this mean?)
he continues the work he began in us.
Because God is sovereign in history, (??? What does this mean?)
nothing can separate us from his love. Far from creating anxiety, God’s sovereignty creates confidence. (Why? How? Please explain.)
Why God’s Sovereignty Is Good News
Many Christians instinctively resist sovereignty because they imagine it takes something away from them. (Why? How would one think this? Please explain.)
The opposite is true. God’s sovereignty gives believers profound comfort.
But Scripture teaches that salvation rests upon God’s gracious initiative.
Jesus says “All that the Father gives me will come to me” (John 6:37) (Jesus was talking about Jews, not gentiles.)
The believer’s confidence is not found in the strength of his grip on Christ but in Christ’s grip on him.
2. It means suffering is never meaningless
One of the hardest questions believers face is, “Why is this happening?” While Scripture does not answer every “why,” it repeatedly assures us that suffering is never outside God’s control. (God controls our suffering? It seems that the author is beating around the bush regarding some form of determinism. Apparently sovereignty equals control. Which ultimately means that everything that happens, good or bad, must have been caused by God.
Embracing Mystery Without Abandoning Truth
At some point every discussion of sovereignty and responsibility reaches a limit.
We can explain what Scripture teaches, but we cannot fully comprehend how an infinite God ordains all things while human beings remain genuinely responsible. (Finally the author comes out and says it: Sovereignty means God ordains all things. But this is a false view of sovereignty, as we explained in our introductory remarks.)
Resting in the Sovereignty of God
Many Christians treat God’s sovereignty like a problem to solve. The Bible treats it as a pillow on which weary saints may rest their heads. (Where in the Bible? Is it a secret?)
When life feels uncertain, God’s sovereignty means he is not. (Why? Are you going to explain anything?)
The choice before Christians is not between sovereignty and freedom.
The deepest freedom is found in belonging to the sovereign God whose purposes cannot fail, whose promises cannot be broken, and whose grace is greater than our wandering hearts.
That is not a doctrine to fear, it is a truth in which to rest. (Meaningless drivel.
2. It means your salvation is secure
If salvation ultimately depended on the strength of your will, (No Christian thinks this.)
If salvation ultimately depended on the strength of your will, (No Christian thinks this.)
how could you ever be certain? The same will that once wandered from God could wander again. (But how is salvation known for sure because of God's sovereignty? Please explain.)
But Scripture teaches that salvation rests upon God’s gracious initiative.
Jesus says “All that the Father gives me will come to me” (John 6:37) (Jesus was talking about Jews, not gentiles.)
and “No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:29). (This is about the sheep [Ps. 79:13], the remnant of Israel [Is. 10:21], not gentiles, who are grafted in [Ro. 9:22].)
The believer’s confidence is not found in the strength of his grip on Christ but in Christ’s grip on him.
2. It means suffering is never meaningless
One of the hardest questions believers face is, “Why is this happening?” While Scripture does not answer every “why,” it repeatedly assures us that suffering is never outside God’s control. (God controls our suffering? It seems that the author is beating around the bush regarding some form of determinism. Apparently sovereignty equals control. Which ultimately means that everything that happens, good or bad, must have been caused by God.
We are reasonably sure that the author would deny this, even though everything he has written so far must lead to this conclusion.)
Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Not some things. Not pleasant things. All things.
The sovereignty of God means there are no random tragedies in the life of a Christian. Pain may be mysterious, but it is never meaningless. (There it is again. Nothing is random. God causes everything. Yet the author's premise is that humans are responsible for their choices. But if God chooses everything, how can we be responsible for choices we did not make?)
3. It means evangelism is not hopeless
Some critics claim that belief in God’s sovereignty undermines evangelism. (Why would some critics say this? Unless of course God is choosing those who would be saved. A central teaching of Calvinism, this indeed would undermine evangelism, because evangelizing would not change who would be saved.)
Romans 8:28 tells us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Not some things. Not pleasant things. All things.
The sovereignty of God means there are no random tragedies in the life of a Christian. Pain may be mysterious, but it is never meaningless. (There it is again. Nothing is random. God causes everything. Yet the author's premise is that humans are responsible for their choices. But if God chooses everything, how can we be responsible for choices we did not make?)
3. It means evangelism is not hopeless
Some critics claim that belief in God’s sovereignty undermines evangelism. (Why would some critics say this? Unless of course God is choosing those who would be saved. A central teaching of Calvinism, this indeed would undermine evangelism, because evangelizing would not change who would be saved.)
Historically, the opposite has been true. (We aren't interested in history or the actions of people. People do what they do. The author needs to reconcile the his doctrines with the Bible, not his doctrines with the actions of people.
The Bible indeed commands us to evangelize. So the contradiction comes from the Bible vs. the author's doctrine.)
The Apostle Paul endured enormous hardship because God had people whom he intended to save (Acts 18:9–10). (Sigh. Let's quote:
The Apostle Paul endured enormous hardship because God had people whom he intended to save (Acts 18:9–10). (Sigh. Let's quote:
Ac. 18:10 For I am with you, and no-one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.
This is not about those who are predetermined to be saved. We are beginning to think the author is not a competent Bible teacher.)
Missionaries such as William Carey were motivated by confidence that God would gather his people from every tribe and nation. If salvation ultimately depended on human ability, (No Christian thinks salvation depends on human ability.)
Missionaries such as William Carey were motivated by confidence that God would gather his people from every tribe and nation. If salvation ultimately depended on human ability, (No Christian thinks salvation depends on human ability.)
evangelism would be hopeless.
But because God raises the spiritually dead, we proclaim the gospel with confidence. The God who commands the message also grants the new birth. (Hmm. The author never answered the question. Why evangelize if it changes nothing? Does God command us to engage in nonsense?)
But because God raises the spiritually dead, we proclaim the gospel with confidence. The God who commands the message also grants the new birth. (Hmm. The author never answered the question. Why evangelize if it changes nothing? Does God command us to engage in nonsense?)
Embracing Mystery Without Abandoning Truth
At some point every discussion of sovereignty and responsibility reaches a limit.
We can explain what Scripture teaches, but we cannot fully comprehend how an infinite God ordains all things while human beings remain genuinely responsible. (Finally the author comes out and says it: Sovereignty means God ordains all things. But this is a false view of sovereignty, as we explained in our introductory remarks.)
The Bible itself never attempts to resolve this mystery philosophically. (???)
Instead, it teaches both truths and calls us to trust God. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us.” (That's not what this verse is about, sir. In this passage Moses was exhorting Israel to live holy lives according to God's commands. By the time we get to this verse we understand that Moses was declaring that Israel possesses the Law as something uniquely revealed to them. The Law belongs to Israel forever.
The revealed things are clear. God is sovereign. Human beings are responsible. Both truths are taught throughout Scripture. Rather than forcing one truth to fit the other, (Thus the problem of Calvinism in a nutshell: Creating conflicts and the need to re-explain things in order to fit.)
Instead, it teaches both truths and calls us to trust God. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us.” (That's not what this verse is about, sir. In this passage Moses was exhorting Israel to live holy lives according to God's commands. By the time we get to this verse we understand that Moses was declaring that Israel possesses the Law as something uniquely revealed to them. The Law belongs to Israel forever.
Another way to put this is, what God possesses is given to become the possession of Israel. They do not possess what has not been given.
Further, the things we do not know is not the same thing as God's secret will, because we cannot assume that what we do not not know correlates to God's secrets.
Finally, the "secret things" are no longer secret:
Col. 1:25-26 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fulness — 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.
The secret thing is now disclosed to the Church, that is, the redemptive, salvific power of Jesus. The secret is not secret any longer.
Therefore, the verse the author cites has nothing to do with trusting the Lord.)
Therefore, the verse the author cites has nothing to do with trusting the Lord.)
The revealed things are clear. God is sovereign. Human beings are responsible. Both truths are taught throughout Scripture. Rather than forcing one truth to fit the other, (Thus the problem of Calvinism in a nutshell: Creating conflicts and the need to re-explain things in order to fit.)
we should humbly receive both.
Resting in the Sovereignty of God
Many Christians treat God’s sovereignty like a problem to solve. The Bible treats it as a pillow on which weary saints may rest their heads. (Where in the Bible? Is it a secret?)
When life feels uncertain, God’s sovereignty means he is not. (Why? Are you going to explain anything?)
When circumstances seem chaotic, God’s purposes remain unchanged. When our own faith feels weak, his promises remain strong. (We might assent to these things, but we cannot until the author cites the Bible verses that teach them.)
The sovereignty of God is not a cold doctrine for theological debates. It is a warm truth for everyday life. (A meaningless statement.
The sovereignty of God is not a cold doctrine for theological debates. It is a warm truth for everyday life. (A meaningless statement.
Actually, it is most certainly a "cold doctrine." Knowledge about the author's doctrine changes no obligation or privilege of the Christian life. It is completely irrelevant to our day-to-day faith.)
It reminds us that the universe is not governed by chance. (No Christian thinks this.)
It reminds us that the universe is not governed by chance. (No Christian thinks this.)
It reminds us that our salvation does not rest upon our performance. (No Christian thinks this.)
It reminds us that suffering does not have the final word. (No Christian thinks this.)
And it reminds us that the God who rules all things is the same God who loved us enough to send his Son for us. (No Christian doubts this.)
The choice before Christians is not between sovereignty and freedom.
The deepest freedom is found in belonging to the sovereign God whose purposes cannot fail, whose promises cannot be broken, and whose grace is greater than our wandering hearts.
That is not a doctrine to fear, it is a truth in which to rest. (Meaningless drivel.
Now that we have arrived at the end, we realize the author didn't explain a single thing. What a waste of time.)
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