Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 31:61 (Autumn 2018)
Article: The Sovereignty Of God: Contemporary Evangelical Attestation Versus Biblical Attestation
Author: Jeremy D. Edmondson

JOTGES 31:61 (Autumn 2018) p. 41

The Sovereignty Of God:
Contemporary Evangelical Attestation Versus Biblical Attestation

Jeremy D. Edmondson

I. Introduction

God is sovereign, a truth clearly stated in Scripture: “Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants” (Ps 119:90–91, ESV). But as with any statement, terms must be defined. What is meant by “sovereign” may not always be agreed upon, even though the word is commonly found in contemporary Evangelicalism. The purpose of this article is to prove by an examination of modern information, brief historical documentation, and an exegesis of pertinent Scripture passages that the Biblical explanation and the contemporary, Evangelical assertion of the use(s) of the word “sovereign” in describing God differ greatly. This divide leads to unbiblical conclusions in Christian thinking, portraying God as the author of sin and man as a passive puppet. Our view of the character of God must be formed according to divine revelation; this will produce right thinking about God and will guide us to understand the actions that properly represent His name. Thus, the very doctrine of theology proper is at stake.

II. Contemporary Evangelical Evidence

The modern-day definitions of the “sovereignty of God” have come from those who would largely be considered Reformed in their theological disposition. Steve Lawson quotes R.C. Sproul in stating that “sovereign” means “That God is in charge and that God is in control of all things.”1 “To determine the destiny and the route of all

JOTGES 31:61 (Autumn 2018) p. 42

that is under His purview, sovereignty is an attribute of deity without which God would not be God.” He notes that “sovereignty” means that God is “above or superior to all others. Chief, greatest, supreme; supreme in power, rank and authority; holding the position of ruler and despot, independent of all others.”2

Lawson’s understanding is that God should be understood as the “Supreme Controller” of all things and that nothing occurs apart from His endorsement or cause. “Sometimes we need to be reminded by God himself that there are no limits to his rule,” writes John Piper. “We need to hear from him that he is sovereign over the whole world, and everything that happens in it.”3 Piper also sees God as a “Supreme Controller” over “everything that happens.”

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