The Practical Implications of the Sovereignty of God - Part Thirteen

Conclusion
The doctrine of the sovereignty of God is another example of the practicality of the Bible when rightly interpreted and understood. It is a part of the biblical message that has been breathed out by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God’s people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It will keep us from making mistakes at a theological level as well as at a personal and ministerial level. It is an area of biblical truth that John Reisinger rejoiced in and spent his life communicating so effectively to others; including myself, for which I will be forever grateful. Why God should have had mercy on me I will probably never know beyond his gracious intention to glorify himself by saving this lost son of Adam. When it comes to the sovereignty of God our response should be that of the apostle Paul after one of the most sustained treatments of the subject in the Bible. Paul is not inflated with pride, nor is he argumentative. Rather he is lost in wonder, love and praise, and he cannot help but offer himself afresh to such a great and awesome God.

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is true worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 11:33-36; 12:1-2).

The sovereignty of God is indeed a “soft pillow for a weary head.” How thankful we should be that God is in control of all things. Trying to find comfort anywhere else but in him is futile. It is never good or wise to resist the Lord. At all times we should run to him and receive the mercy and grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). And when we come to him we do not have to fear that he cannot or will not help us. In God, sovereign power, love and goodness are perfectly combined. Those who come he will receive, and those he receives he will keep to the very end to the praise of his glorious grace. The more we grow in the sovereignty of God the greater our comfort, stability and usefulness as Christians.

Dear Reader: I hope you have enjoyed this series of posts on the implications of the sovereignty of God.