God's Rule Unparalleled: Supreme Authority & Control Over Universe - Research Paper

Introduction

God's rule has no limit; He is sovereign over the universe. The sovereignty of God outlines Christian teachings about God as the supreme authority and controls the entire world. God is believed to be the sole creator possessor and owner of heaven and earth hence "Sovereign Lord of all." God's attribute of sovereignty is based on Christian faith as the creator; He is never frustrated nor at any loss like human beings. Therefore, it has the absolute right and authority to do according to His will and desires.

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According to Christian beliefs, the truth about God's absolute sovereignty is highly despised by the natural mind, which consists of regular human drive and consciousness. Besides, people with carnal mind upholds a burning enmity against Christian doctrines which acknowledges God as the supreme authority over everything. These minds abhor biblical teachings that everything comes to pass, as stated in God's eternal decrees. However, the topic elevates numerous criticism where non-believers argue against Christian doctrines on the sovereignty of God. Various scientific innovations have accelerated critics on Christianity, portraying the belief as outdated and limited ability to solve social problems.

Biblical Presentation on Sovereignty of God

Despite the numerous criticism about the religion, religious leaders and fellow Christians have continuously advocated for the gospel citing the biblical text, which explains God's authority over the creation. For instance, in Isaiah 46:9, God says, "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me." It implies His Uniqueness and supremacy; He is beyond human thoughts. Therefore, He puts it clear that no human can reach his authority. Sometimes, human beings might excel and forget about God; at this stage, the verse reminds us that no human is equal to God no matter his/her earthly power and property.

In Isaiah 46:10, God further articulates his authority through a statement on the accomplishment of his purpose, implying that nothing happens beyond God's plan. People may purpose to do something, but later change, or the opposite happens to leave them frustrated. It means that individual projects are invalid if it was not God's purpose. For instance, he accomplished his goal of saving humanity by sending His son Jesus Christ to suffer and die on the cross. Christians believe that God Works under His planned schedule, which is not manipulated by human nature.

In Daniel 2:21, 4:17, God manifest His divine power in human actions, the verse states that "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; . . . the Highest rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will." The statement clearly illustrates His authority in which no human beings should refrain from exaltation above Him. Is shows that only God's sovereignty should rule over humankind. His power is demonstrated in Daniel 33:10-11, which states that' "The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations." The verse justifies that personal plans cannot prosper without God's intervention, thus illustrating His sovereignty over His creation.

In some cases, God has continued to show his sovereignty over nature through controlling all the phenomena beyond human understanding. The various biblical presentation supports it. "The lot is cast into the lap, but it is every decision from the Lord." (Proverbs 16:33). The verse can refrain from a modern phrase about a dice, which states that "The dice are rolled on the table, and God decides every play." It implies that God has power over all the events that happen in the universe. Rolling of a small dice, dying of a small animal in the forest which human being is not concerned about happens through God's command.

Theological Systems About God's Sovereignty

Various theological systems have been developed to explore further on the sovereignty of God. The topic remains beyond human understanding of how God controls every creation and nature. Two theological perspectives, which include Calvinism and Arminianism, form the basis of the discussion about God's supremacy and power.

Calvinism

Calvinism, in an ancient theological system that adheres to traditional doctrines of John Calvin and other preachers. Calvinist had split from the Roman Catholic Church at around the 16th century due to opposing beliefs on the election of salvation and predestination. According to Calvin, salvation is only possible through God's grace. He argued that even before creation, God had chosen his people who would embrace salvation and follow His doctrines.

For Calvin, God reigned above everything else upholding His sovereignty. Calvin hated Catholicism degeneration to salvation religious ways. He consistently emphasized his theme ": You cannot manipulate God, nor put Him in your debt. If you are saved, it is he's doing, not your own. Calvin believed that God alone could determine an individual's salvation. He was morally upright and insisted on the need to nurture personal salvation; hence he became the father of Calvinism. Calvin emphasized God's sovereignty and instituted lead the reader initiative, where he believes no person, king, or religious leader can mandate human loyalty. He never taught clearly on the right to revolution for the human race, but his works bring about our new aspect. Calvin's theoretical system entirely holds on God's sovereignty

Arminianism

Arminianism is the other theological system that tries to explain God's nature as the supreme being above all the creation and life. It is a Christian movement with a liberal reaction to Calvin's doctrine of foreordained salvation by God. The program started around in the 17th century advocating on the compatibility of God's sovereignty and free will doctrines. Arminianism was developed by a Dutch reformed theologian known as Jacobus Arminius, of the University of Leiden. Arminius and his colleague Franciscus Gomarus who was glued to Calvinism interpretations on election and reprobation. Arminius argued that God's will and love for humanity was the determining factor for their destiny. The movement, however, tended to be more liberal than Arminius.

Various Christian values have been influenced by the Arminian theological system based on the will of man by the grace preceding the regeneration process. Some of the denominations changed included the Baptist, the Methodist and Seventh-day Adventist Church in 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries respectively. Some asserted that Universalists and Unitarians were theologically connected to Arminianism, which was a misconception. Other denominations such as Anabaptist and Waldensians believed that an individual response could either depend on resisting or accepting God's grace and teachings.

Both theological systems are acknowledging God as the Sovereign. However, some opposing ideologies are explaining the nature of God, which gives contrasting views on both Calvinism and Arminianism. Calvinism states that people are naturally rebellious that they rarely trust God unless through his extraordinary works of grace that change their hearts so that they can believe in Him hence limiting His sovereignty nature. Whereas, Arminianism states that despite being corrupt deprived in nature, they trust in God regardless of any condition believing in His power to provide hence Sovereign.

Discussion

Nothing that happens in the universe without God's knowledge and influence regardless of being good or evil. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords with no limitations in His decisions and deeds. The bible makes various claims about His supremacy over the universe and its creation. In the book of Revelation 21:6, God is described as above all things. He is the alpha and omega; He is described as immortal and omnipresent so as all the humankind may know Him and follow His doctrines.

God can do all things that seem too severe in human eyes hence describing His undefined nature. He orchestrates everything that happens in human life and aware of whatever people undergo despite good or suffering. God can mold whatever He wants from our lives as His creation. Therefore, God is all capable, for nothing is impossible with Him (Jeremiah 32:17).

Bibliography

Calvin, John. 2020. "Calvin On God'S Sovereignty | Christian History Institute". Christian History Institute. Accessed February 15. https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/calvin-on-gods-sovereignty.

Hampton, Stephen. "Arminius, Arminianism, and Europe. Jacobus Arminius (1558/60-1609). Edited by Th. Marius ven Leeuwen, Keith D. Stanglin and Marijke Tolsma.(Brill's Series in Church History, 39.) Pp. xxii+ 302 incl. 55 ills. Leiden-Boston: Brill, 2009.EUR 99. 978 90 04 17887 8; 1572 4107." The Journal of Ecclesiastical History 62, no. 3 (2011): 621-621.

Jarrett, Ed. 2017. "Arminianism: Sovereignty And Free Will - A Clay Jar". A Clay Jar. https://aclayjar.net/2017/09/arminianism-sovereignty-and-free-will/.

Long, D. Stephen, George Kalantzis, and Jimmy Cooper. "The Sovereignty of God Debate."

Muller, Richard A. Christ and the decree: Christology and predestination in reformed theology from Calvin to Perkins. Vol. 2. Baker Books, 2008.

Pink, Arthur W. Sovereignty of God. Sovereign Grace Publishers,, 2012

Piper, John. 2018. "Watershed Differences Between Calvinists And Arminians". Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/watershed-differences-between-calvinists-and-arminians.