The Lens Through Which We Read
Chapter Two: God is Sovereign
The Backbone of Redemptive History
God is not a passive observer of history. He is not reacting to surprises, negotiating with human choices, or waiting to see how things unfold.
He is sovereign.
And that means He rules all things, ordains all things, and governs all things—not only in the broad sweep of creation, but in the minute details of human life and salvation.
To read Scripture rightly, we must read it with this truth firmly in place: God is always in control—even when the world seems otherwise.
What Sovereignty Means
Sovereignty means that God:
Reigns over all creation
Directs the course of history
Works all things according to the counsel of His will
Is never thwarted, outwitted, or overcome
“Whatever Yahweh pleased, that he has done, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.” – Psalm 135:6 (WEB)
God’s sovereignty is not theoretical—it’s active, present, and personal.
It is the very framework in which every passage of Scripture unfolds.
Sovereignty Is the Context of the Whole Story
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture is clear: God is not watching history unfold—He is writing it.
He ordained the rise and fall of nations (Daniel 2:21)
He hardened Pharaoh’s heart (Exodus 9:12)
He sent Joseph to Egypt for a redemptive purpose (Genesis 50:20)
He determined the time and place where every person would live (Acts 17:26)
He predestined the cross (Acts 2:23)
He is bringing history to its appointed end (Revelation 21)
The story of Scripture is not one of divine reaction. It is one of divine orchestration.
How Ignoring Sovereignty Distorts Interpretation
When God's sovereignty is neglected, we are left with a theology that:
Exaggerates human autonomy
Weakens God's authority
Renders many passages confusing or contradictory
Some common interpretive errors include:
1. Overemphasizing Human Free Will
Viewing salvation as purely man-initiated
Treating God's plan as conditional upon human choices
Reducing God's foreknowledge to mere prediction, not decree
This creates a God who waits, rather than a God who ordains.
2. Treating Suffering as Random or Meaningless
Interpreting trials as purely the result of sin or chaos
Ignoring passages that tie suffering to God's purpose and sanctification
Offering unbiblical comfort that denies God's control
But Scripture teaches that suffering is never wasted, because a sovereign God governs even the hard things.
3. Misreading Election and Predestination
Avoiding passages on election because they are uncomfortable
Reinterpreting clear texts (like Romans 9 or Ephesians 1) to fit human-centered frameworks
Treating God's choice as unjust, rather than merciful
When sovereignty is surrendered, the Gospel becomes about man's initiative instead of God’s grace.
Examples Where Sovereignty Is Key to Interpretation
Genesis 50:20 “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” God is not merely making the best of human sin—He is purposing good through it.
Acts 2:23 “…by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed…” The crucifixion was not a mistake. It was sovereignly ordained—even as those responsible acted with real guilt.
Romans 9 Paul addresses God's sovereign choice in salvation—not based on works or will, but on Him who calls. Any interpretation that flattens this into fairness or human choice misunderstands the nature of divine mercy.
Sovereignty Brings Clarity to Difficult Doctrines
Many tensions in theology are resolved—or properly upheld—when God's sovereignty is rightly understood:
Providence and suffering
Salvation and responsibility
Prayer and God's will
Evil and God's plan
We don’t have to flatten the tension—we simply need to let God be God.
“For I know the plans I have for you, says Yahweh…” – Jeremiah 29:11 (WEB)
Conclusion: The Comfort and Challenge of a Sovereign God
God’s sovereignty doesn’t just shape doctrine—it shapes our worship.
It means:
We can trust Him when life feels out of control
We can rest knowing our salvation is secure
We can preach with boldness, knowing the results are in His hands
We can interpret Scripture with confidence, knowing every word is part of His intentional, redemptive plan
To deny God's sovereignty is to misread His Word, misrepresent His power, and misunderstand His Gospel.
But to embrace it is to see clearly—and to worship deeply.