THE GOD WHO IS SOVEREIGN
It is the common opinion of
religious men today that God does not have total control over the world in
which we live. We are told that sickness, disease, famine, floods, earthquakes,
etc., are the works of the devil. Satan is thought of as some secondary god of
evil.
Such notions are totally contrary to Holy Scripture,
and terribly dishonoring to our God. Unlike the god of modern religion,
"Our God is in the heavens; he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased."
The one true and living God is universally sovereign. He executes his holy will
and eternal decree in creation, providence, and salvation. The eternal God has
a purpose which he will perform; and he sovereignly arranges all things to
accomplish the good pleasure of his will. The elements of the world, the hearts
of rulers, the thoughts of men, and even the malicious acts of men and devils
are under his sovereign control. He says so (Isa. 46:9-10; Ps. 148:7-10; Isa.
45:5-7; Pro. 21:1). "The Lord hath made all things for himself: yea, even
the wicked for the day of evil" (Pro. 16:4). Nothing, either good or evil,
comes to pass in God's creation except that which God has ordained in eternity,
controls by sovereign power, and overrules for the ultimate good of his own
elect and for the glory of his great name (Eph. 1:11; Rom. 8:28; Rev. 4:11).
Such a God as our God is worthy of our fullest
confidence, truest devotion, and most adoring reverence. He is a God to be
worshipped, "For of him, and through him, and to him are all things, to
whom be glory for ever. Amen." (Rom.