The basic error in the Calvinist understanding of God’s sovereignty lies in their assumption that God’s sovereignty means He must exercise absolute, irresistible control over every aspect of human will.

Calvinism argues that because God is sovereign, no created being could truly have the option to reject Him, as this would supposedly compromise His power. As a result, Calvinism teaches that God must first miraculously regenerate a person’s heart to make them capable of seeking Him, thus removing the genuine exercise of free will in the process of coming to faith.

However, this view misunderstands the nature of sovereignty. True sovereignty means God possesses ultimate authority and power, including the authority to grant His creation the freedom to choose, even if that choice involves rejection. By equating sovereignty with strict determinism, Calvinism limits God, suggesting He cannot be truly sovereign unless He exercises control in a particular way. But as seen in Scripture, God’s sovereignty encompasses the ability to bring about His purposes despite human choices, even when those choices oppose Him. This view implies God’s sovereignty cannot accommodate human freedom without being diminished. Biblically, God’s sovereignty is displayed in His supreme ability to accomplish His purposes through or in spite of human decisions.

The sovereignty of God is neither dependent on human response nor diminished by human rejection. To assert that God’s sovereignty is undermined if someone rejects Him is to misunderstand what sovereignty means. Sovereignty refers to supreme authority and power over all things, independent of external influence or acceptance. Here are key points to help understand this:

God’s Sovereignty as Absolute: Scripture portrays God’s sovereignty as all-encompassing and unchanging. In passages like Isaiah 46:9-10, God declares, “I am God, and there is none like me… My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” God’s authority and purpose are not contingent on human acceptance but are established solely by His will.

God Permits Free Will without Diminishing His Sovereignty: Sovereignty includes the authority to grant free will to humanity. In His omnipotence, God has chosen to allow individuals the freedom to accept or reject Him, but this choice does not lessen His power. In Acts 17:30-31, Paul speaks of God’s patient desire for repentance, showing that God’s authority remains, even as He allows humanity space for choice. “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

Judgment Demonstrates Sovereign Authority: When humans reject God, it doesn’t affect His sovereignty but rather reveals it. God’s authority is demonstrated through judgment as well as mercy. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 describes that those who “know not God” or “obey not the gospel” will face His judgment. This action affirms His authority over all creation, holding all accountable whether or not they choose to honor Him.

Christ’s Rejection Does Not Diminish God’s Power: Jesus Himself faced widespread rejection, yet God’s plan of salvation was fulfilled, displaying His sovereignty. John 1:11 says, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not,” yet the mission was accomplished by God’s power, demonstrating that rejection by some does not disrupt God’s overarching purpose.

Free Will Does Not Thwart God’s Sovereignty: God’s sovereignty is not threatened by human opposition or rejection, as He is fully capable of bringing His plans to fruition regardless of human response. In Luke 3:8, John the Baptist tells the crowds, “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” This statement underscores that God’s purposes are not dependent on human lineage, acceptance, or compliance; if one avenue is closed, He has countless ways to fulfill His plan. God’s authority and ability remain supreme, unaffected by human resistance.

Therefore, God’s sovereignty is upheld through His supreme authority, His allowance of free will, and His ultimate judgment. Human rejection of God does not weaken His sovereignty but instead highlights the greatness of His rule over a world in which He allows choice, yet remains in complete control.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”

Agape,
Spencer