Find out what the sovereignty of God really means in the Bible

God's sovereignty means that as ruler of the universe, God is free and has the right to do whatever he wants. It is not bound or limited by the dictates of its created beings. Furthermore, he has complete control over everything that happens here on Earth. The will of God is the final cause of all things.

Sovereignty (pronounced SOV ur un tee) in the Bible is often expressed in the language of royalty: God rules and reigns over the whole universe. It cannot be countered. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. He is on the throne and his throne is a symbol of his sovereignty. The will of God is supreme.

An obstacle
The sovereignty of God is an obstacle for atheists and unbelievers who ask that if God has total control, he will eliminate all evil and suffering from the world. The Christian's answer is that God's sovereignty is beyond human understanding. The human mind cannot understand why God permits evil and suffering; instead, we are called to have faith and trust in the goodness and love of God.

The good purpose of God
The result of trusting in God's sovereignty is knowing that his good intentions will be achieved. Nothing can stand in the way of God's plan; history will be worked out according to the will of God:

Romans 8:28
And we know that God makes everything work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT)
Ephesians 1:11
Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we received an inheritance from God, because he chose us in advance and makes everything work according to his plan. (NLT)

God's purposes are the most important reality in the Christian's life. Our new life in the Spirit of God is based on its purposes for us, and sometimes includes suffering. The difficulties in this life have a purpose in God's sovereign plan:

James 1: 2–4, 12
Dear brothers and sisters, when problems of any kind arise, consider it an opportunity of great joy. Because you know that when your faith is tested, your stamina has a chance to grow. So let it grow, because when your resistance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, you will not need anything ... God bless those who patiently endure trials and temptations. Later they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (NLT)
God's sovereignty raises an enigma
A theological conundrum is also raised by the sovereignty of God. If God truly controls everything, how can humans have free will? It is evident from Scripture and everyday life that people have free will. We make both good and bad choices. However, the Holy Spirit urges the human heart to choose God, a good choice. In the examples of King David and the apostle Paul, God also works with man's bad choices to reverse life.

The bad truth is that sinful humans deserve nothing from a holy God. We cannot manipulate God in prayer. We cannot expect a rich and painless life, as touted by the gospel of prosperity. Nor can we expect to reach heaven because we are a "good person". Jesus Christ was provided to us as a way to heaven. (John 14: 6)

Part of God's sovereignty is that despite our unworthiness, he chooses to love us and save us anyway. It gives everyone the freedom to accept or reject his love.

Bible verses on God's sovereignty
God's sovereignty is supported by many Bible verses, including:

Isaiah 46: 9–11
I am God, and there is nothing else; I am God, and there is no one like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is yet to come. I say: "My purpose will remain and I will do whatever I would like." ... What I said, which I will achieve; what I have planned, what I will do. (NIV)
Psalm 115: 3 Il
our God is in heaven; does what he likes. (NIV)
Daniel 4:35
All the peoples of the earth are considered nothing. Do as you please with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. Nobody can hold their hand or say, "What did you do?" (NIV)
Romans 9:20
But who are you, a human being, to answer God? "What is formed tells who formed it, 'Why did you make me so?'" (NIV)