Book Review: The Sovereignty of God.

And so we come to a subject which is often repudiated by those in the church who hold that the 'freedom of man' being the most important truth n their point of view. However, the bible is clear that God sovereignly controls everything that exists because He is who He is. Let us see this not simply because this great book says so; but because God's words tells us this is the truth, in the 93rd Psalm we are told: "The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;" (vs 1) How many other Psalms tells us this truth? Well the following ones do: 48:7; 96:10; 97:1; 99:1. He is the king who sovereignly rules over all thing; and all people. But also note that in the 93rd Psalm we are told of this truth: "Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house,  O Lord, forevermore." (vs. 5)

Now let us take some time to consider this work because it is a great treasure for us all to have and hold; and we can agree with his sentiment in the introduction: "In this present work, however, it is with the sovereignty of God that we concerned, and while the responsibility of men is readily owned, yet we do not pause on every page to insist on it; instead we have sought to stress that side of the truth which in these days is almost universally neglected."  And that is true statement. It is neglected by many; and by other is re-interpreted..  Remember that he also tells us that many "have lost the balance of truth." That is a most important point. This work has ten chapters dealing Sovereignty in the realm of many different areas: the present day; the definition; creation; in administration; salvation; operation; and human will; prayer; our attitude; the value of this truth. 

Take on board the following words from second chapter: the sovereignty of God defined:
  • To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will.... The sovereignty of the God of Scripture is absolute, irresistible, infinite.” To put it now in its strongest form, we insist that God does as He pleases, only as He pleases, always as He pleases; that whatever takes place in time is but the outworking of that which He decreed in eternity.” (Pg. 20)
Those words are a most succinct statement in this regard; now of course, there are other very powerful statement that define this truth (example: pg. 23; paragraph 3). But for our consideration the above words are more than enough. And we shall do well to ponder them.  One chapter that stands out in this small book is the 10th: the value of this doctrine.
It gives us some helpful thoughts that consider:  (1) it deepens the veneration of the Divine Character. (2) It is a solid foundation of all true religion. (3) It repudiates the heresy of salvation by works. (4) It is deeply humbling to the creature. (5) It affords a sense of absolute security. (6) It supplies comfort in sorrow. (7) It begets a spirit of sweet resignation. (8) It evokes a song of praise. (9) It guarantees  the final triumph of good over evil. (10) It provides a resting place for the heart.

I would warmly recommend this work for all reformed Christians. 

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