The fact that God is free and able to do all that he wills; that he reigns over all creation and that his will is the final cause of all things. This is often expressed in the language of kingship.
God is free to do all he wills
Psalm 135:6 See also Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 46:10; Daniel 4:35; Romans 9:19–21
The LORD does all that pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and in all their depths.
God is able to do whatever he wills
Luke 1:37 Gabriel speaking to Mary. See also Job 42:2; Matthew 19:26; Ephesians 3:20
For no word from God will ever fail.”
God cannot be successfully opposed
Job 42:2 From Job's prayer of submission and repentance. See also 1 Samuel 2:10; 2 Chronicles 20:6; Job 9:12; Ecclesiastes 7:13; Isaiah 43:13, Isaiah 45:9–10; Acts 5:39
“I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted.
God rules and reigns
He is King
Psalm 29:10 See also 1 Chronicles 16:31; Psalm 47:2; Isaiah 6:5, Isaiah 43:15; Jeremiah 10:7, Jeremiah 10:10; Zechariah 14:9; 1 Timothy 1:17, 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 15:3, Revelation 19:6
The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
He is Lord of heaven and earth
Deuteronomy 4:39 See also Genesis 24:3; Deuteronomy 10:14; Joshua 2:11; 1 Chronicles 29:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 121:2, Psalm 134:3; Luke 10:21; Acts 17:24
Know therefore this day and take to heart that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.
His throne is a symbol of his sovereignty
Exodus 17:16; Psalm 45:6, Psalm 93:2, Psalm 123:1; Isaiah 6:1 Isaiah's commission; Isaiah 66:1; Jeremiah 49:38; Lamentations 5:19; Ezekiel 1:26; Daniel 7:9 Daniel's dream; Matthew 5:34, Matthew 19:28 Jesus Christ teaches his disciples about things to come; Acts 7:49; Hebrews 1:8, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 12:2; Revelation 4:2, Revelation 20:11
God's sovereignty extends over all things
He is sovereign over creation
Revelation 4:11 See also Psalm 93:1; Isaiah 40:22, Isaiah 41:18–19
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”
He is sovereign over human life
1 Chronicles 29:12 Part of David's prayer on the occasion of gifts being brought to the temple. See also 2 Chronicles 25:8; Luke 1:51–53; Acts 18:21; James 4:15
Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all.
He is sovereign over the minutest details of life
Matthew 10:29–30 parallel Luke 12:6–7
He is sovereign in electing his people
Ephesians 1:11 See also Romans 8:29, Romans 9:11, Romans 9:18
In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,
He is sovereign in the life and salvation of his people
1 Corinthians 1:30 See also Jeremiah 18:6; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Philippians 2:13; James 1:18
It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.
He is sovereign over the sufferings of believers
Philippians 1:29; 1 Peter 3:17
He is sovereign over world history
Proverbs 21:1 See also Exodus 9:16; Psalm 22:28; Jeremiah 18:7–10; Daniel 4:35
The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
God is sovereign over all other gods and over demonic forces
God is supreme over all gods
Psalm 95:3 “gods” are part of the created order and subject to God's sovereignty. See also Exodus 18:11; Deuteronomy 10:17; 1 Chronicles 16:26; Psalm 96:5; Daniel 2:47; Colossians 1:16
For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.
Satan is defeated through God's sovereign purposes at work in Jesus Christ
Colossians 2:15 See also John 12:31; Romans 16:20; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Peter 2:4; 1 John 3:8; Jude 1:6; Revelation 12:7–10
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.