THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD: THE REVELATION IN REVIEW
Rev. 3:19 - 4:11
Sermon Objective: God’s sovereignty (from an Arminian perspective) is showcased and illustrated in The Book of the Revelation providing motivation o remain faithful and confident.
REVELATION 3:19 – 4:11
3:19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
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4:1After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." 2At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. 4Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. 6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." 9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
INTRODUCTION
I brought along a marionette today. It is an interesting little puppet. I pull this string and this leg moves. I tug on this one and this leg moves. The puppet has no choice to but move as I tell it to. It is designed so that when I pull on certain strings it responds to my wishes.
Some people understand the sovereignty of God in this fashion. They tell us that “God declares or decrees” an event and it just happens. It has no choice but to happen. A string on the marionette is pulled … plans are put into motion. This “puppet theology” applies whether in regards to an individual human (predestination), the destiny of an empire, or a cosmic act.
They call it “God’s sovereignty.”
Such a view of sovereignty understands human destiny to be a script. God not only knows what is yet to happen He has foreordained it. It is mechanical. It is determinism. Or to use their word it is “irresistible” as in “irresistible grace.” When the string is pulled a person will acknowledge Christ as Lord, reject Him, or whatever the script has foreordained. Such a theology is “cause-effect” oriented … God pulls a string and the creature moves in exactly the way it is intended.
A “puppet on a string” sovereignty is logical and many people, of many different religions, believe it is the way God runs the cosmos … even Christians. But I do not think it is Biblical. Or at least a complete Biblical view of Sovereignty.
So, if sovereignty is not “mechanical, deterministic, puppet-on-a-string Cause-Effect” then what can it be?
WHAT IF WE LOOKED AT SOVEREIGNTY FROM AN “INFLUENCE-RESPONSE” PARADIGM INSTEAD OF A “CAUSE-EFFECT” MODEL?
Such a paradigm takes God’s Sovereignty seriously.
It also takes God’s principle of “reaping and sowing” seriously.
It also takes free will seriously.
It also takes human responsibility seriously.
If you read “The Revelation” as a call to repentance and faithfulness … a “Gospel Tract” so to speak … then God’s sovereignty and our God-given free will cooperate together.
We begin to have a different, a more three-dimensional, understanding of sovereignty.
An Influence-Response understanding of sovereignty is not based upon God’s declaration that “so and so shall be” (a pre-written script). But rather it is understood as relational and loving. This, of course, is in line with God’s disclosure of Himself throughout the Scriptures.
James Arminius reminds us that we must “place in subjection to Divine Providence both the free-will and even the actions of a rational creature, so that nothing can be done without the will of God, not even any of those things which are done in opposition to it. (The works of James Arminius, “the Providence of God.”)
In other words, just as the Bible balances the collective and individual aspects of human life, it balances the sovereignty of God and the freedom of man. The sovereign will of God establishes the limits and consequences of human choice. But within those limits and in the light of those consequences, that same sovereignty guarantees the responsibility of human choice. (“Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom” by W. T. Purkiser, Richard S. Taylor, Willard H. Taylor)
“Influence-Response” is how God interacts with humans throughout Scripture and even the “hard-to-understand scenarios” like Pharaoh, or Judas can be understood as a choice they made … not simply a string that was pulled.
We are told that Pharaoh, for example, hardened his own heart and that God hardened it. God granted Pharaoh the consequences of his choice. God allowed the heart to be hardened but Pharaoh was responsible for the choice.
Just as you are responsible for your choices.
“Influence-Response” catches the tone of Scripture. Granted there are passages that seem to imply a “puppet on a string” sovereignty; but the basic tone of Scripture is that God influences people (and thereby human destiny) by inviting, prompting, warning, encouraging, rebuking, revealing, chiding, pleading, convicting, etc. People respond to God’s influence by either turning to Him in repentance and obedience or choosing to act on our own. INSTEAD OF A STRING THAT DETERMINES ONE’S BEHAVIOR GOD USES A POINTER TO SHOW US THE PREFERRED WAY AND WE CHOOSE TO RESPOND OR REJECT HIS LOVING CALL. Those choices we make (both individually and collectively) determine the course of human events that will follow.
In this case, free will is not a mere charade or pretense to make it appear that we’re making choices. It is real and has real ramifications which God often tells us about and uses to encourage us to act wisely.
The best place to see Influence-Response Sovereignty is to look to Jesus. To see Jesus is to see God … the God of creation and the God that calls us to repentance and relationship.
Colossians 1:15 says, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
Hebrews 1:3 says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.”
As you can see from reading the Gospels, Jesus approaches us through “Influence and Response” not by pulling the strings of marionettes. God does not use his power and authority as a bigger hammer to get his way or depend upon the “brute force of His omnipotence.”
So, what is sovereignty?
How does sovereignty impact my life and my church?
“The Revelation” helps us with this. That is why we read Rev. 3:19 – 4:11. In those verses we see God calling His people to faithfulness and we also see the basis of God’s authority to call … He was their creator … He is Lord.
From “The Revelation” we discover sovereignty to mean:
GOD IS INDEPENDENT
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. (Rev. 4:11)
Throughout “The Revelation” there are those who choose to act as if God is not creator and Lord … as if they are the sovereign.
This in no way changes reality.
We discover in the Scriptures that God is wholly other – independent of His creation. He is not a created being and is not subject to the restrictions therein.
“He is not dependent upon anything outside of Himself for His existence. He is the grounds for His own existence. … God is not the cause of His existence because that which did not begin cannot be caused. God is an uncaused Being.” (L.F. Forlines, “The Quest For Truth”).
Confused now?
Suffice it to say, sovereignty begins with the acknowledgment that God is creator (not created) and therefore, Lord.
THAT IS THE CORE CHARACTERISTIC FOR WORSHIP IN CHAPTER FOUR. ALL THE BEINGS AROUND THE THRONE ARE CREATED AND SOME EVEN EXPLICITLY REPRESENT CREATION AND THE PRAISE THEY OFFER HIM IN VERSE 11 IS BASED UPON THIS.
Why don’t you recite this verse with me? Let’s read it as a corporate declaration.
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. (Rev. 4:11)
• Sovereignty implies that God’s existence is independent of creation and that He is the creator.
It also means:
GOD IS AWARE
“Theological fatalism” is the thesis that infallible foreknowledge of a human act makes the act necessary -- hence “irresistible”. If there is a being who infallibly knows the future, then no human act is free. To know suggests a script.
Although you can draw those types of logical conclusions from foreknowledge it is, by no means, the only option. Even as humans (made in God’s image) we possess a type of “foreknowledge” that does not impose on another’s free will.
Any good parent, for example, knows the tendencies of their children. When our children were young we had a pretty good idea of what they would do in certain situations. If we left cookies on the table and said, “Do not eat these until after dinner” we knew which one was inclined to leave them alone and which one would have the tendency to sneak one in advance.
We also, as parents, have the ability to look into the future and predict what an outcome will be if our children make one choice or another. This does not in any way mean we have scripted what will happen.
God’s foreknowledge is vaster than human foreknowledge. God can look into the future and see the consequences of whatever choices we make. That does not mean He has predetermined which choice we will make though. God can be conscious of the potential that any human’s choice would have and still be capable of carrying His will through to completion.
• Sovereignty means that God is independent of any source for His existence.
• It means He is aware of the choices (and consequences) that man can make.
It also means:
GOD IS IN CONTROL
“God’s sovereignty does not mean He is not opposed. But it does mean He is not in danger of being defeated by His foes. … When He chooses He will call a halt to His opposition.” (F. Leroy Forlines, “The Quest For Truth”).
“The Revelation” depicts a struggle between good and evil. This battle showcases the enemy’s superficiality and destiny and God’s superiority. The enemy counterfeits all the blessings and realities that are found in God and His Kingdom. At no point in the struggle do you see righteousness faltering or in jeopardy. In fact, God is capable of fulfilling his purposes in spite of (and in the midst of) the enemy’s fierce defiance.
This is an important element for the People of God to grasp. RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL PREVAIL! There is no need for fretting. No need for fear. The enemy’s victories are short-lived or charades.
God has the capacity to carry out His plans. The Revelation is evidence of this. If God says something will happen it will happen; even when real opposition is waged.
At least 15 times in “The Revelation” the term “edothē” (“it was given” [by God]) is used. In each case, God is granted power or authority for His will to be carried out.
In Revelation 9:4, for example, the torment executed by the forces of the underworld is given, restricted, and limited by God. Those who reject him are tormented but killed. The torment is limited in time span too. All-the-while those forces cannot harm the people of God … simply because God forbids it. In fact, the entirety of chapter 9 reveals that God’s acts are not wanton cruelty but a stark indication that wickedness cannot continue indefinitely. (Robert Mounce, “The Book of the Revelation”)
In the exercise of His sovereignty, it is to be noted that God permits what He does not necessarily purpose. He allows what He does not intend. But even the evil God permits is not "running loose." It is under control. The conviction expressed by Paul in Rom. 8:28 is true” “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” (“Divine Sovereignty and Human Freedom” by W. T. Purkiser, Richard S. Taylor, Willard H. Taylor)
GOD’S PURPOSES WILL BE DONE ON EARTH EVEN AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
You have reason for peace, confidence, boldness, joy, and praise today.
God is in control of His universe. Nothing happens without His knowledge and permission. God will accomplish His purposes for His creation.
• Sovereignty means that God is independent of any source for His existence.
• It means He is aware of the choices (and consequences) that man can make.
• It means He is fully capable of seeing His will carried out to completion.
It also means:
GOD IS JUDGE
2 Peter 3 says …
3First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4They will say, "Where is this ’coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." 5But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. 6By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. 7By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
The sovereignty of God is not arbitrary. God does what He pleases, but what He pleases is right and morally good. This assures us that he, the judge of the earth, will do right (Psalm 96:13; 98:9).
His capacity to judge is closely related to His sovereignty and authority.
There will come a day when God will say “enough is enough.” His desire is not to judge humankind … it is to redeem. The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
God’s desire is to restore all creation to its original intent. This is made clear in the Rev. 21: 3 says: “3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”
However, it is clear in the Scriptures that a day of judgment is coming.
• By virtue of being the sole creator God is judge.
• By virtue of His righteous character God is judge.
• By virtue of His ownership God is judge.
• By virtue of His overtures to forgive God is judge.
• By virtue of your capacity to make free and responsible choices, God is judge.
WRAP-UP
A Biblical understanding of sovereignty includes:
• God is independent
• God is aware
• God is in control
• God is judge
“The Revelation” revels in the sovereignty of God.
Humanity has the free will to choose God or not. God has given His creatures freedom to determine their own character and destiny. God is so sovereign that He is not afraid to give His creatures such freedom. However, He is still able to control His universe and accomplish His ultimate purpose for creation.
2 Peter 3 goes on to say …
11Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL PREVAIL!
As I see it God’s sovereignty matters to you for at least 3 reasons.
1. IT AFFECTS THE WAY YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
• You are not a programmed robot or puppet on a string.
• You are responsible for your choices and for responding to God’s influences upon your life.
2. IT AFFECTS THE WAY YOU UNDERSTAND THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION.
• It is not a “Let me tell you what’s gonna happen in the future” book.
• It is a call to obedience and loyalty and you prove your loyalties everyday of your life.
3. YOU CAN HAVE PEACE AND CONFIDENCE THAT YOUR GOD REIGNS!!!
“COME LORD JESUS”
This sermon is provided by Dr. Kenneth Pell
Potsdam Church of the Nazarene
Potsdam, New York
www.potsdam-naz.org
