9 Ways That God is Sovereign

Characteristics of God

What comes to mind when you think of the word “sovereign”? Do you think of the rulers of the world—kings and queens, presidents, prime ministers? Or maybe heads of companies—CEOs, presidents, founders, chairmen? Whoever these leaders are, they usually are in charge of making the most important decisions, and they have a pretty good idea about what goes on in most parts of their nation or company.

Queen Elizabeth II (Source: Wikipedia)

And then there’s God. He’s in charge of all of creation. That’s a lot more than just a nation or a company! And he not only has a “pretty good idea” about what’s going on, he knows exactly what is going on in every corner of the earth and beyond. He doesn’t just have a 5-year plan, he has a plan for all eternity. 

So what characteristics does God need to be sovereign over all creation? What characteristics support his ability to rule over everything? Let’s briefly look at a few. Links are provided for each verse if you would like to see more context for the verse.

God is Sovereign. God owns the world and everything in it. He controls the seasons, the rulers, and all life events.

• Psalm 103:19 – The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

• Deuteronomy 10:14 – To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.

God is Creator. He made everything that exists, from the smallest bacteria to the biggest whale in the ocean. From the smallest flower to the largest star in the sky.

• Colossians 1:16-17 – For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

• Nehemiah 9:6 – You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

God is the Sustainer of Life. As creator, God holds the power of life and death for every living thing, from plants and animals to humans.

• Deuteronomy 32:39 – “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.”

• Job 14:5 – A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.

God is Eternal. Even though God created everything, God himself is not a created being. He has no beginning and no end.

• Psalm 90:2 – Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

• Revelation 22:13 – I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

God is Omnipotent. God is all-powerful. Sometimes he is even called God Almighty. He can do anything. He can perform miracles, which shows his power to change creation to his will.

• Matthew 19:26 – Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

• Hebrews 1:3 – The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

God is Omniscient. God knows everything. There’s nothing in the past, present, or future that is unknown to God.

• Psalm 147:4-5 – He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

• Hebrews 4:13 – Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

God is Omnipresent. God is everywhere, and he sees everything. There’s nowhere on this earth you can go to escape God.

• Jeremiah 23:23-24 – “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.

• Psalm 139:7-10 – Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

God is Unchanging. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

• Malachi 3:6a – I the Lord do not change.

• 1 Samuel 15:29 – He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.

God has No Equal. No human or other living creature can ever have the status that God has as sovereign over everything. No other god will ever be as great as the one true God.

• Psalm 40:5 – Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

• Isaiah 45:5-6 – I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.

Pretty amazing, right? And we’re just getting started! The verses listed here are just a small taste of what the Bible says to support these characteristics of God. We’ll cover each of these characteristics in more depth over time.

The verses listed here are just a small taste of what the Bible says to support these characteristics of God. If you’d like to study more about God’s sovereignty over the next month, I’d encourage you to download and print the premium resource that goes along with this study. It is a “Bible Bingo” with 25 Scripture passages that provide further evidence for the characteristics of God we discussed above.

Click here to download the God is Sovereign Bible bingo card: Original / Printer-friendly

Click here to see all premium resources for this series.

Are there any other characteristics of God that support his sovereignty over all? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! It might even turn into a Bible study one day.