God Is In Control of This Earth
The Apostle by Rembrandt van Rijn 1633
The Sovereignty of God
The Bible claims to be the very Word of God (Ps 119; 2 Tim 3:16-17 etc.). As such it also gives a picture of God as being in complete control of all things on the earth and in heaven. What do we mean by the expression, God is in control of all things?
The dictionary defines God as being the creator and ruler of the universe, regarded as being eternal, infinite, all-powerful, and all knowing. This Supreme Being has special powers over the lives and affairs of people and the course of nature.[1] Arthur W. Pink provides one excellent definition:
The Sovereignty of God. What do we mean by this expression? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the god-hood of God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? (Dan. 4:35). 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 (Psa. 115:3). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is “The Governor among the nations” (Psa. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the “Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible.[2]
The Bible itself provides many verses showing God Himself proclaiming His authority and control over the affairs of all creation. Some are provided here as an illustration.
Here is a vivid description of God controlling life as well as ones economic status in this world.
The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.( 1Sam 2:6-8)
God owns the earth and everything in it because He created it.
The earth [is] the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. (Ps 24:1)
For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. (Ps 50:10-12)
God knows all things and controls all things whether through His causative will or His permissive will. That is, He creates and He also allows His children to suffer the consequences of their sin.
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure (Isa 46:10)
Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods, which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation. (Judg 10:13-14)
As God is in control of all affairs on this earth He is also in control of the origin, development and destiny of the Jewish Nation. It is also important to realize that God does not move counter to what He has revealed in Scripture as “His will.” As we move closer to the end and await the rapture of the Church be strong and always waiting our Lord to take us Home.
The Attitude of Believers Toward Jesus’ Second Coming
As we notice the world spinning out of control it is important to remember what God’s Word says about our attitude. First, we must without any reservation believe that Christ will come for us as He promised. Next we look to Scripture for our direct instructions as we wait for our Lord to come for us. We have the blessed assurance that what the Bible tells us will come to pass and we must follow its instructions to achieve its blessings.
- Believers Should be Watchful and Alert
Matt 24:42-44; Mark 13:33-37: Luke 12:35-40; 1 Thessalonians 4:4-6; Revelation 16:15
- Believers Should be Motivated to Godly Living
Matthew 24:45-51; 1 Peter 31:13-15; 2 Peter 3:11-14; 1 John 2:28
- Believers Should Consider His Coming Very Soon
Romans 13:11-12; Philippians 4:5; James 5:8-9; 1 Peter 4:7
- Believers Should Eagerly Await It
1 Corinthians 1:7; Phil 3:20; Titus 2:11-13
- Believers Should Encourage One Another
Rom 8:23-25; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
- Believer Should Long for It
2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Peter 3:12; Revelation 22:20
- Believers Should Persevere
Matthew 24:12-13; 1 Corinthians 1:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; 1 Timothy 6:12-14; James 5:7-8