The Attributes of God

The Supremacy of God and the Sovereignty of God

In chapter 5 of the Attributes of God, A. W Pink focuses on the supremacy of God. In this chapter, Pink spoke on how God’s rule and reign are dishonored among many. God’s position is thought by many, especially professing Christians to be equal with humans. From these groups of people, God is seen as one without order and principles. They do not recognize that God is omnipotent in nature and reigns over all things. They do not see compatibility with God’s supremacy and human freedom. God is reduced down by the human to a “figment of their imagination”; to “an invention of maudlin sentimentality” (p.28). God’s supremacy can be seen in mere creation by the span of the heavens from the earth. God is distinctly separated from His creation showing how infinitely supreme He is from it all. Psalm 115:3 reads, “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” Further, Psalm 8:1 states, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.” God is truly exalted in the heavens and reigns over all creation. God is able to do everything that He desires to do and cannot be hindered in His dealings (Job 42:2). God can bring about things that seem unimaginable or impossible for humans in His power; this is seen in many passages from Scripture (Ex. Exo. 14, Numb16, Isa. 38.8). Truly “Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps” (Psalm 135:6). All of these powerful works speak of His supremacy. These works are not only seen in nature but also over the wills of man (Ex. Prv. 21:1). God is supremely working effectually in our lives through every detail to bring about His perfect will.

In chapter 6 of the Attributes of God, A.W Pink focuses on the Sovereignty of God. In this chapter, Pink defines the sovereignty of God as “the exercise of His supremacy” (p. 31). God is infinitely independent in Himself and is uncontrolled by no one. Isaiah 46:10 speaks of God saying, “declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose”. God directs all things and works all things after the counsel of His own will (Eph.1: 11). In God’s sovereignty, we do not see the elimination of human responsibility either, in fact human responsibility is based upon God’s sovereignty (P. 32). For Adam and Eve in the garden, they were given a conditional standing based upon whether or not they would obey His commands. It was His decision to give this standing to them and it was their responsibility to abide by His word. God commanded as the Sovereign God that He is and Adam and Eve were still responsible to obey Him. Also from God’s act of sovereignty over salvation, we can see probably the strongest display of His sovereignty. God chose to make His elect’s salvation stand firm on the unconditional footing of Christ saving work and nothing can change this work (Heb 10:14). Due to this, we should be grateful for God’s sovereign hand over all things especially our salvation in His Son, which can never be shaken.

Pink, A.W. The Attributes of God. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1975.