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Can God give authority and maintain Sovereignty?

Discussion in 'Baptist Theology & Bible Study' started by Skandelon, Apr 13, 2011.

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  1. Skandelon

    Skandelon <b>Moderator</b>

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    These passages teach that there are "authorities" and "powers" which are yet to be destroyed, and that have been given dominion over God's creation.

    Isaiah 24:21
    A time is coming when the Lord will punish the powers above and the rulers of the earth.

    Ephesians 6:12
    For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

    Colossians 2:20
    You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world.

    1 Corinthians 15:24 GNT
    Then the end will come; Christ will overcome all spiritual rulers, authorities, and powers, and will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father.

    Don't misunderstand my question. I affirm that God is OVER these powers and authorities. He created them after all.

    Colossians 1:16:
    For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

    And one day God will strip them of that authority:

    Colossians 2:15
    God stripped the spiritual rulers and powers of their authority. With the cross, he won the victory and showed the world that they were powerless.

    But, if God has chosen to allow created beings to have dominion and power over something, even for a time, how is His "sovereignty" (as defined by some being "complete and total control/determination over every single thing") not compromised?
     
    #1 Skandelon, Apr 13, 2011
  2. StefanM

    StefanM Well-Known Member
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    I do not define sovereignty in that sense, so I'm not sure how something would be answered according to those lines.

    Even though I'm on the reformed side of Christendom, I have never "bought" the argument that Arminianism undermines the sovereignty of God.

    God is sovereign by nature. His actions have no effect on that sovereignty. If he willingly permits an agent to have control over an action or realm, the permission must be ongoing, as he has the ability to revoke such permission at any moment.

    For soteriology, if God chose to make salvation synergistic, that would still be his sovereign choice to so do.
     
    #2 StefanM, Apr 13, 2011
  3. Cypress

    Cypress New Member

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    Skan, aren't you really asking if creatures can thwart Gods plan, intents, or purposes with the control that they are given. It would seem to be impossible in a final sense if God foreknows these actions before creating.:love2:

    Stefan, I like the understanding you show in your response.:love2:
     
    #3 Cypress, Apr 13, 2011
  4. quantumfaith

    quantumfaith Active Member

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    :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
     
    #4 quantumfaith, Apr 13, 2011
  5. jbh28

    jbh28 Active Member

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    God is in complete control over all events.
    God has given us the ability to make choices.
    God doesn't dictate to us which choices to make (i.e. sin)
    God does dictate some things. (i.e. creation)

    Allowing man to make choices doesn't mean that God isn't in control. He permits/allows things to happen.
     
    #5 jbh28, Apr 13, 2011
  6. quantumfaith

    quantumfaith Active Member

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    :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
     
    #6 quantumfaith, Apr 13, 2011
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