Professional Documents
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of God
In Light of HIS Sovereignty
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5- Immutability – God is not capable of nor susceptible to change; He is unchangeable, invariable, and
permanent (Psa. 102:23-27; Isa. 46:9-10; James 1:17).
6- Omniscience – The word means that God is all-knowing. He knows the future as well as the past. He
knows all things whether actual or merely possible. He knows things immediately and
spontaneously. He knows the thoughts of man better than man knows them himself. (Psa. 139:2; Isa.
40:26; 46:10; Rom. 11:23
7- Omnipresence – The word means that God is everywhere present in the universe in the whole of His
being. It would be incorrect to suggest that God can be divided up in some material way so that only
a part of Him is present in each part of the universe. He fills every part of space with His entire
being. (Psa. 139:7-10; Jer. 23:23-24; 1 Kings 8:27; 2 Thes. 1:8-9)
8- Omnipotence – The word means that God is all-powerful and is able to do whatever he wills to do.
By His power He created the universe and its creatures, He maintains in existence all that He has
created, and He determines the events and final end of the universe and its inhabitants. (Gen. 17:1;
Job 42:1-2; Jer. 32:17; Matt. 19:26; Rev. 19:6; Col. 1:16-17; 1 John 5:11, 14)
God’s Moral Attributes are characteristics of God revealed in His personal interaction with mankind.
They include His love, grace, mercy, justice, holiness, righteousness, truth and goodness. These attributes
of God are examples of what should be in every man. Although we can never be like God in His natural
attributes (omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, etc.), we should vstrive to be like Him in His Moral
Attributes. (1 John 3:2) Many of the Moral Attributes of God are:
1- Holiness – Holiness is that perfection of God whereby He abhors that which is evil and demands
purity. God is separated totally from sin and evil (James 1:13). If we approach God at all, we must
come through the merits (or holiness) of Another. (Ex. 15:11, Psa. 22:1-3; Matt. 27:46; Rom. 5:1-2;
Rev. 15:4)
2- Justice – Justice is the attribute of God by which He carries out the laws that He has imposed. It has
two sides. It is remunerative (rewarding) and retributive (chastising). Since God cannot act contrary
to His laws, sin must be punished. God’s justice is satisfied in the death of Christ as the sinner’s
substitute. (Hos. 12:6; Micah 6:8)
3- Righteousness – This describes the attribute of God that causes God to always be right. (Gen. 18:25).
This wonderful attribute guarantees that He will always keep His promises. (Neh. 9:7-8; Dan. 9:16;
2 Tim. 4:8)
4- Love – Love is the attribute which moves God to communicate His concern for the ultimate welfare
of the ones that He loves. Therefore His love moved Him to sacrifice His life for the sake of another.
(John 3:16; 15:13; Rom. 8:32)
5- Mercy – Mercy is God’s compassion for the sinner (Rom.5:8) in not giving him what he deserves.
(Micah 7:18) In Hebrew the word “Mercy comes from the same root as the word for a mother’s
womb. It is the caring for that which is completely helpless. (Micah 6:8)
6- Grace – Grace is the unmerited goodness and love of God for those who have forfeited it (Eph. 1:6-7;
2:7-9; Titus 2:11). Grace is God’s giving us what we do not deserve.
7- Goodness – This attribute of God is revealed in His bountiful dealing with mankind. (Psa. 145:9;
Matt. 5:45)
8- Truth – God cannot lie nor tolerate untruth. God could commend Rahab’s faith (Heb. 11:31; James
2:25) but could not commend her lie (Josh. 2:4). Truth can be said to be intellectual purity. (Num.
23:19; 1 Kings 8:56; John 14:6; 17:17)
For some long time I have hoped to start the study of the nature of GOD or at least to get an opportunity
to put on paper, those words as could be used to state the joy of knowing HIM who is “altogether lovely”.
These words are difficult only in that the vernacular of the human can hardly speak the notes of the
supernatural in the manner needed to pass this information to another. In this first attempt at the goal, let us
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look at HIM through eyes focused on the mark and pray that GOD HIMSELF will direct our ways. HE is
the possessor of infinite “power” of which we must avail ourselves or our service toward HIM is vain and
useless. HE is full of “wisdom” and HIS ways are past finding out. However it is HIS “goodness” that we
must see in the next pages if we hope to see HIM in the cloud and the whirlwind or in the mysteries of the
mind of CHRIST. It is HIS “goodness” that will WED the Church to the GROOM -it is HIS “goodness” that
wakes the sleeping church member to pray for the world for whom HIS SON died -but; the fruit is in the fact
that it is HIS “goodness” that will WOE the sinner to the cross where HE will find room for him though
millions have come.
II- The half of HIS Wisdom has not yet been told, as Compared:
A)to the Foolishness of the world (I Cor. 1:20-2 1)
B)to the Proclamation of the Word (I Cor. 1:26-29)
C)to the Redemption of the willing (I Cor. 1:30-31)
However it is not the might of GOD that saves sinners and not HIS wisdom that redeems - but HIS
GOODNESS that leadeth thee to repentance -.GLORY TO HIS NAME!!
III- The half of HIS Goodness has not yet been told (Rom. 2:4 “...the goodness of GOD leadeth thee to
repentance...”) GOODNESS:
A) HIS Goodness seen brings GODLY Sorrow (2 Cor.7:9-10)
B) HIS Goodness seen brings the gift of repentance (2 Tim.2:25)
C) HIS Goodness seen brings rejoicing (Luke 15:7; 10)
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A) The whole earth (Ps.33:5)
B) The things that are in the earth (I Tim.4:4)
C) GOD’S goodness is impartial (Matt.5:45; Luke 6:35)
I-The enjoyment of GOD’S presence Vs-22 “But ye are come unto mount Sion ...”
II-The Privileges of Heavenly Citizenship Vs-22 “...ye are come unto ... the city of the living God, the
heavenly Jerusalem”
III-The companionship and Guardianship of angels Vs-22 “...ye are come unto ... innumerable company
of angels...”
IV-The Joy and Wealth of the Christian Church Vs-23 “To the general assembly and church of the
firstborn, which are written in heaven ...”
V-The Arbitration of GOD HIMSELF Vs-23 “...and to God the Judge of all ...”
VI-Our Heritage in the Glorified Saints Vs-23 “...and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just
men made perfect ...”
VII-The personal care of CHRIST Vs-24 “...And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant...”
VIII-A full salvation through the Blood of CHRIST Vs-24 “...and to the blood of sprinkling, that
speaketh better things than that of Abel.”
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XV-The Refusal of the Truth (Prov. 10:7)
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2) Too much sin?? – GRACE can abound above the greatest sin (Rom. 5:20)
3) GRACE is the ONLY means of salvation (Titus 2:11) “For the grace of God that bringeth
salvation hath appeared to all men...”
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terms of this Truth of the Kindness of our GOD:
I- The FATHER’S Kindness is seen in David’s kindness for Jonathan’s sake (2 Sam. 9:1)
A-Kindness shown in the face of the wicked lives of sinners (Titus 3:3-4)
II- The SAVIOUR’S Kindness is seen in the story of Boaz as he shows kindness to Ruth (Ruth 2:20)
A-Kindness is the riches of CHRIST’S Grace toward the race (Eph. 2:7)
III- The PARACLEAT’S Kindness is seen in the story of Abimelech and Abraham (Gen. 21:23)
A-The sort of kindness practiced by the HOLY SPIRIT is only The KINDNESS of GOD and GOD is
“...kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:35)
The KINDNESS of our GOD is at once powerful and sweet. The power of this efficacy is only surpassed
by the sweetness of this GODLY KINDNESS. HIS KINDNESS transcends all the harshness in this bitter
world. How the &-tint needs to meet with the KINDNESS of GOD in this cold world -KINDNESS!!! -only
GOD would be able to, consistently meet the deep bitterness of earth with a Heavenly, caring expression on
the magnitude of GODLY KINDNESS.
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IN KINDNESS HIS CARING CLOSENESS IS A GRAND COMFORT... (I Thes. 4:18 “Wherefore
comfort one another with these words.”)
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IV- Solace to the suffering (with the succor of a friend) (Heb.2:18)
V- Moderating to the over stressed and bowed down (with the restful pause that lightens the load) (Ezra
9:8)
Vl- Soothing to those in despair (making all task preformed, for Him, easy) (Psa. 25:12-14)
OH! Dear reader, will you seek only the comforts of HIS hand to fill your soul with HIS
“lovingkindness” (Jer. 9:24 “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me,
that I am the LORD which exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth, for in these
things I delight, saith the LORD”). These comforts, of HIS “merciful kindness” can never be exceeded in
all of life’s ebb and flow. HIS Kindness is always the comfort that will supply our need.
“Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands...”
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B- Prayer is the answer
1- Prayer secures it
2- Prayer assures it
3- Prayer accomplishes it
C- The will of GOD can be found in the CHRIST – the MONARCH of the universe – if you truly want
to know it:
1- John 7:17
2- There must be a resignation to the will of GOD:
a) Job (Job 13:15)
b) Jesus said “...not my will but thine...”
c) Paul’s last words (2 Tim.4:6)
II-The Permissive will of GOD - Disobedience is sin (Heb. 10:26-29)
III-The reviled will of GOD (see the Bible passages in the paragraph above on the will of GOD)
IV-The secret will of GOD (Deut. 29:29)
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a bride for the SON at the “rapture” as these who have the wedding garment of Grace will be called up
to be with the BRIDEGROOM of Heaven forever (1 Thes. 4:13-18 – But will it be silent?? The
Scripture has the record: Matt. 12:19 (Isa. 52:2); Mark 4:26; Luke 17:20)
The Conclusion
Of The Matter
In the end of this treatment, the intention of the author must be stated clearly. To live under the
knowledge of the Sovereignty of GOD and to preach this truth and HIS Free Grace to a benighted world is
the intention of any honest minister. This intention has been objected to by the “Free-Willers” of every
generation but I do not wish to be numbered with the detractors of Grace.
The objections that are offered are well known among the saints. There could be several noted; but the
objection that encompasses all others is the “Free-Will” (or Works) doctrine. In this system of works, man
is lifted to the state of ability and GOD is rendered as a tired “white headed old man” in the position of
“begging” sinners to come to HIS free gift of Salvation. If this be allowed, then falling from this Grace is
the next logical step.
This system of objections darkens the glory of GOD, Indicts the claims of GOD and Shadows the
Sovereignty of GOD. The uninformed number often charge the preacher of Grace with un-thinkable
allegations. In the face of this objection, the heat of an unscriptural obligation, and the specter of rank
legalism may be felt. But if the Sovereignty of GOD is not true hopelessness is our hap and doubt will rule
in the halls of Dogma.
The declaration to be rendered is a conflict to the flesh and must be made with some determination - it
does not come easily. The “Free-Will” matter is in all mankind and the only testimony of Grace is in the
Word of GOD. The Truth of Divine Doctrine always conflicts with the natural inclinations of the flesh. So,
there remains a mighty battle to face. The Spiritual battle for the mind and heart is mine (and each that
stands) along with the Sure Victory in CHRIST.
The conclusion must be drawn that a GOD who is not Sovereign is not GOD. The fear of most revolves
around the fact that Sovereignty calls for “Absolutism”. This must be a frightening prospect - Absolutism
calls for Accountability (2 Cor. 5:10); Assimilation (Phil. 3:12-13) and Approval (Rom. 8:29-34)
In the light of abundant Bible teaching, the Doctrines of The Sovereignty of GOD are the only teachings
that will survive the test of Scripture. (Isa. 18:20) Three questions leave the case without debate: 1) Is our
GOD ABLE (Heb. 7:25)? 2) Is the race of mankind in the grip of sin and the fall, so as to render him
“unable” (Impotent) (Rom. 5:6; Gen. 6:5; Rom. 3:11)? 3) Can GOD; therefore, redeem the fallen race of
mankind (Rom. 8:28-34)? If HE is Sovereign HE can redeem all he chooses - If he is finite; the sinner has
no hope and preachers are vain.
Under this reasoning, the Doctrines of the Sovereignty of GOD becomes a more than tenable position.
This position is born by many: A.W. Pink, John Gill, Benjamin Keach, F.B. Meyer, C.H. Spurgeon, John
Calvin, George Whitfield, John Flaval, L.R. Shelton, Henry Thiessen, R.C. Ryle, B.B. Warfield, Augustine
of Hippo, A.W. Tozer, B.B. Caldweld, Rolfe Barnard and a host of many with which I gladly take my place.
I surely do not believe everything that these men teach but in matters of Sovereignty, I am gladly akin.
In the matter of GOD’S Attributes, it is vital that the child of GOD must know GOD! There is no way
around the matter. In the past few pages I have set forth the few Attributes of Our great GOD in my finite
words. I have not dealt with the most popular subjects of HIS attributes. Nevertheless; HE is a GOD who
possesses these more frequently mentioned assessments, the ones related here as well as many more that our
work here will not allow to be treated at this time. “... the people that do know their GOD shall be strong.”
(Dan. 11:32)
The virtue of knowing GOD is not surpassed by any might known to mankind as can be seen at the
reading of Jer. 9:23-24. “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the
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mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this,
that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and
righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” In Hosea 6:3 we are plainly told
that if we are to know we must “...follow on to know the LORD...” We must take the things that we have
learned in the past and apply them to the future life in CHRIST and, as it is said, “follow on to know the
LORD” in our own lives.
“Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power...” (Psa. 110:3
See Rev. 3:20)
Under the Divine Hand of GOD many possibilities are seen. In HIS Hand, HE could destroy the sinner
-HE could defeat the sinner -HE could deject the sinner - HE could and more – But Thanks be to GOD!!
HE draws the sinner. A HOLY GOD awaits. (“Can thine heart endure, or can thine hands be strong, in the
days that I shall deal with thee? I the LORD have spoken it, and will do it.” Ezek. 22:14)
I. The Drawing of the “FATHER which hath sent” CHRIST (John 6:44) “No man can come to me,
except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
A) The responsibility of all to face HIM (Heb. 9:27)
B) The personal Sovereignty of the FATHER (Acts 17:22-25)
C) The total inability of man to stand before HIM (Mal. 3:2, Matt. 23:27; Mark 7:21)
II. The drawing of “CHRIST lifted up” (John 12:32) “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw
all men unto me.”
A) The complete suffering for sinners (Phil. 2:7-8)
B) The shock of the cross (Heb. 12:2)
C) The freshness of HIS wounds (Heb. 9:11-14)
III- The Promise of GOD (Titus 1:2) “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before
the world began;”
A) The terms of this promise (Isa. 53:10-11) “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him
to grief. when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his
days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. HE shall see of the travail of his soul,
and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear
their iniquities.”
B) The value of this promise (Rom. 8:32) “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us
all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
C) The satisfaction of this promise (John 17:6) “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou
gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.”
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This marks the end of our study of Sovereignty in the GODHEAD. We have looked at HIS nature. The
private nature of GOD will never be opened to the mortal eye but the expositor may gain vital insight into
this matter through the Bible. There may be many motives to attain this knowledge. One may seek to impress
others by this means. One may be deluded so as to think that the level of Deity could be emulated by man
and thereby obtain “god-hood” over others. Another may be of the vain view that GOD could be overthrown
and replaced with the dogmatic reasoning of mankind. Yet, in light of the danger of all this, there are some
who seek this knowledge for HIS Glory alone and wish only to uplift HIM in the sight of others. (John
12:32-33 “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what
death he should die.”)
These lines are blessed truth to the Redeemed. There are no sweeter thrills than the joys of the Redeemer.
It should be noted that to be bought with the price of the SON’S Blood is indeed a wonderful case and if I
may say in the last I am glad to be HIS Child. It is my hope that this work may cast a shaft of light into the
darkness. Darkness is the only enemy of the Truth and I do not intend to stay in the darkness long enough
to get accustomed to its blinding state. May our Sovereign GOD lead all into the full light of Free Grace unto
the full joy of the Truth.
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Preaching
This Document is printed by Gospel Publishing and Colportage, a ministry of the First Baptist
Church of Mineral Springs, NC, and is designed for education, evangelism, and edification. If we may
assist you in knowing more about Christ and the Christian life, please write us without obligation: First
Baptist Church of Mineral Springs PO Box 388, Mineral Springs, NC 28108 (704)843-3858
Psalms 107:2 S É S Romans 12:1-2
E-Mail: preslar12@windstream.net