The article "The Sovereignty of God’s Grace" by Don Fortner addresses the central Reformed doctrine of divine sovereignty, particularly in the context of salvation. Fortner argues that God’s grace operates sovereignly and irresistibly, as evidenced in Hebrews 2:16, which demonstrates that Christ did not take on the nature of angels but chose the seed of Abraham — that is, the elect. This selection underscores the concept of God's electing grace, affirming that salvation is a result of God’s sovereign choice rather than human merit (Romans 9:15-16). The author emphasizes the practical significance of this doctrine: it reassures believers of their salvation's security and the absolute control of God over all aspects of life and redemption, countering modern sentiments that diminish the importance of divine sovereignty in the gospel.
Key Quotes
“For verily he took not on him the nature of angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham.”
“God our Savior reserves the right of absolute sovereignty in the exercise of his saving grace and in the application of his mercy.”
“God's indisputable sovereignty is a fundamental doctrine of Holy Scripture, a vital point of Christian theology.”
“So then it is not of him that willeth nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.”
What does the Bible say about the sovereignty of God's grace?
The Bible affirms God's sovereignty in grace, especially as seen in Hebrews 2:16, where Jesus took on the seed of Abraham for salvation.
In addition, the doctrine of divine sovereignty is woven throughout the entire biblical narrative, confirming its centrality in Christian theology. Whether from Genesis through Revelation, the theme of God's absolute control and authority is repeatedly emphasized. Romans 9:15-16 encapsulates this when it states that God's mercy is not contingent upon human will but solely upon His own divine prerogative, affirming that He has mercy on whom He desires and hardens whom He wills. Thus, the sovereignty of grace remains a vital doctrine for understanding the entirety of God’s redemptive work in the world.
Hebrews 2:16, Romans 9:15-16, Zechariah 3:2
How do we know God's sovereignty is true?
God's sovereignty is confirmed through numerous scriptural declarations, emphasizing His control over all aspects of creation and redemption.
Moreover, the sovereignty of God extends to His selection of the elect. Hebrews 2:16 demonstrates this truth by showing how Jesus identified with humanity, specifically the seed of Abraham, to secure redemption. This election by God demonstrates that He alone holds the power to decide who will be saved. The repeated insistence on divine sovereignty in theology highlights its importance for Christians, as it assures them of God's unchanging nature and faithfulness in His promises, providing a robust foundation for faith and assurance in His grace.
Romans 9:15-16, Hebrews 2:16
Why is the sovereignty of God's grace important for Christians?
Understanding God's sovereignty in grace helps Christians grasp the foundation of their salvation and the assurance of His mercy.
Additionally, recognizing God's sovereignty fosters humility and gratitude among believers. As they acknowledge that they were chosen not because of their own worth or actions but purely by God's grace, they are led to worship and thankfulness. Romans 9:15-16 highlights the manner in which God exercises His mercy, reminding Christians that it is not their will or works that secure their standing before Him. Understanding this critical doctrine shapes a believer's Christian walk, empowering them to live in a way that reflects the profound reality of God's grace operational in their lives.
Romans 9:15-16
For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. took not...: Gr. he taketh not hold of Angels, but of the seede of Abraham he taketh hold - Hebrews 2:16The Sovereignty Of God’s Grace
The sovereignty of God’s grace is set before us most clearly in Hebrews 2:16. It is written, “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.”
When our Lord Jesus Christ came to save fallen creatures, he passed by the fallen angels and laid hold upon the seed of Abraham. He did not take hold of the seed of Adam, but he took hold of the seed of Abraham, God’s elect, and delivered them from the bondage of death by the irresistible power of his grace.
We were lost, rushing headlong to destruction, until Christ reached down the hand of his sovereign power and delivered us. Every saved sinner is “a brand plucked from the burning” (Zech. 3:2), snatched out of the jaws of hell, snatched out from among perishing men by sovereign mercy and irresistible grace. He passed by the fallen angels, passed by the sons of Adam, and took hold upon the seed of Abraham.
God our Savior reserves the right of absolute sovereignty in the exercise of his saving grace and in the application of his mercy. As he is sovereign in creation and in providence, our God is absolutely sovereign in the salvation of sinners.
You cannot read through the Bible without being confronted with the fact of divine sovereignty on almost every page. Today we hear much talk about the “fundamentals of the faith.” Yet, those who boast of being “uncompromising fundamentalists” seldom ever mention the gospel doctrine of divine sovereignty. When they do mention it, it is only to denounce it and poke fun at those who believe it.
Let men, if they dare, deny it, ridicule it, and rebel against it as they will. God’s indisputable sovereignty is a fundamental doctrine of Holy Scripture, a vital point of Christian theology.
If you doubt the prevalence and importance of this doctrine of God’s sovereignty in grace, I challenge you to read the Word of God through one more time. Begin at the Book of Genesis and go right through the Book of Revelation. You will find the gospel doctrine of divine sovereignty repeatedly declared, explained, and illustrated throughout the Sacred Volume. It is set forth, not in a few isolated verses, but upon every page of Inspiration. God has mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy” (Rom. 9:15-16).
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