How can God be sovereign and humans still responsible?

The coexistence of divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a core tenet of Reformed theology, particularly as expressed in Romans 9. While God exercises sovereignty over all creation, individuals are still held accountable for their sinful actions. Paul addresses this tension by stating that God's decrees do not eliminate human accountability but rather affirm that each person acts according to their nature. For instance, the betrayal of Judas was ordained by God, yet Judas bore full culpability for his actions. The mystery lies in understanding that God ordains all things, including evil acts, without being responsible for the sin itself. This mystery invites believers to rest in God's ultimate authority and justice while recognizing their moral agency in choices.