The Apostles’ Creed: God The FatherSample

God’s Absolute Authority: Romans 9:20-21

The Father’s authority is absolute in the sense that he has complete freedom to do whatever he wants with his creation. Scripture often compares his absolute authority to a potter’s authority over his clay. We find this description in places like Isaiah 29:16, Isaiah 45:9, Jeremiah 18:1-10, and Romans 9:18-24. Consider the way Paul spoke of God’s authority in Romans 9:20-21:

Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? (Romans 9:20-21).

Of course, the answers to Paul’s rhetorical questions are obvious. Because God is the creator of all, he has the freedom and right to do whatever he wants with what he creates.

I think when some people hear that the Bible teaches that God has ultimate authority over everything that happens in the world, they feel maybe threatened by that; they feel resentful. But Christians, really when we think about who God is, should feel incredibly thankful. It means that our lives are in the hands of an all wise, all mighty, all loving Father who has given His own son for us on the cross. And that is such incredible, incredible comfort in times of suffering in particular, in times when we wonder what is happening in our lives. – Dr. Dennis Johnson

Even if we don’t understand all things that are happening, if you belong to Jesus Christ, God is your Father and he loves you. And he’s protecting you, and he’s watching over you no matter what you’re going through. And some things we go through in this life are incredibly painful. But no matter what you’re going through, he is in control. He has even — can you accept this at this point in your life? — he has even appointed this for your good, for your sanctification. God turns the enemies in our lives, he turns them into our friends so that we more than conquer through him who loved us. We don’t just conquer; it says that we more than conquer through him who loved us. So, God takes the trials and difficulties, and he uses them to sanctify us, to make us more like Jesus Christ. He brings the things he brings into our lives so that we will be like Christ. Hebrews 12: he disciplines us as a kind and wise and good father. I think the fight of faith is often fought exactly at this point. We have to say to ourselves over and over again, God, God cares for me and even if I don’t understand it. He is bringing this into my life for my good, for my holiness, for my sanctification. – Dr. Tom Schreiner