The nature of God is manifested by his virtues or qualities also known as attributes. The study of His attributes, also known as theology proper, will enhance the readers knowledge of God, as well as inspiring his relationship with the Creator of the universe. The need for the study of the sovereignty of God and the free will of man is essential for recognizing the collaboration of God with man in his plan of salvation for all nations. God’s omnipotence implies that God has all the power, and that there is nothing or no one more powerful than God.
The prior is important because it reassures the Christian that we serve a God that is undefeated in all aspects Of his existence, and that all things are possible for God and for hose who believe. God’s will is that all men repent and be saved, a fundamental biblical truth that even Joana could not stop. Even if man disobeys, the will of God will still prevail. This paper will show that God has no real control over human behavior and his will is furthered only as humans freely do what he wants them to do.
Jonahs disobedience is evidence that God gave man free will to do as he pleases, although with consequences for man’s decisions and choices. This paper also is largely devoted to a critical assessment of contemporary trends in New and Old Testament interpretation including such issues as prayer, man’s free will, God’s sovereignty, Joana, and Jonahs disobedience. The Sovereignty of God According to Paul Eons, “ Sovereign, with reference to God, means that God is the supreme ruler and authority, that He ordains whatever comes to pass, and that His divine purpose is always accomplished. 2 Pall’s writings are dominated by concept of God’s sovereignty. He employs a number terms to emphasize this concept.
(1) Predestine (Go. Priori) means “ to mark out with boundary beforehand” (Pep. 1: 5-11; Room. 8: 29, 30; 1 Cord. (2) Foreknow (Gar.
Progression) means “ to know beforehand, to take note of, to fix the regard pony” (Room. 8: 29; 1 1: 2). 4 Eons, in reference to the prior, emphasizes on a relationship between the one who foreknows and those who are foreknown. An important conclusion concerning Pall’s teaching on sovereignty ought to be observed, predestination does not override human responsibility.
All people are to be saved if they receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer of their lives Noon 3: 16). Christians act according to their convictions and are responsible before God for their actions, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5: 10). All people are responsible for their actions whether good or bad, and hall be judged for them before God (Revelation 20: 11-15). God’s sovereignty also includes was is thought of as accidental occurrences in life. The Book of Proverbs says: “ The lot is cast onto the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (16: 33).
When the storm hit the ship Joana was in on his way to Tat-shish, the sailors cast lots to find out who was guilty for the evil that came upon them; and the Lord used the system to single out Joana (Joana 1: 7). Even an accidental killing is part of God’s sovereign plan. “ Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king [ABA] of Israel between the joints f his armor” (2 Chronicles 18: AAA NECK). This man was king ABA, who was condemned by God. The Lord spoke to Elijah and said; “ you shall speak to him [ABA] saying, Thus says the Lord: ‘ Have you murdered and also taken possession? ‘ And you shall speak to him saying, ‘ Thus says the Lord: “ In the place where dogs licked the blood of Nabobs, dogs shall lick your blood, even yours” (1 Kings 21 9 NECK). Even an unintentional killing off person is viewed as being engaged by God.
The ordinance in the Book of Exodus describes unpremeditated murder: “ However, if he did not lie in wait, but God levered [emphasis added] him into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place where he may flee” (Exodus 21113 NECK). This powerful indication is sufficient proof that God is in control of all circumstances of life, and that nothing is accidental, or a coincidence.
Take Joana for instance, God told him “ Arise and go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me” (Joana 1 : 2 NECK). But Joana did not obey God, instead he chose, by his own (God given) free will to “ flee to Tarnish from the presence of God” (Joana 1 NECK).
God’s sovereign plan was the extraction of Nineveh. As history unfolds, Nineveh was forgiven by God. The people of Nineveh repented from their wickedness, when Joana, after being punished by God for disobeying him, preached to the people of Nineveh, and they heard the message, and repented. So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them” (Joana 3: 5 NECK). Even the King repented and said ‘ Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, so that we may not perish? ‘ (Joana 319 NECK).
We can clearly observe the sovereignty of God in effect, in disavow for Nineveh, but by the power of prayer, God has a change of plans. Whether or not Joana obeyed God, the people of Nineveh moved God’s heart with prayer and fasting.
Man’s free will cannot affect God’s sovereign decision, but prayer and repentance can. Man’s Free Will Obedience and disobedience, the author would say, are two characteristics of free will. The God given privilege to do what people feel like doing.
Have you ever made a mistake in your life that you are still regretting? Augustine once said; “ Love God and do as you please. ” The author of his startling quote got it right. But even the church fathers can be misunderstood. “ Do as you please,” must not be separated from “ love God. And love God, must be Biblically defined.
7 Thus, if someone loves God, he will act according to His will, because he chooses to. This chapter is for those who have, at least once in their life, made a wrong decision that are still regretting, but because they love God, they are still serving Him. For those whose daily prayer includes a petition that sounds something like this: “ God help me do the right thing today, help me make the right decisions. ” If this is your prayer, this chapter is or you. The voice and cry of Joana echoes in the midst of every mistake or poor choice made over centuries by people who love God. If only I had.
.. ” Unfortunately life is not like a video player, that we can rewind parts of life where we missed the mark, or delete something we said or did, and are still regretting. As the reader is invited to aboard the same vessel that took Joana to Tarnish, he can observe or sense that something is wrong Joana is running from God! Now the word of the Lord came unto Joana the son of Amanita, saying; Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for heir wickedness has come up before me.
But Joana rose up to flee unto Tarnish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Kappa and he found a ship going to Tarnish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them into Tarnish from the presence of the Lord Noah 1: 1-3 KAVA).
Joana has deliberately disobeyed God. The same God that created man and gave him free will. The Free Will of Man and its relation to God’s Sovereignty The sovereignty of God is not a matter of the circumstances of life or the behavior of his creation. The free actions of man are also part of God’s governmental works.
When the Israelites were free to go from Egypt, the Lord had promised they would not leave empty-handed, for he would give them favor in the presence of the Egyptians (Exodus 3: 21 The prophecy was fulfilled when Israel departed from Egypt, directed by Moses. “ Now the children of God had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing.
And the Lord had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so they granted them what they requested.
Thus they plundered the Egyptians” (Exodus 12: 35, 36 NECK). The bible is clear that the granting of the Israelites quests was an act of free will and a free decision of the Egyptians. So when God said unto Moses “ GO into the pharaoh; for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants, that I may show you these signs of Mine [emphasis added] before him” (Exodus 10: 1 NECK). 8 The Scriptures clearly indicate that God directs the animal creation.
When Joana was thrown from the ship (Joana 1: 15), the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Joana.
And Joana “ was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights” (Joana 1: 17 NECK). God directed ravens to feed Elijah when he did not have provisions (1 Kings 17: 6). 9 Hannah, was also inspired by the miraculous answer to her prayer for a son. She prayed to God and said: “ The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the graves and brings up.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory” (Samuel 6: 2-8 NECK).
The main reason for Jonahs disobedience was the fact that God was going to give Nineveh an opportunity to repent, and that would make him look preposterous. But if we go a bit further, Jonahs disobedience reveals another harmonistic of God’s sovereignty, and how it relates to the free will of man. God’s government includes human history and the fortune of the nations.
An example of this is found in the Book of Daniel 2: 21 (NJ): “ And He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. There is a dramatic illustration in reference to Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel 4: 24-25. God uses Assyria to chastise Israel, then turns around and send destruction on Assyria as well (Isaiah 10: 5-12). The Power of Prayer As discussed earlier, some may ask; “ could prayer change God’s mind? ” Biblically it can. Joana prayed in the belly of the great fish and God delivered him to Nineveh, where he was supposed to be in the first place (Joana 2: 1-10).
Jesus said “ And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21 : 22 KAVA).
Joana found himself in the belly of a great fish for three days and three nights, (Joana 2: 1-11), then he started to pray for God’s mercy, and pled God for another opportunity to be part of His sovereign plan. Joana moved God’s heart. The power of prayer is unlimited hen people pray from their heart.
King Wheezier was sick and near death. God told him to “ set your house in order because you shall die and not live” (Isaiah Bibb NECK). But he prayed and God granted him fifteen extra years of life (Isaiah 37: 5 NECK).
Wheezier, as well as all Christians, can move God’s heart with prayer.
God, omnipotent as he is, has the power to do what is impossible for man, when men pray to Him. Prayer and the Sovereignty of God Does God change his mind? And if he does, what role does prayer occupy in his decision? Joana, in his disobedience, approaches the question on function f prayer and propounds an emergent prayer in the belly of the fish that is a subjective response of the rational creature to God, and what is the purpose of God instituting it.
John Hannah, manages to present sufficient evidence in defense over the tension produced by questions such as “ how does prayer limit sovereignty’? Prayer, as means of sanctifying grace, resulting in the alteration of the Christians maturity, has led Jonahs situation to a true repentance. Or did the conviction of the Holy Spirit play a crucial part in Jonahs prayer among others particular issues related to prayer and the sovereignty of God.
Joana articulates how prayer alters circumstances that surround and affect us by providential alterations. D God did not create androids that move on the touch of a button, he created human beings “ in His own image” (Genesis 1: 27 NECK). God also blessed him with the capacity to feel, smell, touch and think. He gave man free will to choose to do what he thinks is right or wrong. Jonahs Disobedience Joana had free will. The blessing to choose to do what man thinks is right or wrong.
Joana used his free will to take a wrong decision. Although God’s sovereign plan is not altered by Jonahs decision, there is a relation or injection in God’s sovereignty and the free will of man.
The choice of life and death was placed before him. God said “ See I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statues, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you..
. ” (Deuteron 30: 15, 16 NECK). Joana chose to disobey God’s commandment to go to Nineveh and convey the message of hope. God ordered him to impart the word of conviction and salvation to a people that turned their back to God.
He was ready to destroy Nineveh, with or without the Joana. To Obey God is to love God.
Obviously Joana did not love the Invites, thus, perhaps God. What does this scene depict? It will show that Joana does not consistently act according to God’s desires. God desires for him to go to Nineveh at first, but then he does not. God desires for him to repent and view the Invites with mercy at the end, but he does not. Thus, God does not have real control over humans? Joana was not a “ man after God’s heart,” as king David was, but God’s plan was fulfilled in the life of David, as well as in the life of Joana.
Joana chose to disobey God’s mandate to go to Nineveh and preach the Word of repentance to a pagan community that lived immoral lives and worshipped diverse gods.
Joana was chastised by God for his disobedience. David chose to obey God most of his life, because he loved God. In both events, God’s will was done. David conquering the Philistines, and Joana preaching to a people who gave their backs to God, Nineveh, repented which was the purpose of Jonahs mission and the will of God. In both cases God’s sovereignty superseded men despite the actions and decisions of man’s free will.
The Consequences of Jonahs Disobedience The consequences of Jonahs disobedience is marked in the heart of every human being that has experimented the guilt, conviction, agony, and a profound deception Of the heart, while entangled in the snares of disobedience.
Conviction by the Holy Spirit, and repentance is the only way out of the ignorance and deceit of disobeying a sovereign God. God’s Sovereign Grace in Salvation Although God had pronounced the verdict for Nineveh, the act of repentance had changed God’s mind.
Judgment against Nineveh was delayed. Note that the mariners of the ship headed towards Nineveh, recognized the God of Joana as their Savior (Joana 1 : 14 NECK), also “ They feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows; (1 : 16). The clear evidence of the mariners conversion is notable; “ Then the mariners were afraid; and every man cried out to his God” (1: 5), confirming their belief in different god’s. The nature and relationship of God’s sovereignty and man’s free will is a “ long-standing theological issue.
1 1 Many Biblical historical events have confirmed that in the face of universal rejection, God does not want man to perish, but to proceed to repentance. “ The Lord is not slack concerning His remises, as some count slackness, but is longstanding toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3: 9 NECK). Ellis concludes, “ Whether one could repent and believe is an irrelevant question since one’s will is prior to one’s ability. If one will not act, the ability to act never comes into the issue. 1 2 There is a debate on whether God gives supernatural guidance to his leaders upon making a decision.
Fries believes there is a guidance. “ l see nothing in the Scripture that would prevent him from doing so. ” 13 Conclusion The sovereign God of the Bible, loves and cares for his creatures. He knows them perfectly, the way he knew the people of Nineveh and Joana. Discussed in this paper was the sovereignty of God, man’s free will, and how both interact with God’s plan for humanity.
God is sovereign and he will do what he pleases to do.
Nothing can interfere with God or his sovereign plan, but it has been biblically proven that the prayer of faith (dames 5: 1 5) is an effective, and powerful resource that can change the course of nature, and even the heart and intentions of God. God takes care of his creatures and makes sure the sun shines, and the rain falls for the just and the unjust (Matthew 5: 45). Joana was chastised by God for his disobedience.
His actions (under his free will), although Joana had the freedom to choose whether or not to go to Nineveh, were actions demonstrating no love for humanity.
It was concluded in this paper that Christians who love God, obey God, and they do it by their free will. God does not force anyone to do anything, but does, in his love, direct his people to the right path, as he did with Joana. The sovereignty of God and man’s free will, by no means are connected to God’s divine plan. Hence, God will do what he has to do, when he desires to do it.
Man, also can o what he desires in his heart to do, because man was created in God’s image. Then God said “ Let Us make man in our image, according to Our likeness; let him have dominion… (Genesis 1: 26 NECK).
God even allowed the demons to go into the swine and preserve them in darkness until their annihilation on Judgment day (2 Peter 2: 4, 9 NECK). Ellis penned in reference to salvation: “ Some suppose that if our will is ‘ free’ to accept or reject Christ, many will accept him. But is that true? If our first parents (Gene. 1-3), whose will were truly free, chose against God, do we suppose that any of their hillier, sullied by sin from earliest experiences, would make a more godly choice than they?