73%
Confidence
Belief overview
Sovereignty of God
God governs all things with authority and purpose.
3
Supportive
0
Contrary
0
Neutral
What it is: Calvinism strongly emphasizes the sovereignty of God over creation, providence, redemption, and history.
How the religion understands it: Nothing lies outside divine government, although the tradition seeks to maintain at the same time human responsibility and the reality of evil without making God the author of sin.
Context: This emphasis organizes much of Reformed theology and appears recurrently in doctrine, worship, and spirituality.
Documentary evidence
Supportive
Ephesians 1:4-5
Chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world.
Reference: Ephesians 1:4-5.
Content: The text speaks of being chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world and predestined for adoption.
Use in debate: It is central to the Reformed doctrine of election.
Psalm 115:3
God does whatever pleases him.
Reference: Psalm 115:3.
Content: The text affirms God's sovereign freedom in his action.
Use in debate: It is used in broader formulations of divine sovereignty.
Romans 9:15-18
Central passage on mercy and divine sovereignty.
Reference: Romans 9:15-18.
Content: Paul speaks of divine mercy and compassion in terms of sovereignty.
Use in debate: It is one of the most cited passages in favor of election and sovereignty in Calvinism.