Character of God

Some argue that not one speck of space, time, matter or energy can be outside the continual control of God or we have no guarantee that a single promise of God will be fulfilled.  It is beyond the wisdom and power of God to create something that He does not meticulously control.  Others  respond it is difficult to conceive of a less majestic God than One who is self limited to a deterministic mode of relating to His creation.  It is hard to conceive of a weaker God than one who would be threatened by events occurring outside of His exhaustive control.  What is praiseworthy about controlling events simply because you possess the innate power to do so?  In fact, the denial that God can limit Himself if He so chooses constitutes a denial of divine sovereignty.  For these reasons, the Arminian rejects: (a) the universal substitution of the word “decree or command” for the word “will” as applied to God and (b) the universal truth of “A if and only if B” where A = (event happened) and B = (God willed event). 

However, God does insert Himself into His creation whenever He so chooses.  Consequently, the Arminian does believe this biconditional expression is, in fact, always true for certain specific individual events and, for these events, “will” does mean “decree or command.”  Such events would be impossible without the specific command of God; examples include: (1) a universe that supports intelligent life, (2) the substitutionary atonement, (3) the bodily resurrection, (4) the prevenient grace of God and (5) miraculous healing.  But the intellect, will and heart of God are not so small that all His desires must become decrees and this biconditional must become true for every conceivable event. 

Since Christians believe they are created in the image of God, could worshiping a God who gets His way by divine decree inspire some Christians to do likewise?  For most of us, it is moral and ethical character and not skilled intimidation that elicits praise.  What is truly praiseworthy about God’s sovereignty is not that He exercises a power He obviously has, but that, because of His character, He does not exercise all the power He could.  Perhaps the greatest testimony to God’s sovereignty is that God created beings who possess the power to say no to Him.