The Sovereignty of God) Conclusion
A.W. Pink passionately affirms God's absolute sovereignty while balancing it with human responsibility, warning against doctrinal errors that arise from neglecting either truth.
In this concluding sermon on The Sovereignty of God, A.W. Pink carefully expounds the biblical truth of God's absolute reign while emphasizing the necessity of human responsibility. He warns against the dangers of doctrinal imbalance that either leads to fatalism or human exaltation. Pink's teaching calls believers to appreciate the full counsel of Scripture by maintaining theological balance, resulting in a richer and more accurate understanding of God's nature and man's role.
Text
"Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6).
In our Foreword to the Second Edition we acknowledge the need for preserving the balance of Truth. Two things are beyond dispute: God is Sovereign, man is responsible. In this book we have sought to expound the former; in our other works we have frequently pressed the latter. That there is real danger of over-emphasizing the one and ignoring the other, we readily admit; yea, history furnishes numerous examples of cases of each. To emphasize the Sovereignty of God without also maintaining the accountability of the creature tends to fatalism; to be so concerned in maintaining the responsibility of man as to lose sight of the Sovereignty of God is to exalt the creature and dishonor the Creator.
Almost all doctrinal error is really, Truth perverted, Truth wrongfully divided, Truth disproportionately held and taught. The fairest face on earth, with the most comely features, would soon become ugly and unsightly if one member continued growing while the others remained undeveloped. Beauty is, primarily, a matter of proportion. Thus it is with the Word of God: its beauty and blessedness are best perceived when its manifold wisdom is exhibited in its true proportions. Here is where so many have failed in the past. A single phase of God\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Sovereignty of God
- God reigns omnipotently over all creation
- Sovereignty is a foundational biblical truth
- Misunderstanding sovereignty leads to error
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II. The Responsibility of Man
- Man is accountable for his actions
- Responsibility must not be ignored
- Balance avoids fatalism and license
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III. The Danger of Imbalance
- Overemphasizing sovereignty leads to fatalism
- Overemphasizing responsibility exalts man over God
- Truth must be held in proper proportion
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IV. The Beauty of Balanced Truth
- Doctrinal truth is like a well-proportioned body
- Partial truths become distorted and ugly
- True wisdom is found in balanced teaching
Key Quotes
“God is Sovereign, man is responsible.” — A.W. Pink
“To emphasize the Sovereignty of God without also maintaining the accountability of the creature tends to fatalism; to be so concerned in maintaining the responsibility of man as to lose sight of the Sovereignty of God is to exalt the creature and dishonor the Creator.” — A.W. Pink
“Almost all doctrinal error is really, Truth perverted, Truth wrongfully divided, Truth disproportionately held and taught.” — A.W. Pink
Application Points
- Recognize and submit to God's sovereign authority in all areas of life.
- Take personal responsibility seriously, knowing God holds us accountable.
- Seek balanced teaching that honors both God's sovereignty and human responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God is sovereign?
God's sovereignty means He has absolute authority and control over all things in creation.
How can God be sovereign and man still be responsible?
God's sovereignty and man's responsibility coexist; God ordains all things, yet humans are accountable for their choices.
What is the danger of emphasizing only God's sovereignty?
It can lead to fatalism, where people believe their actions have no real consequence.
Why is balance important in theology?
Balance prevents doctrinal errors and preserves the beauty and truth of Scripture.
How does A.W. Pink suggest we view doctrinal truth?
As a harmonious whole where all parts are proportionately developed and taught.