In a world filled with authorities and figures who demand our attention, obedience, and respect, there is one authority that stands above all others. From the moment we wake up to the time we rest our heads, we find ourselves under the jurisdiction of various authorities, whether it’s parents, law enforcement, or even rules dictated by society itself. These are temporary and limited authorities that govern the way we live our lives daily. However, as the late theologian R.C. Sproul emphasized in his teachings, there is only one authority that holds absolute dominion over our souls and our conscience—God. His voice alone has the intrinsic power to bind the conscience and to issue decrees that carry eternal significance.
The Sovereignty of God’s Authority
R.C. Sproul, in his extensive body of work, particularly emphasized the sovereignty of God. The divine authority of God, according to Sproul, is not limited to any human framework. It is an authority that is inherent to God’s nature, extending from His very being as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. “God alone imposes absolute obligation,” Sproul taught, underscoring that no other force in the universe can make demands on the human soul with such finality and righteousness.
One of the most profound expressions of God’s authority is His voice. As Sproul pointed out, the power of God’s voice is seen throughout Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, God speaks, and His words accomplish what they intend. The Bible begins with God speaking the world into existence: “Let there be light,” and there was light (Genesis 1:3). This divine fiat demonstrates God’s authority over creation, as His very word brings life and order from nothingness. In the same way, God’s voice still reverberates through the cosmos today, calling people to Himself.
The Call to Life and Redemption
A striking example of God’s calling power is the story of Lazarus. When Lazarus lay dead in his tomb for four days, the mourners around him had already lost hope. But Jesus, standing outside the tomb, issued a simple yet powerful command: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43). At that moment, the voice of God called the dead to life. Lazarus, once bound by death, walked out of the tomb in response to the divine call.
This is the same voice that calls sinners to redemption. As Sproul taught, this call is not a mere invitation that one can refuse at will. It is an effectual call—one that accomplishes what it sets out to do. When God calls, He not only issues the command but also provides the grace needed to respond to that call. This is the essence of salvation. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws them,” Jesus said in John 6:44. The call to redemption, then, is an irresistible act of God’s grace, pulling the sinner out of the depths of spiritual death and bringing them into eternal life.
God’s Call to Service and Sanctification
While God’s call to redemption is a crucial part of the Christian journey, His call does not end there. Once redeemed, we are called to live a life of service and sanctification. The Apostle Peter writes, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).
Sproul emphasized that every believer has a vocation—whether we are called to ministry, to missionary work, or to serve in our local communities, God equips us for that work through His Holy Spirit. In this calling, God’s voice guides us through His Word, shaping us into the image of Christ day by day. Sanctification, the process of becoming holy, is a lifelong journey that involves responding to God’s daily calls in our lives.
This call to service is not optional for the believer. It is a natural outflow of the gratitude we have for the salvation we’ve received. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Sproul often reminded believers that good works are not the cause of our salvation, but they are its inevitable result. When God calls us to serve, He is calling us to align our will with His, submitting to His authority as we walk in the path He has laid out.
Living Under God’s Authority in a World of Competing Voices
As Christians, living in submission to God’s authority requires discernment. We are constantly surrounded by voices that demand our attention and allegiance—voices from the media, from culture, and even from our own families. These voices can sometimes conflict with the teachings of Scripture. In these moments, R.C. Sproul reminded believers of the importance of grounding themselves in God’s Word, which is the ultimate authority for faith and life.
In his book The Holiness of God, Sproul made it clear that God’s authority is not arbitrary or tyrannical. It is rooted in His holiness and His goodness. Unlike human authorities, who can misuse power for personal gain, God’s authority is always exercised in love and justice. This is why submission to God’s authority leads to true freedom, rather than oppression. As Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Conclusion: Responding to God’s Call
In a world filled with competing authorities, the call of God stands apart. It is a call that not only demands our attention but also provides the grace and strength to respond. From creation to redemption to service, God’s voice echoes throughout history, calling His people to a life of submission, obedience, and joy.
As R.C. Sproul consistently taught, God’s authority is absolute, and His call is effectual. He calls us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. The question that remains for each of us is: Will we listen? Will we respond to the voice of God, not just once, but every day as He calls us to deeper faith, service, and holiness?
Kevin Parker