“The universe is a canvas, not a painter. It reflects God’s power but does not wield it.”
– Unknown
In modern spirituality, the universe is often portrayed as a sovereign force—dispensing justice, guiding destinies and people’s fate, and responding to human intentions. But this poetic notion, while popular, is profoundly unbiblical. Scripture teaches that the universe is not sovereign—it is created. To elevate the cosmos to divine status is to dethrone the Creator Himself. This article explores why God alone is sovereign and why attributing divine agency to the universe is both theologically flawed and spiritually dangerous.
Most, if not all, who read portions of the Bible have read Genesis 1-2 before or at least have heard of the biblical account of creation. The text begins with “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth” (Genesis 1:1). Further on in Genesis 1-2, it provides a clear depiction of the order in which God created everything. Later in the New Testament, though, we’re given more details not only about who created everything but also about how it is currently being sustained.
Colossians 1:15 starts by saying, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” This refers to Jesus, and I want to make that clear so we know who is being referred to later in verses 16-17 as the creator and sustainer of all things. Colossians 1:16-17 says, “For by him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Not only is Jesus referenced here as the creator of all things, meaning He is God since He was not created but is the Creator, but He is also currently sustaining all things (Hebrews 1:3), which means He is eternal.
When we reference something that has been created and attribute qualities to it as though it is the Creator, that is a form of idolatry. Idolatry is putting something in place of where only God should be in our hearts and minds. Let’s look at the attributes people attribute to the “Universe” and see if those attributes fit God, or if they fit the characteristics of His creation.
“The Universe brought us together, or the Universe made this situation happen.” What is that saying? That the “Universe” is not only autonomous, which means it can act and will things into being apart from God, meaning it has not only the power but also divine wisdom to set out and accomplish its own will. This also means that the “Universe” has control not only over your life but also over God’s design for your life, indicating that if the “universe” is capable of doing all this, it could only be either God or something greater than God.
Those are the only options we have if something can do all those things, as these attributes are uniquely attributed to God in scripture. Ephesians 1:11 states, “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will…” It also says in Scripture, “I am God, and there is no other…My purpose will stand (Isaiah 46:9-10).” There is nothing created by God that is more powerful than God that can then circumvent God or His plans, because His plans shall stand.
How should we view the Universe then if not as God? What message should be derived from us or conveyed through our viewing of the Universe? Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” This means that when we see all the intricate details of creation and the vastness of it all, we should be utterly enthralled by the Creator of it all. Yes, the Universe is amazing, not because it possesses abilities it does not have, but because the Creator of it is AMAZING, beyond what words can describe. God’s creations should not be worshipped or given unjust credit for things they had no part in, but instead we should look at those things as reflections or foreshadowing of what is all possible in the hands of an Almighty God. When we look at creation and ask within our hearts and spirits, “Is there anything too hard for God?” (Jeremiah 32:27), we find our answer: No, nothing is impossible for our God (Luke 1:37).