This document summarizes chapters 50-51 from Norman Geisler's Systematic Theology II. Chapter 50 discusses God's transcendence over and immanence in creation. Transcendence means God is above all creation, while immanence means God is present within creation. The chapter provides biblical support for both. Chapter 51 discusses God's sovereignty over creation, defined as His complete control over all things. Geisler notes the Westminster Confession affirms God ordains all that comes to pass. The chapter also presents biblical basis for God's sovereignty.
2. Systematic Theology II
Geisler, Norman
Chapter Fifty
“God’s Transcendence Over and
Immanence in Creation”
3. The Transcendence of God
Literally, transcendence means “to
be above” or “beyond.”
Theologically, it refers to the fact that
God is above and beyond all
creation.
~Geisler
4. Biblical Basis for Transcendence
Gen. 1:1
1 Kings 8:27
Job 11:7-8
Ps. 57:5; 97:9
Isa. 6:1; 55:8-9; 57:15; 66:1-2
Eph. 4:6
Col. 1:17
5. The Immanence of God
The literal meaning of immanence is “to be
within” or “near.” God’s immanence means
that He is within or present to the entire
universe. Immanence is closely associated
with god’s omnipresence, though there is a
distinction between them. By His
omnipresence God is present to all of His
creation, but by His immanence He is within
it.
~Geisler
7. Systematic Theology II
Geisler, Norman
Chapter Fifty-One
“God’s Sovereignty Over Creation”
8. God’s Sovereignty
Sovereignty includes both God’s right to
control all, as well as His actual sovereign
dominion over all things. Theologically,
sovereignty refers to God’s complete control
of all things. As the Westminster Confession
of Faith affirms, “God from all eternity, did by
the most wise and holy counsel of His own
will, freely, and unchangeably ordain
whatever comes to pass.”
~ Geisler
9. The Biblical Basis for God’s
Sovereignty
Be familiar with the biblical basis which
Geisler provides for God’s Sovereignty,
