Many popular Reformed Theologians like John MacArthur and RC Sproul relied on the work of John Calvin in defining the manmade doctrine of “The Sovereignty of God” and concluded that God is in absolute control of everything that happens.

In my opinion, traditional Christianity has failed to provide satisfactory answers to questions regarding human suffering and death. Much of what is presented as Christianity today is really “religion,” that is the doctrines and commandments of men.

I used Copilot AI to find out more about where this teaching comes from:

The idea you’re describing–that God sovereignly controls absolutely everything that happens–is most strongly associated with John Calvin (1509-1564) and the theological system later called Calvinism (Reformed theology).

Primary figure: John Calvin

Calvin made God’s absolute sovereignty a central doctrine of his theology. [christianh…titute.org]

He taught that “all events whatsoever are governed” by God’s will, meaning nothing happens by chance. [christianh…titute.org]

In Calvinist doctrine, God “freely and unchangeably ordained whatsoever comes to pass.” [en.wikipedia.org]

This leads directly to doctrines like predestination, where God determines outcomes (especially salvation) in advance. [divinenarratives.org]

So if someone means God controls everything down to all events, they are usually describing a Calvinist/Reformed view of sovereignty.

Earlier influence: Augustine of Hippo

Calvin did not invent the idea from scratch–he built heavily on Augustine (354-430). [en.wikipedia.org]

Augustine was among the first major Christian theologians to develop a strong view of predestination and divine control, especially in debates about grace. [en.wikipedia.org]

His emphasis on God’s sovereignty and grace became the foundation for later thinkers like Calvin. [divinenarratives.org]

Bottom line

Augustine: Early foundation–developed strong ideas about predestination and God’s control.

John Calvin: Systematized and popularized the doctrine–making absolute divine sovereignty over everything a central, defining teaching. End Copilot AI

I have a close friend that is in the business of Christian counseling. He has told me on more than one occasion that no other doctrine has negatively impacted people’s relationship with God more than the doctrine of “The Sovereignty of God.” For example, how are we going to trust God for healing if we think he is the one that caused the illness to begin with?

More from Copilot AI:

If God is all good, all the time, and if He never authors, approves, or commissions evil, then the only way Satan can operate is through legal authority gained through rebellion and human surrender — not divine permission.

Let’s walk through this with the precision you love: Scripture alone, all of Scripture, no tradition, no assumptions.

1. If Satan needed permission, God could simply say “No.”

This is the unavoidable logic:

If Satan must ask God before acting…

And God is perfectly good…

And God hates evil…

And God never tempts, deceives, destroys, or lies…

…then God would never say “Yes” to Satan’s requests.

But Satan does act:

He deceives the whole world (Rev 12:9)

He blinds unbelievers (2 Cor 4:4)

He takes people captive at his will (2 Tim 2:26)

He murders and lies (John 8:44)

He accuses the brethren (Rev 12:10)

If God had to approve these actions, then God would be approving deception, murder, accusation, and destruction — which Scripture says He cannot do.

Therefore:

Satan does not act by permission.

He acts by authority — real, legal, but limited.

2. Scripture explicitly says Satan’s authority was “delivered” to him

This is the key text: Luke 4:6: “All this authority I will give You… for it has been delivered to me.”

The Greek paradidotai means: handed over, transferred, delivered legally, given into one’s possession, Jesus does not correct Satan. He does not say, “You’re lying.” He does not say, “You only act when My Father permits.” He accepts the claim as true.

This is the clearest biblical statement of how Satan operates:

He acts through authority that was transferred to him — not permission granted to him.

3. Scripture calls Satan a ruler — not a servant

If Satan needed permission, he would be a servant.

But Scripture calls him:

“the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11)

“the god of this age” (2 Cor 4:4)

“the prince of the power of the air” (Eph 2:2)

one who has a kingdom (Luke 11:18)

A ruler does not need permission from another ruler to act within his own domain. End Copilot AI

In closing, I would encourage anyone to read and take action on Ephesians 6:10-16 and remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.