--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If there is one maverick molecule in all…" description: "\"If there is one maverick molecule in all the universe, then God is not sovereign. And if God is not sovereign, He is not God.\" — R. C. Sproul" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/575/r-c-sproul-1006_ifs_if-there-is-one-maverick-molecule-in-all_358042.png" --- # If there is one maverick molecule in all the universe… ![“If there is one maverick molecule in all the universe, then God is not sovereign. And if God is not sovereign, He is not God.” quote by R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/575/r-c-sproul-1006_ifs_if-there-is-one-maverick-molecule-in-all_358042.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/575/r-c-sproul-1006_ifs_if-there-is-one-maverick-molecule-in-all_358042.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/575/r-c-sproul-1006_ifs_if-there-is-one-maverick-molecule-in-all_358042.png) > “If there is one maverick molecule in all the universe, then God is not sovereign. And if God is not sovereign, He is not God.” [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. If any part of creation is independent, it contradicts the idea of an all‑powerful deity, thus undermining the concept of God as sovereign. **In simple terms:** Independent creation challenges divine sovereignty. Key Takeaway Question the link between independence and sovereignty. Themes theology philosophy divine nature Mood contemplative critical Type theological philosophical When to use this quote - academic debate - personal belief - faith discussions Key Concepts sovereignty free will determinism Questions to Reflect On - How does this view affect your understanding of divine power? - Can independence coexist with sovereignty? A Different Perspective The argument assumes a binary view of sovereignty and may ignore nuanced theological perspectives. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [God Sovereign](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/god-sovereign/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Maverick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/maverick/) [Maverick Molecule](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/maverick-molecule-3293303/) [Molecule Universe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/molecule-universe-3006726/) [Molecules](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/molecules/) [Sovereign](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sovereign/) [Sovereign God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sovereign-god-430686/) [Universe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/universe/) [Universe God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/universe-god/) ## Related quotes > [If God is not sovereign, God is not God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/if-god-is-not-sovereign-god-is-not-god/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [In Reformed theology, if God is not sovereign over the entire created order, then he is not sovereign at all. The term sovereignty too…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/in-reformed-theology-if-god-is-not-sovereign-over-the-entire-created/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [“God sovereignly decreed that man should be free to exercise moral choice, and man from the beginning has fulfilled that decree by making his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-w-tozer/god-sovereignly-decreed-that-man-should-be-free-to-exercise-moral/) [A.W. Tozer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-w-tozer/) > [Nothing is a surprise to God; nothing is a setback to His plans; nothing can thwart His purposes; and nothing is beyond His control.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joni-eareckson-tada/nothing-is-a-surprise-to-god-nothing-is-a-setback-to-his-plans/) [Joni Eareckson Tada](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joni-eareckson-tada/) > [“A.W. Tozer captured these ideas very well when he wrote: Here is my view: God sovereignly decreed that man should be free to exercise…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-w-tozer-captured-these-ideas-very-well-when-he-wrote-here-is-my/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I have been asked hundreds of times in my life why God allows tragedy and suffering. I have to confess that I really do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/i-have-been-asked-hundreds-of-times-in-my-life-why-god-allows-tragedy/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [“A molecule of hydrogen…whether in Sirius or in Arcturus, executes its vibrations in precisely the same time. Each molecule therefore throughout the universe bears…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-clerk-maxwell/a-molecule-of-hydrogen-whether-in-sirius-or-in-arcturus-executes-its/) [James Clerk Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-clerk-maxwell/) > [ In the heavens we discover \[stars\] by their light, and by their light alone ... the sole evidence of the existence of these distant… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-clerk-maxwell/in-the-heavens-we-discover-stars-by-their-light-and-by-their-light/) [James Clerk Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-clerk-maxwell/) > [Satan can do only what the sovereign God allows him to do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/satan-can-do-only-what-the-sovereign-god-allows-him-to-do/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [If the God you believe in is not a sovereign God, then you really don't believe in God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/if-the-god-you-believe-in-is-not-a-sovereign-god-then-you-really-don/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [Any conception of a god that is less than sovereign is an idol and no god at all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/any-conception-of-a-god-that-is-less-than-sovereign-is-an-idol-and-no/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [There is not one piece of cosmic dust that is outside the scope of God's sovereign providence.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/there-is-not-one-piece-of-cosmic-dust-that-is-outside-the-scope-of/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [We Recognize No Sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-adams/we-recognize-no-sovereign-but-god-and-no-king-but-jesus/) [John Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-adams/) > [As children of a sovereign God, we are never victims of our circumstances.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-stanley/as-children-of-a-sovereign-god-we-are-never-victims-of-our/) [Charles Stanley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-stanley/) > [We may look through ancient and modern history, yet scarce find a sovereign to whom God offered the privilege of bestowing on humanity a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-owen/we-may-look-through-ancient-and-modern-history-yet-scarce-find-a/) [Robert Owen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-owen/) ## More by R. C. Sproul > [We are puzzled and bewildered whenever we see suffering in this world because we have become accustomed to the mercy and the long-suffering of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/we-are-puzzled-and-bewildered-whenever-we-see-suffering-in-this-world/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [Evil may mar the divine image and cloud its brilliance, but it cannot destroy it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/evil-may-mar-the-divine-image-and-cloud-its-brilliance-but-it-cannot/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [God's grace is not infinite. God is infinite, and God is gracious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/god-s-grace-is-not-infinite-god-is-infinite-and-god-is-gracious/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [God Himself supplies the necessary condition to come to Jesus, that's why it is 'sola gratia,' by grace alone, that we are saved.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/god-himself-supplies-the-necessary-condition-to-come-to-jesus-that-s/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [If God is not sovereign, God is not God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/if-god-is-not-sovereign-god-is-not-god/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [When God says something, the argument is over.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/when-god-says-something-the-argument-is-over/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [“There is no such “mother” as Mother Nature. Nature itself is powerless to produce life of any kind. In itself, nature is barren. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/there-is-no-such-mother-as-mother-nature-nature-itself-is-powerless/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [Right now counts forever.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/right-now-counts-forever/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [The complaint that church is boring is never made by people in awe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/the-complaint-that-church-is-boring-is-never-made-by-people-in-awe/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [Sin can bring pleasure, but never happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/sin-can-bring-pleasure-but-never-happiness/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [I'm afraid that in the United States of America today the prevailing doctrine of justification is not justification by faith alone. It is not…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/i-m-afraid-that-in-the-united-states-of-america-today-the-prevailing/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [Heaven is a place where God will personally wipe away our tears.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/heaven-is-a-place-where-god-will-personally-wipe-away-our-tears/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [In the decade of the 1980s, a massive and comprehensive study of religion in American life was undertaken by the Gallup organization. The results…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/in-the-decade-of-the-1980s-a-massive-and-comprehensive-study-of/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [The rapture will not be secret but open and manifest. Its purpose will not be to whisk the elect away from the earth for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/the-rapture-will-not-be-secret-but-open-and-manifest-its-purpose-will/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [Sometimes we behave and perform with our lives, not for God, but for an audience.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/sometimes-we-behave-and-perform-with-our-lives-not-for-god-but-for-an/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) [Explore all 310 R. C. Sproul quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) ## More Ifs quotes > [Women still, when they have breast cancer, go to work; they still lead their lives. They have to. I just did what I was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monica-potter/women-still-when-they-have-breast-cancer-go-to-work-they-still-lead/) [Monica Potter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monica-potter/) > [Most of us are convinced that we are our egos, which is who we think we are. The ego is part of our incarnation.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ram-dass/most-of-us-are-convinced-that-we-are-our-egos-which-is-who-we-think/) [Ram Dass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ram-dass/) > [Histories never conclude; they just pause their prose. Their stories are, if they are truthful, untidy affairs, resistant to windings-up and sortings-out. They beat…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-schama/histories-never-conclude-they-just-pause-their-prose-their-stories/) [Simon Schama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-schama/) > [If you ask an introvert a question, wait until she thinks about it. Introverts think before speaking, not through speaking. If you want to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurie-helgoe/if-you-ask-an-introvert-a-question-wait-until-she-thinks-about-it/) [Laurie Helgoe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurie-helgoe/) > [Many individuals spend a considerable portion of their lifetimes in terror of one imagined catastrophe or another. The classic is that your immortal soul…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/l-neil-smith/many-individuals-spend-a-considerable-portion-of-their-lifetimes-in/) [L. Neil Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/l-neil-smith/) > [Obviously, if you don't love life, you can't enjoy an oyster.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eleanor-clark/obviously-if-you-don-t-love-life-you-can-t-enjoy-an-oyster/) [Eleanor Clark](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eleanor-clark/) > [If I don't have pressure, I don't function.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ferran-adria/if-i-don-t-have-pressure-i-don-t-function/) [Ferran Adria](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ferran-adria/) > [If you restore a car, and you're making money, then you're doing it wrong.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-leno/if-you-restore-a-car-and-you-re-making-money-then-you-re-doing-it/) [Jay Leno](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-leno/) > [I understand that it's the music that keeps me alive... That's my lifeblood. And to give that up for, like, the TV, the cars,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-springsteen/i-understand-that-it-s-the-music-that-keeps-me-alive-that-s-my/) [Bruce Springsteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-springsteen/) > [If we gave up our freedom as the price of security, we would no longer be the great nation that we are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ruth-bader-ginsburg/if-we-gave-up-our-freedom-as-the-price-of-security-we-would-no-longer/) [Ruth Bader Ginsburg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ruth-bader-ginsburg/) > [If my campaign is not in the debate, we will not be talking about how we really fix this problem of endless and expanding…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jill-stein/if-my-campaign-is-not-in-the-debate-we-will-not-be-talking-about-how/) [Jill Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jill-stein/) > [Nothing is so powerful as an insight into human nature... what compulsions drive a man, what instincts dominate his action. If you know these…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-bernbach/nothing-is-so-powerful-as-an-insight-into-human-nature-what/) [William Bernbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-bernbach/) > [But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikram-sarabhai/but-we-are-convinced-that-if-we-are-to-play-a-meaningful-role/) [Vikram Sarabhai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikram-sarabhai/) > [The thing about hitting kids is, think about if you were doing the same thing to another adult. Hitting your kid is really the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zach-braff/the-thing-about-hitting-kids-is-think-about-if-you-were-doing-the/) [Zach Braff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zach-braff/) > [Reader, if you are gifted with nerves like mine, aspire to any character but that of a wit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-lamb/reader-if-you-are-gifted-with-nerves-like-mine-aspire-to-any/) [Charles Lamb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-lamb/) [Browse all 94,303 Ifs quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "If there is one maverick molecule in all the universe, then God is not sovereign. And if God is not sovereign, He is not God.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "R. C. Sproul" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/if-there-is-one-maverick-molecule-in-all-the-universe-then-god-is-not/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Ifs" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/if-there-is-one-maverick-molecule-in-all-the-universe-then-god-is-not/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/575/r-c-sproul-1006_ifs_if-there-is-one-maverick-molecule-in-all_358042.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/575/r-c-sproul-1006_ifs_if-there-is-one-maverick-molecule-in-all_358042.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/575/r-c-sproul-1006_ifs_if-there-is-one-maverick-molecule-in-all_358042.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“If there is one maverick molecule in all the universe, then God is not sovereign. And if God is not…” — R. C. Sproul", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "R. C. Sproul", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "If there is one maverick molecule...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/if-there-is-one-maverick-molecule-in-all-the-universe-then-god-is-not/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/if-there-is-one-maverick-molecule-in-all-the-universe-then-god-is-not/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```