God's Immutability

What is immutability? –God is unchanging

Why must God be unchanging (logical argument)? –Because he could only change in 3 ways:

1. One must go from better to worse

2. One must go from worse to better

3. Non-moral: Immaturity to Maturity, or mature to immature

None of those things could describe God.

Are we sure God is unchanging?

Genesis 6:6- did God make a mistake and change his mind?

Exodus 32- Did Moses change the mind of God?

Genesis 22:12- Did God not know before?

How do we know God is unchanging?

Numbers 23:19; James 1:17; Malachi 3:6

How do we reconcile these two ideas?

God’s nature, promises, and specific decrees do not change. However, God can and does retract announcements based on human repentance and behavior. Jonah 4, John 3:16

Why might it be difficult for US to understand a being who does not change? – because we change so much! Just think of how much people have changed from when you were in Middle school, and I’m sure the college folks can testify how much people change after high school and so on.

What are the implications of God’s immutability?

1.The immutability of God has tremendous implications regarding the Bible, the Word of God. His Word is never out of date, never irrelevant to our lives or our times (1 Peter 1:23-25)

2. The immutability of God is an assurance for Christians Assurance provides stability and confidence in times of uncertainty and circumstances that appear threatening. Because our God is unchanging, His promises and His purposes are certain (Hebrews 6:16-20)

3. The immutability of God is also an awesome warning that God will fulfill His Word regarding judgment for sin. God’s immutability is not only a comforting assurance concerning the blessings which God has promised, but also an awesome warning that God will fulfill His Word regarding judgment for sin.