In a world full of change I am glad we have One who does not change. I have heard so many heart breaking things this week. Three people that I am friends with miscarried. I heard of a child drowning to death and another friend just got a bad report of cancer treatments not working. And another who had a stillborn child. This little article was so good.
from gotquestions.org
Question: "What is the immutability of God?"
Answer: The immutability of God (that He does not change) is clearly taught throughout Scripture in countless passages. For example, in Malachi 3:6 God affirms, "I the Lord do not change." (See also Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Isaiah 46:9-11; Ezekiel 24:14.) James 1:17 tells us “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning.” The shadow of turning refers to the sun which eclipses, and turns, and casts its shadow. It rises and sets, appears and disappears every day; and it comes out of one tropic, and enters into another at certain seasons of the year. But with God, who is light itself, there is no darkness at all, there is no change, nor anything like it. He is unchangeable in His nature, perfections, purposes, promises, and gifts. He being holy, cannot turn to that which is evil; nor can He, who is the fountain of light, be the cause of darkness, and since every good and perfect gift comes from Him, evil cannot proceed from him, nor can he tempt any to it. The Bible is very clear that God does not change, neither His mind, His will, nor His nature.
Seen from a logical viewpoint, there are several reasons why it is impossible for God to change. First, if anything changes it must do so in some chronological order. There must be a point in time before the change and a point in time after the change. Therefore, for change to take place it must happen within the constraints of time; however, God is eternal and exists outside of the constraints of time (Psalm 33:11; Psalm 41:13; Psalm 90:2-4; John 17:5; 2 Timothy 1:9).
Second, if anything changes it must change for the better or the worse, because a change that makes no difference is not a change. For change to take place, either something that is needed is added, which is a change for the better, or something that is needed is lost, which is a change for the worse. But since God is perfect, He does not need anything. Therefore, He cannot change for the better. If God were to lose something He would not be perfect; therefore, He cannot change for the worse.
Third, when someone changes his/her mind, it is often because new information has come to light that was not previously known, or the circumstances have changed that require a different kind of attitude or action. Because God is omniscient, He cannot learn something new that He did not already know. So, when the Bible speaks of God changing His mind, it must be understood that the circumstance or situation has changed, not God. So when Exodus 32:14 and 1 Samuel 15:11-29 talk about God changing His mind, it is simply describing a change of dispensation, and outward dealings, toward man.
Numbers 23:19 is very clear, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” No, God does not change His mind. These verses affirm the doctrine of God’s immutability: He is unchanging and unchangeable.
Recommended Resources for the New Year: Knowing God by J.I. Packer.
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5 comments:
I am looking for a job. Have never had to work until NOW. My husband has asked me to find a full-time job. Oh my. So your comment---I read it as a job...can I skip finding a job is what I thought...how did you know? Kinda dense over here tonight!! ROTFL
No, you can NOT skip job. He has let those friends stay at his house for a long time now and has not showed them the door. You're in some good company here. I think He wrote it for you.
As always, what a great post! Wow, the bad news really is going around isn't it?! Thanks for your sweet comment. And don't worry...none of your words will ever annoy me!!! Thanks for the encouragement! I really needed it!
Very True. Those are in my prayers.
Seems like bad news comes in groups. Praying for you and your friends.
i am so sorry to hear of news like this. this world is so full of pain. of course we are so moved when it is a baby or a child or a mom. when it comes other things like politics, weather, new things they are so unimportant, who cares really.
this article is wonderful. i found it and am sending it to some people. i hope morgan has a good night. God Bless you! ~janel
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