God is Unchanging

This world is full of changes. Yet, the God who created this world does
not change. The Bible teaches that God is an eternal, timeless,
changeless being. Consider the following passages: “God is not a man,
that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath
he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not
make it good?” (Numbers 23:19); “For I am the LORD, I change not;
therefore, ye sons of Jacob are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6); “Every
good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from
the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning” (James 1:17).
From these passages, we learn the following about God’s nature:
1)God is not a man and, therefore, does not change as people often do;
2) God will always keep His promises; 3) God does not lie. Therefore,
What God has said will always be true.
In view of these thoughts, there are two important points to consider:
First, since God does not change, then sinners who have not
obeyed the Gospel should think about God’s unchanging hatred
of sin. God loves sinners so much that he sent his son to die on the
cross that sinners might have forgiveness. On the other hand, God
hates sin! God’s hatred of sin will not change, and God’s requirements
for salvation will not change. God requires that sinners believe in Christ
(John 8:24); repent of sins (Acts 17:30); confess faith in Christ (Romans
10:10); and, be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 22:16). God’s
requirements for salvation will remain unchanged. On the Day of
Judgment, those who have never obeyed the gospel will face God’s
unchanging hatred of sin. Since God’s nature will not change, sinners
should change and obey Christ.
Second, for those who are faithful Christians, God’s unchanging
nature is comforting. Since God does not change, then every promise
he has made will be kept. God promises to be with his children in times
of trial and temptation (Hebrews 13:5-6); forgive his people when we
confess our sins (1 John 1:9); and, give eternal life to those who are
faithful (1 John 2:25).
On one hand, God’s unchanging requirements for forgiveness should
prompt all to obey the gospel. On the other hand, God’s unchanging
promises offer security, hope, and assurance to all those who obey the
gospel, live for Christ, and anticipate a heavenly home.
Mark Lindley