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Meaning
When we say God does not change, we mean that God
always remains the same. He never grows or develops.
He never becomes better or worse, greater or less.
God is unchanging in his being, perfections, purposes,
and promises. There is no quantitative or qualitative
change in God. God is not a static being, but a stable
being. Yet, He dynamically operates in ways consistent
with his being and character, and He does feel emotions.
Biblical Teaching
God is unchanging in:
- His essential being, Ex. 3:14; 2 Tim. 2:13; Heb.
1:11-12
- His character, Ps. 119:90; Is. 54:10; Mal. 3:6
- His purposes, 1 Sam. 15:29; Ps. 110:4; Is. 14:24,
26-27; 46:10-11; Rom. 11:29
- His Word, Is. 40:8; Ps. 119:89, 152; Jn. 10:35
- His promises and warnings, Num. 23:19; Is. 1:19-20;
Heb. 6:17
Does God have emotions? God rejoices (Is. 62:5), is
grieved over sin (Ps. 78:40; Eph. 4:30), gets angry
(2 Kgs. 22:17), hates the wicked (Ps. 45:7), pities
His children (Ps. 103:13), loves (Is. 54:8; Ps. 103:17;
Jn. 3:16), and feels compassion (Lam. 3:22).
Problem Issue?
God is said to "repent" or change his mind,
Gen. 6:6-7; Ex. 32:10-14; 1 Sam. 15:10-11; Jer. 18:8-10;
Joel 2:13; Jonah 3:9-10.
Toward a response: God consistently deals with people
on the basis of His changeless character and people’s
responsible moral choices, which He omnisciently included
in His eternal plan. In the short scheme of things,
it appears God is reacting to His creation. But, in
the long run, nothing falls outside the divine blueprint.
God has some built-in contingencies in His sovereign
plan which He is in complete control over all of the
time.
For example, God’s declarations of judgment would
come true provided situations remain the same (Ex.
32:9-14; Is. 38:1-6; comp. Jonah 3:4 with Jonah 3:10).
However, it is people who change, not God. His purposes,
plans, and promises will stand forever. As truly sovereign,
He ordains the means as well as the ends. Moreover,
God is not bound to use the same strategy to accomplish
His purposes. Some things God permits, while other
things He directly performs (Augustine). This is not
to say that if God had it to do all over again, He
would do things differently. Only, God brings about
some of His good purposes conditionally or indirectly,
while others He unconditionally or directly accomplishes.
Practical Implications
Imagine what the world or your life would be like
if God could change?
If God is unchanging in His being, perfections, purposes,
and promises, then He is faithful to:
- forgive our sins once and for all, Is. 44:22; Col.
2:13-14; 1 Jn. 1:9
- rescue us from temptations, 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Thess.
3:3; 2 Pt. 2:9
- preserve us to the end, 1 Thess. 5:23-24; Heb. 10:23
- keep His promise of salvation to us, Mal. 3:6; Jm.
1:17-18
For more insights, see Divine Repentance: Does God Really Change His Mind?.
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