FROM THE PULPIT: THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

(Seventh in a series of 16)

The Immutability of God

This characteristic of God can be explained as: One who is incapable of being changed, or unchangeable. God is perpetually the same in His essence, attributes and counsels.

I . His Essence: There never has been a time when God was not, nor ever shall be. The Ancient of Days does not evolve or grow or improve.

2. His Attributes: All His power, holiness, and wisdom are perfect and shall remain so.

3. His Counsels: His decrees or actions need NO revision or alterations. (Man changes his mind because of lack of foresight and power; this is not a possibility with God).

Here are some related passages dealing with the immutability of our God: Numbers 23:19; 1 Sam. 15:29; Psalms 33:11; 119:89-9 1; Prov. 19:2 1; Ecc. 3:14; Mal. 3:6; Rom. 11:29; Heb. 6:17,18; James 1: 17.

Often it "appears" that the Lord changes his mind but a simple explanation usually is at hand, because we know that the scriptures do not contradict themselves. Many times in the scriptures the Lord accommodates His creatures by using means they can understand and language they will identify with (i.e., that He has eyes, ears and sleeps). But the One who lives in the heavens is omniscient and omnipotent and has no need to change his decrees or actions among the sons of men.

Once again, this remarkable doctrine affords the sheep of God with great confidence and peace of mind. If He is for them He will never be against those whom He loves and for those He sent His son to die for. However, for the wicked, the sentence will not be changed and the Justice of God will be honored. Next lesson: The Holiness of God.