God’s nature is unchangeable, signifying that He will remain consistent forever. He remains the same in the past, present, and will continue to do so in the future.
People change, grow, mature, and age. Change is a part of life for us. But God is not like us. The God who created the Universe and breathed life into Adam and Eve is the One who led His people into the Promised Land and planned our rescue from sin and death.
In this post on the attributes of God, we are going to explore and marvel at God’s “sameness,” find examples of it in the Bible, and learn what it means for believers today.
What is Immutability?
If something is immutable it is unchanging. God is immutable—He has not, does not, and will never change. Even His name “I AM” describes His sameness (Ex 3:14). And every single one of God’s attributes is unchanging too, from His goodness and love to His wisdom, faithfulness, and power (to name a few).
Because God’s Word reveals who He is, it too will never change even when people attempt to twist and distort it (Matt 24:35). His promises will endure despite the failings or faithlessness of people—He will not change His mind.
God’s Immutability on Display in the Bible
God’s “sameness” is described in both the Old and New Testaments, which makes perfect sense. After all, the Creator God in Genesis is the same conquering King and perfect Judge of Revelation.
Psalm 102:25-27 (ESV) Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.
In this passage, the psalmist (songwriter) is comparing the unchanging nature of God with the slow but sure degradation of this created world. Do you see the difference between the Creator and the created? He remains even when the Heavens and the earth fade away—let us put our hope in Him alone.
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV) Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
Because God doesn’t change, His Word and His plans will prevail. He alone has this attribute, there is none like Him. And nothing else on earth is as certain as the will of God coming to pass. There will be judgment for those who reject Him. There will be redemption and union with Christ for those who embrace Him.
2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV) If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.
Because God is unchanging, His character, His being, and all of His incredible attributes are not affected or changed by anything outside of Himself. Praise the LORD that His goodness and faithfulness do not depend on mankind! He will never act against His character. Because He is faithful, He will always be faithful.
James 1:17 (ESV) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
In His kindness, by His grace, our unchanging God gives us good gifts—the greatest of these is salvation! Our sinful state demands a perfect sacrifice. That’s why Jesus died for us—so that if we believe in Him, we can be reconciled to Him (John 3:16-17). And we can rest knowing that our salvation is secure. Why? Because God who is the author of our redemption does not change! Nothing can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28).
What Does God’s Immutability Mean for Us?
In a world where nothing is certain we can place our trust in God who never changes. There is no place that is as secure or as safe as God’s hands. Because God is always the same, we can trust that His Word accurately describes Him and His precious plan for salvation. Because God is always the same, we can lean on His promises.
He is our Rock. He is our Refuge.
Psalm 61:2-3 (ESV)
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy
