The Unchangeable God in a changing World
The Attributes of God • Sermon • Submitted
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· 36 viewsSince God doesn't change, we can trust Him completely
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Open: In the year 2000, Marvel released the first X Men movie, a tale that explores the abilities, both good and evil for a group of humans who have “mutated” into a different order. Hence, this group is known as Mutants.
Open: In the year 2000, Marvel released the first X Men movie, a tale that explores the abilities, both good and evil for a group of humans who have “mutated” into a different order. Hence, this group is known as Mutants.
Transition: This, of course is simply Science Fiction comics on the big screen. Mutations, which is defined as “the changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form that may be transmitted to subsequent generations, caused by the alteration of single base units in DNA, or the deletion, insertion, or rearrangement of larger sections of genes or chromosomes.” (Dictionary.com)
The overwhelming majority of mutations result from damage in the gene structure or a loss of information, very often resulting in disease or loss of function. (The New Answers Book 2, “Are Mutations part of the ‘engine’ of Evolution,” by Bodie Hodge, pp 28-30)
The Immutability of God
The Immutability of God
Explanation: This is also known as the unchangeability of God. In biblical theology God is described as unchanging in His nature and in His character. This includes God’s being (essence), purposes, and promises. (Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
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.
“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.” ()
Argument: The doctrine of Immutability gives great confidence to believers. Once God has set a plan or a purpose, made a promise - it will come to pass because He doesn’t change His mind. He is not going to gain new knowledge or arrive at a different perspective at some future time
Contrast: Plans to renovate the Old Sanctuary. We considered a particular layout and were satisfied, but as more information became available or we realized the expense, we changed the plan
God is not subject to gaining new knowledge. He is perfection to start with. He neither gains nor loses understanding. If He did so, He would then be lesser or greater than He had been previously. As human creatures, we are in the constant process of becoming; the Creator just IS
Areas of Consideration
Areas of Consideration
The God in the Scriptures is the same God we serve and worship
The God in the Scriptures is the same God we serve and worship
Explanation: When we read the Bible, we encounter a God of miracles, and signs, and healings. We read about men standing up to giants, of men being saved in a fire, women who received their dead sons back to life, of angels talking with men. We read these accounts and compare them to our own life and sense a big disconnect
Argument: The Bible was written thousands of years ago in a region that is thousands of miles from us. The culture is different, the way of life is different, the language is different, and we often struggle with the idea that the biblical account has absolutely no real connection with our modern lives.
The point of connection is God Himself. The God of the Bible is the exact same God we encounter today. He has not changed one iota. His essence, His character, His intentions remain unchanged through the generations
The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. ()
Application: When we read the accounts of God’s covenant love for His people; He has the same love for us. When we read of God’s wrath towards sin, He has the same settled disposition against sin in the present
The God of the Old Testament is the same God in the New Testament
The God of the Old Testament is the same God in the New Testament
Explanation: It is common for many who read the Bible to think that the God of the Old Testament is a God of Judgment and wrath, while the God of the New Testament is a God of Love and Grace. This view suffers from a disconnect in that it views God as almost two separate entities.
Argument: Reflecting upon the doctrine of Immutability will allow the discerning believer that this is simply impossible. God is One and He is Unity. His moral character and His attitudes do not change over time.
For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob are not consumed. ()
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever ()
God is not schizophrenic; He is not divided in His thoughts or His ways. While the New Testament is progressive in its greater detail of salvation history, namely Jesus, and displays a fuller development of certain teachings, such as the Trinity, the character and essence of God remain the same. There is grace in the Old Testament, and there is judgment in the New. Jesus is not a new and improved version of God, He is not suddenly a kinder, gentler being, distinct from the God of the OT.
Application: The doctrine of Immutability should give the believer hope. If God did not give up on the nation of Israel, even after repeated and multiple offenses on their part, He is not going to give up on us. While God did bring judgment as a form of chastisement, He continued to love them and extended grace upon grace.