What are God’s attributes? When we talk about the attributes of God, we are trying to answer questions like, Who is God, What is God like, and What kind of God is He? It is important to study and know God’s attributes so we can grow closer to Him. How we view God impacts everything. So when we understand and embrace who God is, it gives us a firm foundation for our faith. Each Friday we will look at the attributes of God. This week, God never changes.
“Remember God is the same, whatever is removed. Your friends may be disaffected, your ministers may be taken away, and everything may change, but God does not. Your brethren may change and cast out your name as vile: but God will love you still. Let your station in life change, and your property be gone; let your whole life be shaken, and you become weak and sickly; let everything flee away—there is one place where change cannot put his finger; there is one name on which mutability can never be written; there is one heart which never can alter; that heart is God’s—that name love “- Charles Spurgeon.
That sermon from Charles Spurgeon is approximately 167 years old, yet it speaks to the human heart today. Life on the Emerald Coast over the last few years has taught us that change is inevitable. But amidst all the change, we still long for a love relationship that is secure enough for us to attach our hope to it without fear it will falter or ultimately fizzle out. Our God is unchangeable because He is perfect. Nothing can be added or taken away from Him. Everything He does is consistent with who He is. God’s promises are the same, and His ability to keep them will never waver. Malachi 3:5 says “I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed.” God is immutable.
In short, God’s immutability means we can count on Him, no matter what. God is unchanging in His character, will, and promises. The influences that cause a change in your life have no effect on God. His knowledge and wisdom will not increase or diminish. God does not compromise or change His values. Life and its uncertainties may shake you, but God does not move.
If you cling to Him, His strength will sustain you. Psalm 33:11 states, “The LORD’s plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken” God’s plan is unchangeable. It existed at the beginning of creation and remains the same today. And we are part of His plan. Paul explains, “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10) Psalm 18:30 states, “God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true.”
God’s commitment to you is as strong as He is eternally constant. The storms of life are continually changing, but God remains the same. He is consistent and reliable. He is your anchor. You can count on God because He never changes. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Discussion Questions:
- Nobody likes change all that well. What life changes were difficult for you to navigate?
- Read Numbers 23:19. How have you personally experienced God’s consistency lately?
- How does the fact that God is immutable change how you live your life?