Immutability: God’s Unchangeableness

by Laura Springer, M.Div., Th.M.

Immutability – adj. Not subject or susceptible to change.
[immutability. Dictionary.com. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/immutability (accessed: February 02, 2009).]

God does not change in his being, attributes, purposes, or understandings. This does not mean he is rigid and unemotional, for a quick read through the stories of the Old Testament shows that God is responsive and moved by emotion. So, what does this mean?

While God sometimes changes his short term acts (Exodus 32:11-14; Jonah 3:10), he always keeps his promises (Numbers 23:19) and his intentions stand forever (Psalm 33:11). Though creation changes and decays, God does not change; he remains forever (Psalm 102:26-27). Because God keeps his promise to bless and keep his people, they are not cast aside when they sin (Malachi 3:6). He reassures his people by basing his unchangeable promises on his unchangeable self (Hebrews 6:13-18). God's unchangeable goodness is the source of all goodness (James 1:17).

Those who have trusted Christ can be assured of God's unchanging, steadfast love. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true: those who have not trusted, have no assurance and no hope apart from Christ. In this, God is also unchangeable (John 14:6).

Who are you trusting?

Glory--God's Splendor and Radiance

by Laura Springer, M.Div., Th.M.

Key Ideas from

"Glory of God"
Kregel Dictionary of the Bible and Theology
by Henry W. Holloman
(C) 2005 Kregel Publications

• God's glory is the splendor and radiance of all he is and all he does. His glory is the only true glory; all else is derivative.
• We reflect God's glory back to him in our praise and thanks. To refuse or neglect to do so is sin. To reflect his glory in honor of another is idolatry.
• Everything in existence naturally reflects God's glory. Persons who willfully refuse to do so are judged.
• God's glory is reflected in all he has done, said, and made.
• God revealed his glory through his people Israel and, for the sake of his glory revealed in them, he keeps his covenant with them.
• God's glory is most clearly revealed in the life, death, resurrection, enthronement, and return of Jesus, the Son of God.
• God's people bring him glory through words and actions of praise, honor, and worship.
• Humans were created to give God glory.