Reply To: Theology Discussion Board

[VictorKachi]

The unchanging nature of God is connected to His omniscience. When a person changes their opinion, it is usually due to new information being revealed or a shift in circumstances requiring a different response. Because God knows everything, He cannot gain new knowledge that He was not already aware of. Therefore, when the Bible mentions God changing His mind, it signifies a change in the situation, not in God Himself. Below are some passages that affirms the doctrine of God’s immutability: He is unchanging and unchangeable.

God’s reaction over Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10NKJV)
“Then God saw their works”, (verse 10)
the Hebrew term for “saw” being “ra’ah,” signified more than just a mere watching but a keen, perceptive understanding. The people of Nineveh avoided destruction when God saw how they humbly repented after Jonah warned them of their impending doom. This shows that God can change His plans based on human actions, proving that His nature is not completely unchanging.This does not suggest a transformation in God’s essence or identity but rather His consistent readiness to pardon and exhibit compassion. It demonstrates the intricate interplay between divine fairness and compassion, where God’s ultimate intention is to renew rather than annihilate. The calamity that God warned of was a direct consequence of Nineveh’s wicked deeds, yet His decision to avert it upon their repentance showcases His kindness and leniency.

Exodus 32:14
In this example, God decided to spare the Israelites and continue with His plan to establish a new nation under Moses, despite initially contemplating their destruction following the worshipping of the golden calf at Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:9-14).In this situation, it shows a divine shift in plan as a result of Moses’ plea. This does not suggest a change in God’s nature or His overall plan, but rather His willingness to respond to human deeds and supplications. It emphasizes the interactive bond between God and mankind, where God, in His control, permits His intentions to be impacted by the faithful requests of His followers.

Hezekiah and his death predicted (Isaiah 38:1-6)
In the tale of Hezekiah’s impending death foretold (Isaiah 38:1-6), we witness the king’s health deteriorating. Isaiah delivered the somber message to Hezekiah in verse one. The news deeply affected Hezekiah, prompting him to plead with God for mercy, citing his righteous deeds as justification. In response, God appeared to change His mind about the prophecy and granted Hezekiah an additional fifteen years of life.

1 Samuel 15:11
For God to say, “I feel sorrow that I made Saul king,” is not the same as saying, “I would not make him king if I had it to do over.” God is able to feel sorrow for an act in view of foreknown evil and pain, and yet go ahead and will to do it for wise reasons. And so later, when he looks back on the act, he can feel the sorrow for the act that was leading to the sad conditions, such as Saul’s disobedience.

In conclusion
Therefore, we hold dear the powerful verse found in Numbers 23:19 – “God is not human, that He would lie, Nor a son of man, that He would change His mind; Has He spoken, and will He not act? Or has He made a promise, and will He not fulfill it?” This verse is cherished because it shows God’s unwavering commitment to His promises, as He does not change His mind like a human would. In essence, God’s promises are secure because He can see all circumstances and knows that nothing will happen to make Him go back on His word.