Reply To: Theology Discussion Board

[ambcovenant]

The Bible portrays God as unchanging, a quality theologians term His immutability. Scriptures such as Malachi 3:6 (“For I the LORD do not change”) and Hebrews 13:8 (“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”) emphasize this aspect of God’s character. However, there are instances in Scripture where God appears to change His mind, leading to debates about how to reconcile these passages with His unchanging nature. These instances, often termed “divine relenting,” reveal God’s interaction with humanity and demonstrate His character in a profound way.
One of the clearest examples of God appearing to change His mind is found in the story of Jonah and Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-10). God sent Jonah to proclaim His judgment upon Nineveh, declaring that the city would be overthrown in forty days due to its wickedness. However, when the people of Nineveh repented in sackcloth and ashes, God “relented concerning the disaster He had declared He would bring upon them, and He did not do it” (Jonah 3:10). At first glance, this might suggest that God changed His mind. Yet, this instance showcases God’s mercy and willingness to respond to human repentance, consistent with His character as a compassionate and forgiving God (Joel 2:13).
Another example is Moses’ intercession for Israel after the golden calf incident (Exodus 32:7-14). When the Israelites worshiped the golden calf, God told Moses that He would destroy them and make a new nation from Moses’ descendants. Moses pleaded with God, reminding Him of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Verse 14 states, “So the LORD relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people.” While it may seem that God changed His mind, this passage reveals His openness to intercession and His faithfulness to His covenant.
In Genesis 18:22-33, Abraham interceded for Sodom, asking God to spare the city if righteous people could be found within it. Although the city was ultimately destroyed due to a lack of righteousness, this interaction highlights God’s willingness to engage in dialogue and His patience before executing judgment.
Reconciling these instances with God’s unchanging nature requires an understanding of God’s immutability in the context of His relational character. God’s essence—His nature, purposes, and promises—does not change. His justice, mercy, love, and holiness remain constant. What changes is how He expresses these attributes in response to human actions. In other words, God’s “relenting” does not indicate a shift in His character but rather His consistent application of justice and mercy based on the choices of people.
The concept of divine foreknowledge further clarifies this tension. God’s omniscience means that He knows all outcomes before they occur. When God “changes His mind,” it is not because He gains new knowledge or reevaluates a decision as humans do. Instead, these moments are part of His sovereign plan, designed to demonstrate His attributes and invite humanity into relationship with Him. For instance, God’s willingness to relent in response to repentance reveals His merciful nature, while His declarations of judgment highlight His justice.
The language used in Scripture to describe God’s actions often accommodates human understanding. Anthropomorphic expressions, such as God “relenting” or “changing His mind,” help finite humans grasp the infinite nature of God’s interactions. These terms do not suggest that God is indecisive but illustrate His dynamic relationship with creation.
In conclusion, God’s unchanging nature is not contradicted by instances where He appears to change His mind. These events demonstrate His consistent character—just, merciful, and faithful—responding to the free choices of humanity. As He engages with His creation, His actions reflect His unchanging purposes and reveal the depth of His relational nature. Through these interactions, we see a God who remains steadfast in His essence while lovingly inviting humanity into a transformative relationship.