God Never Changes

God Never Changes and That’s Our Hope

Nothing in life stays the same for long. Your body is changing, your kids are growing, your job is shifting, and the world feels like it’s spinning faster every day. Even the things we think are solid: our routines, friendships, and plans. These eventually get disrupted.

If that unsettles you, you’re not alone. Men crave stability. We want to know that there’s something firm we can build our lives on. Scripture says there is only one truly unchanging foundation: the Lord Himself.

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.–Psalm 102:25–27

The God Who Cannot Change

To say that God is immutable is not just to say God does not change. The doctrine of immutability teaches that God cannot change. 

- Malachi 3:6: For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.

- Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

- James 1:17: He is the Father with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

If God could change, He could either become better or worse. But God is perfectly holy and infinitely good. There is no “better” He could become and no imperfection that could creep in. 

Stephen Charnock put it this way: “The sovereign perfection of God is an invincible bar to any change in Him.”

This is why Scripture so often calls Him our Rock. When everything else moves, He remains steady, unshaken, and unshakeable.

The Unchanging God and Our Changing Lives

The immutability of God stands in stark contrast to our own mutability.We change constantly: our bodies, our emotions, our affections, our priorities, even our beliefs. Sometimes those changes are good and sanctifying. Other times they expose our instability and sinfulness.

We often try to find stability by clinging to relationships, careers, bank accounts, or routines that we hope will stay the same. But all of these will eventually change. As good as they are, they can’t be God for us. Only He is the unchanging refuge we need.

And here’s the good news: because God cannot change, His promises do not change. His verdict of “righteous” over every believer in Christ does not waver based on our performance this week. His covenant love does not fluctuate with our emotions. His decree of election is not subject to revision.

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed,but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”says the LORD, who has compassion on you.— Isaiah 54:10

Why This Gives Men Courage

Brothers, this truth should steady our hearts. We live in a world of shifting standards and shaky commitments. Friends may forget us. Employers may replace us. People’s opinions of us may rise or fall. But the God who called us to Himself is the same God who will finish what He started.

A.W. Tozer captured this comfort so well: “What peace it brings to the Christian’s heart to realize that our Heavenly Father never differs from Himself. In coming to Him at any time we need not wonder whether we shall find Him in a receptive mood. He is always receptive to misery and need, as well as to love and faith.”

When you pray, God is not moody. When you repent, He does not reconsider His promises. When you struggle in sin, He does not tire of showing mercy. He is exactly who He has always been: faithful, holy, merciful, and true.

A Call to Worship

Men, let this truth shape the way you lead your families and face the trials of life. If God is truly unchanging, then He is always worthy of your trust and obedience. You do not have to wonder whether He will still be faithful tomorrow. You do not have to fear that He will withdraw His hand of mercy when you are weak.

Anchor your soul in the God who never changes.

Ben Ratliff serves as the Associate Pastor at Covenant PCA in Cleveland, MS and is an editor of Reforming Men.