For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. – Mal 3:6
James reminds us that every good gift comes from God, “with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” God is unchanging in his “being” and in his “perfections.” He is also unchanging in His purposes and promises.
The Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck points out that God’s immutability of being is of the utmost importance for maintaining the Creator/creator distinction and for our worship of God.
The doctrine of God’s immutability is of the highest significance for religion. The contrast between being and becoming marks the difference between the Creator and the creature. Every creature is continually becoming. It is changeable, constantly striving, seeks rest and satisfaction, and finds this rest in God, in him alone, for only he is pure being and no becoming. Hence, in Scripture God is often called the Rock…
-The Doctrine of God, trans. by William Hendriksen (Banner of Truth, 1977), p.149.
I am not the same person I was 4 years ago. (Hopefully, I’ve changed for the better!) But Praise God, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!
