Has the God of the universe changed over time? Is God’s character subject to “evolving” the same way that you and I would develop over time? God’s character not changing is sometimes described as the immutability of God (defined by Dictionary.com as “not mutable; unchangeable; changeless”).

However, some struggle with this question. For example, they may see the Old Testament and the New Testament as depicting two very different Gods. They conclude, as a result, that God’s character must have changed (which plays in to a certain type of Scripture Weighting). So, there is a lot riding on this question. If God’s character has changed over time, it opens the door to questioning the very authority of the Bible.

How Scripture answers "Does God change?"

God doesn’t change2,7,8. His character and promises are constant1,6,7,8 as well as His word5. His unchanging nature is something Christians should cherish4. As in the case of Job3, it requires us to move toward Him (vs Him toward us) in how we think, reason, and rationalize events in our life, knowing that He is constant6 and His word (Old Testament and New Testament) is sure5.

Answer built on scripture-blocks below

So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

When God wanted to show the heirs of the promise unmistakable proof of the unchangeable nature of His plan, so He further guaranteed it with an oath.  Now with these two unchangable things, and the fact that it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to Him for refuge are amply encouraged to remain firm in the hope that we have before us.

The entire book of Hebrews is about “holding fast” and not losing faith or “falling away.” In this immediate context the writer is providing evidence/reasons why the Christian should remain faithful. The very next verse describes Him as a “sure and steadfast anchor.”

Scripture-block application to this question

God’s purpose has an “unchangeable character.” While it doesn’t explicitly say that God Himself does not change, the inference is certainly there.

For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.
“I the Lord do not change,” therefore the children of Jacob are not consumed.

Malachi’s prophecy to those that returned from Babylonian/Persian captivity around 450 BC. God, through Malachi, responds to the post-captive priests with a series of “But you say” statements, to which God responds in condemnation summed up in 2:8-9, “But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction.”

Scripture-block application to this question

A direct statement by God that he doesn’t change.

But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does.

But he [God] does not changeable and no one can obstruct Him. He does whatever He desires.

Job is trying to reconcile his recent tragedies and misfortunes to himself while also defending charges of disobedience and “punishment from God” from his friends.

Scripture-block application to this question

Certainly, some of what’s recorded by Job and his friends as “facts” and reality are later debunked by God in the book, but this statement by Job is not one of them.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Closing to the letter of Hebrews, written to Jews that had believed and obeyed the gospel.  The writer has given several reasons why the New Covenant in Christ is better than the Old. The entire them of Hebrews could be summed up with the writer’s encouragement to “hold fast” – stated some FIVE times through the book (3:6, 3:14, 4:14, 6:18, 10:23).

Scripture-block application to this question

Jesus, and by extension God, are constant and unchanging.

The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.
All of your word is truth, and all of your commands endure forever.

A great Psalm (119) dedicated to the merit and beauty of God’s word.

Scripture-block application to this question

God’s word endures forever.

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
God called Himself “I am who I am” to Moses and told him to tell the people of Israel that ‘”I am” has sent me to you.’
God is calling Moses – born a Hebrew but lived life as an Egyptian prince – to lead His people out of Egyptian bondage.
Scripture-block application to this question

In referring to Himself as “I AM”, God introduces man to His timeless, eternal reality in which He was, is and will be forever.

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.

Long ago you [God] laid the foundation of the earth and created the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you will remain forever. They will wear out like clothes, and you will change them like a robe. They will cease, but you are the same forever and ever.

A prayer to God.
Scripture-block application to this question

God never changes and exists forever.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights who doesn’t vary due to change.

James is speaking about the “perfect law of liberty” (vs 25) – God’s word – and being doers and not just hearers of it.  It’s God’s word that is the “good” and “perfect” gift in the context.

Scripture-block application to this question

God, as the Father of lights in this reference, illustrates His unchanging nature and the surety of His promises.

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