Does God Change His Mind?

Recently, there has been a significant discussion thread on the issue of God changing His mind.  Most of the contributors seem to agree with the contention that the Almighty, the Ruler of the Universe and the Lover of our souls, does change His mind, according to changes in circumstances. Such a position is discomforting, as it does not agree with the deeper understandings of Scripture.

In my response to these assertions, I made the following points:

1. God lives outside space and time and, therefore, is able to see life events and human responses before they occur.

2. All scripture may be read at deeper levels, other than the literal reading, although every reading must begin with the literal.

3. Reading God’s Word only at the literal level often does and frequently has led young believers and skeptics to adopt heretical theological positions, in order to place God in a box, which would make His Word more understandable.

No where in the discussion has the prospect of consequences been raised.  What might be the consequences of God’s actually changing His mind and not using the specter of change as a way of testing and proving one’s faith?  Let’s take a moment and focus on these.

First, and foremost, if God did change His mind, then all His promises are insecure.  This consequence is based on the assumption of God’s mutability.

But, God is immutable!  He does not change any aspect of His being!  He is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow.  As being Very God, He cannot evolve nor devolve. If He changed His mind, that means He would be incomplete either before or after the change, since there would be flexibility in His state of being.  And changing His mind is change in His being, just as change in human decisions results in subtle alterations to our states of being.

How do we read Exodus 3:14 – God said to Moshe, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh [I am/will be what I am/will be],” and added, “Here is what to say to the people of Isra’el: ‘Ehyeh [I Am or I Will Be] has sent me to you?  At the very least, we may imply God’s immutability.  Do you read in this of God’s changing His mind or changing His plans, based on human circumstances?

Then we have James 1:17, wherein we read: Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father who made the heavenly lights; with him there is neither variation nor darkness caused by turning. Notice the phrase, with him there is neither variation nor darkness caused by turning?  The term caused by turning is direct reference to mind changing/plan changing.

And, if God changes His plan for us, based on our life circumstances, what does that say to the promise of our Salvation? Could you willingly follow a god whom you knew could be convinced to change his plans through a strong human argument?

Finally, if God did change His mind, where would that place Adonai Yeshua, our Messiah? Remember Hebrews 13:8 – Yeshua the Messiah is the same yesterday, today and forever.  How could He possibly be the propitiation for our sins, if God chose to change His mind?

Beloved, I urge you to think carefully whenever you are tempted to believe El Shaddai changes His mind.

Consider: Do you believe God changes His mind? I urge you to consider carefully the consequences of this action. Consider how the adversary might use this as a wedge into your beliefs.

Act: I urge you become knowledgeable about God’s character, from His Holy Word. Develop a clear debate on the premise of God changing His mind.

Pray: Abba, Beloved Father, I have concerns about your immutability. If indeed you do change Your mind, help me understand the consequences of this position.  If you do not change your mind, I need to know what that means in terms of your plans for me.  I seek your guidance, your leadership and your wisdom.  In Your Beloved Name I pray.