What is God Like? – Part 3

Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

“God said to Moses, “I“I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” – (Exodus 3:13,14).

God is eternal, meaning He had no beginning and that His existence will never end. He is immortal, infinite (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17). God is immutable, meaning He is unchangeable; this means that God is absolutely reliable and trustworthy (Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 102:26,27).

God’s life does not change.

Created things have a beginning and an end, however their creator is from everlasting to everlasting.

“In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”  – (Psalm 120:25-27)

A small child will often ask, “Who made God?” Our answer is simple. He was always there. Children accept that answer more easily than adults, with the childlike faith that Jesus reminded His followers we all need. When Mom told this little 5-year old God was always there, that settled it – Moms don’t lie.

God’s Character does not change.

The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New Testament. Listening to sermons in many of today’s churches, one might come away with the idea that the God who destroyed His enemies, the enemies of His Chosen people, and those among people who would dishonor His Name, has somehow changed into a kindly grandfather who waits for us to jump in His lap for a hug and a bit of candy. While God is certainly the giver of all good things to His children His moral character is changeless, as James reminded dispersed followers undergoing trials and temptations (James 1:12-17 NKJV).

God’s truth does not change.

How many times has any of us had to eat our words because of something that was said was not what was really meant, or something we thought was truth turned out to be not so true after all. God’s word, however, spoken but once, stands as truth for all eternity (Isaiah 40:6-8).

God’s ways do not change.

The wages of sin is death, so Romans 6:23 tells us. It will always be so. This verse also tells us that God offers eternal life through His Son. It will always be so. God discriminates between sinners, causing some to hear the gospel message, while others hear the words but not the message (Acts 16:13-15). To some he grants the gift of repentance and faith, while others He leaves in their sin, demonstrating that he owes mercy to no one and that it is entirely an act of His grace that any are saved (Romans 9:15).

God’s purposes do not change.

“One of two things causes a man to change his mind and reverse his plans: want of foresight to anticipate everything, or lack of foresight to execute them. But is God is both omnipotent and omnipresent there is never any need for Him to reverse His decrees.” (A.W. Pink)

The plans of God stand firm forever (Psalm 33:11). Whatever God does in time He planned from eternity, and whatever He planned in eternity WILL be carried out in time.

God’s Son does not change.

“Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) Jesus is able to, and will save all who come to Him – all that the Father gives Him (John 6:37-40). This fact is the strong consolation and assurance for all God’s people.

______________________________________

To be continued. . .

Part 1

Part 2

Part 4

Part 5