The Eternality and Unchangeableness of God
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THE ETERNALITY AND UNCHANGEABLENESS OF GOD Psalm 102:25-27
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” —Isaiah 40:28
INTRODUCTION:
As humans, we are so fickle. We change often. Think about how much a child changes as they grow. Always trying new things. By the time they are in middle school they are searching for their identity. By the time they reach high school, they begin to solidify who they think they are. In college, they rediscover the journey of discovering themselves (sort of like middle school 2.0); then, many times by the end of college, there is a sense of clarity about identity. This is why it is so hard to see adults move into salvation because they’re “set in their ways.”
Yet, even in this state of “formed identity,” we, are fickle. Change isn’t bad because we can grow and learn from it. Sometimes change isn’t a conscious decision, sometimes change is thrust upon us. Some of you have not changed much on the outside as you have aged and matured. You have spent your lives at the same job and lived in the same house, but on the inside, things have changed. Some of you have been forced to change on the outside as you change on the inside. Maybe, your home was destroyed by fire, the death of a spouse or other family member demanded change, or maybe the fickleness of someone else forced a change. And then some of us have never really formed that identity that holds us in place.
I’m one of those. Never sure about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I’ve lived in at least twelve states for more than a year at a time, a couple of them more than once. I’ve lived in four different foreign countries, one of them twice. I’ve visited 25 foreign countries and 48 of the 50 states. And I’ve had at least twenty different jobs. Change, some of us change simply because we are looking for something more, some of us change because we are forced to, and some simply because people are fickle.
However, knowing that we change can help us confess our limitations. We are not unlimited, perfect, or even complete. We sometimes live as if we are, but we are not. This must point us to God.
That leads us to our passage for today - Psalm 102:25-27
25 In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.
26 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.
27 But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
Even through all of our change God does not change. That brings about a question:
Transitional Sentence: “What comes into your mind when you think about God? This question matters because that is the most important thing about you.”
A. So what does come into your mind when you think about God?
Do you think about His Attributes? Do you think about the things that make Him who He is?
God has attributes or characteristics that we, as humans, do not have, unchanging attributes. We do not share these attributes with God because we are not perfect beings, we do not have all that God has. Mankind was created in His image, so we are like God, but we are not God. To put our humanity into perspective, it is necessary that we understand both His nature and our own. This will shape how we live and how we worship.
So what is an attribute? An attribute is a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something.
We all have attributes. We all have some qualities and features that make us who we are, including God. The big difference between characteristics that we, as humans have, and those that God has are immutability. In other words God’s attributes never change.
So let’s take a look at six of God’s attributes. His immutability, Holiness, Eternality, Omnipresence, Omniscience, Omnipotence.
Attribute number one.
1. God Is Immutable in other words He is Unchanging
a. Immutable is the quality that means someone or something is not capable or susceptible to change.
God is who He always is. “I Am that I Am.”
Psalm 102:27 says:
27 But you remain the same, and your years will never end.
Have you ever seen something that hasn’t changed? Even if you leave it alone in one spot it will change. Colors fade, plants grow or die, buildings crumble to dust, mountains become plains, peoples attitudes, likes and dislikes are like the ocean shore, ever changing.
b. Why does God’s immutability matter?
If God never changes, His attributes will never change. He remains the only constant in the universe. He is the only true refuge. He is the only unchanging person or being. His consistency holds all things together. God’s immutability brings with it a deep sense of dependability.
The bottom line is that God never changes. We can depend upon Him to be the same today as He was yesterday and to be the same in twenty years as He is today.
2. Attribute number two, God is Holy.
a. Holy is a biblical term generally meaning “to be set apart.”
This is God’s distinguishing characteristic that separates him from all creation.
1 Peter 1:16 says:
16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
The moral ideal for Christians is to reflect the character of God as known in Christ Jesus. Reflect His holiness to a broken and sinful world so that others may come to know Him through you. Be light to the world.
b. Why does God’s holiness matter?
God is always holy, and we are not. He is perfect, and we are not. In Him, there is no flaw, no lie, and no deceit. He wouldn’t be worthy of our worship if He weren’t holy. His holiness is what sets Him apart from all the other gods. His holiness is what makes Him so much different than us. But, through His Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we can become holier through sanctification but we will never be fully holy until we meet Him in glory!
The bottom line is that God is holy and we are not, so, Be holy, because He is holy.
3. Attribute number three, God Is Eternal
a. Eternality is the quality of existing forever, without end or beginning.
Genesis 21:33 says:
33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.
Abraham realized God’s eternality and worshipped Him.
Do you realize His eternality and realize what that means for you?
And then:
Revelation 22:13 says:
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
He was there at the beginning of time and He will be there at the end of time when all things are made new.
b. Why does God’s eternality matter?
Eternity is usually conceived of as endless time, but the infinite nature of eternity means that it actually transcends time. God is eternal and, as the creator of all things, must transcend all he has created, including time. While only God is eternal in the sense of always existing, he can give eternal life to his creatures. This is mentioned in the OT Daniel 12:2 says:
2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.
but eternality becomes a major theme in the NT, where eternal life is a gift of God through Jesus to those who believe in him Romans 6:23 says:
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The bottom line of God’s eternality, our eternal life. We will leave behind the mortal and put on immortality through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
4. Attribute number four, God Is Omnipresent
a. Omnipresence is the quality of being able to be everywhere all at once and all the time.
Proverbs 15:3 says:
3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
A. W. Tozer says in the “Knowledge of the holy”: “God is present, near you, next to you, and this God sees you and knows you through and through.”
b. Why does God’s omnipresence matter?
The omnipresence of God guarantees that the actual nearness of God and a real communion with Him may be enjoyed everywhere, even apart from the places hallowed for such purpose by a specific gracious self-manifestation, the Holy Spirit. In another respect the Divine omnipresence assures the believer that God is always at hand to bring salvation from any danger or foe.
The bottom line is that God knows us and sees us. He is not blind to our pain. He is not ignorant of our wounds and troubles. He can bring about healing and salvation whenever He chooses.
He can make all things work for good for those who love Him. Not only is He near to you and next to you but He is in you.
5. Attribute number five, God Is Omniscient
a. Omniscience is the quality of having infinite awareness, understanding and insight.
1 John 3:20 says:
20 If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
That says it all - He knows everything. Even the thoughts that go on inside your head. That to me is what causes the most trouble. Sometimes stuff goes on in my head because there is a lot of junk in there from before my accepting Him as Lord and Savior. It takes time to get rid of it.
b. Why does God’s omniscience matter?
The Divine omniscience is the very essence of religion because communion with God depends on His all-comprehensive knowledge of the life of every man and woman at every moment. This fundamental religious importance reveals itself along three lines. First, it lends support and comfort when the pious suffer from the misunderstanding and misrepresentation of men; secondly, it is a deterrent to those tempted by sin, especially secret sin; thirdly, it is the source from which man’s desire for self-knowledge can obtain satisfaction.
The bottom line is that He is aware of everything, and we are more likely to confess our sins if we understand and realize that He knows. We can’t pretend it didn’t happen. God knows. Confess. Repent. Be free from the yoke of slavery.
6. Attribute number 6, God Is Omnipotent
a. Omnipotence is the quality of having unlimited power or the ability to do anything.
Mark 10:27 says:
27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
All things are possible with God. From the creation of the heavens and the earth to the raising of a dead man. Nothing is to hard or impossible for God. He can do all that He chooses to do.
b. Why does God’s omnipotence matter?
Divine omnipotence should evoke a response of awe, wonder and fear. Even in Our Lord’s teaching the prominence given to the love of God does not overshadow the transcendent majesty of the Divine nature, including omnipotence. His all powerful nature must be kept in full view and made a major factor in the cultivation of the religious mind, “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
The bottom line is that He is not just powerful; He is absolutely powerful. He holds all things in His hands.
From Genesis to Revelation, we are witnesses to His power. He spoke everything into existence out of nothing. Everything that is has its beginning in Him. Nothing can ever get out of God’s control . . . nothing.
2. Why Should Knowing God’s Character Change Your Life?
a. When we look on God’s power, we should be convinced of our utter powerlessness. We can begin to live in humility as we see God as He really is.
Jeremiah 10:6 says:
6 No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.
This changes how we worship and how we live. It changes how we interact with God and others. Understanding the unchangeable character of God changes everything. To fully appreciate and come to some beginning of understanding these truths of His nature, we must consistently spend time with Him in relationship. It all comes down to that!
b. Knowing God’s character is the knowledge of the Holy Proverbs 9:10-12 says:
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
Fear or reverence of the Lord begins a life long trip of gaining wisdom and knowledge about God. As wisdom and knowledge grows our understanding of the Holy One grows. As our understanding grows our willingness to worship and serve Him will grow. Then what comes into your mind when you think about God will be a true and complete picture of who God is.
CONCLUSION:
God is. God was. God will always be. God is unchanging, holy, ever-present, all-knowing, and all powerful. He is the only One worth living for. Cast off fear and delve into the depths of knowing your Lord so that the way you live is transformed by your knowing!
God, we’re so grateful to know more and more about You. Thank You for knowing us, for loving us still, and for never changing who You are. Draw us into relationship with You so that we may experience more of Your goodness for the rest of our lives. Amen. W
