The foundation of God’s character (God’s Hesed • Lovingkindness – part 1)

If we are going to understand the nature and character of God, we must understand the basis (foundation) upon which all His attributes are based upon.

In this episode, Nathan talks about God’s immutability (God is always the same) and why this is such a profound and foundational concept for our lives and why we must view all of God’s attributes in light of it.

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Notes

I love to meditate upon the character, attributes, and nature of God.

I have found that the more I know Him and His character, nature, and attributes, the more I trust, the easier it is to obey, and because I see His faithfulness, it is far easier for me to walk by faith.

Yet, all of God’s attributes are based upon a powerful and foundational concept: immutability (God does not change).

‌God is immutable (He is the same; He does not change)

• Exodus 3:14–15 – And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” And God furthermore said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name from generation to generation.
  • I AM, HE IS, Yahweh … one aspect of this incredible Name is that it denotes God as eternal and immutable, who will never be other than the same (He is the God who WAS, who IS, and who will ALWAYS BE the same)
• Numbers 23:19 – God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not establish it?
• Psalm 102:27a – But You are the same …
• Malachi 3:6a – For I, Yahweh, do not change …
• James 1:17 – Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
• Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
• See also: Psalm 33:11, 90:2, 102:25-27, 119:89-90; Isaiah 40:8, 40:28, 44:6; Jeremiah 10:10; 2 Timothy 2:13; Hebrews 6:13-19, 7:24; Revelation 22:13

Every attribute and aspect of God’s character must be seen in light of His immutability

No matter what attribute or aspect of His nature we talk about, we must see them in light of His unchanging character.

For example, we say God is holy. But seen in light of His immutability, we can boldly declare that He was holy, He is holy, and forever will be holy. His holiness does not change.

This is true for every attribute of God: He was, is, and forever will be … righteous, love, faithful
just, merciful, good, gracious, sovereign, eternal, wise, etc. etc. etc. For more on the attributes of God, check out A.W. Tozer’s deeply stirring classic Knowledge of the Holy or his two-volume set on the Attributes of God (volume one • volume two).

Knowing this foundation to His character builds greater faith and trust

When we know God’s character and the fact He does not change, then we find Him trustworthy. He is faithful.

In short, knowing God’s immutability and that every attribute is build on the truth that He cannot change, means you can build your life on a firm foundation of an unchanging, immovable, rock of truth.

Remember, Jesus is the SAME yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)! What an incredible reality.

In the coming episodes, we will be exploring one of my favorite attributes of God … but before we dive in, meditate upon the amazing reality and foundation of God’s nature – He is immutable and does not change!

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Question: How does knowing that God does not change affect your faith and trust in Christ?