Monday, March 1, 2010

(1) The Immutability of God -Introduction

One thing in life is certain: Change. Of course we see it and feel in our bodies as we age and face physical deterioration. We see change all around us in nature in the changing of the seasons and global cooling over the past ten years. Oceans evaporate at a rate of about 110.736 inches each year (Descriptive Physical Oceanography by William J. Emery, Lynne D. Talley and George L. Pickard). This means a total annual evaporation from ocean of abut 96,519 cubic miles. There is a total annual global precipitation of about 137,856 cubic miles.

Nanga Parbat is the fastest growing mountain on earth and it is still growing. Standing at the extreme western end of the 1,500 mile long Himalayan Range - just beyond the deep Indus Valley, it culminates in an ice crest, 26,600 feet high. No other peak within 60 miles comes anywhere near to it's size. It's incomparable Rupal Face on the southern side is one of the greatest precipices in the world with a sheer drop of 16,404 feet.
And, "you, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; and they all will become old like a garment, 12 and like a mantle you will roll them up; like a garment they will also be changed. But you are the same, and your years will not come to an end." (Hebrews 1:10 -12 NAU)
All of creation is an incredible demonstration of God’s glory, and constant change. God created a constantly changing universe. God is the unchanging changer. In a world that is changing and even seems chaotic at times, God remains, unchanged.

A.W. Tozer points out that “The concept of a growing or developing God is not found in the Scriptures . . . In God no change is possible; in men change is impossible to escape” God is not capable of change in nature, but is constant, enduring, stable. God is never inconsistent with His nature or character. He never differs from himself or His promises. He cannot be changed by any thing or person. Whatever He was, He is, and He always will be. You can count on it.

Next:  (2) God: Immutable in His Person & Perfections

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