What are the "two unchangeable things" mentioned in Hebrews 6:18? Setting the Scene “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He confirmed it with an oath. So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.” The Two Unchangeable Things Defined • God’s promise – the original pledge of blessing and salvation first voiced to Abraham and extended to all who believe (Genesis 22:16-18; Galatians 3:29). • God’s oath – His solemn, self-bound declaration that seals the promise (Hebrews 6:13: “He swore by Himself”). Both are “unchangeable” because “it is impossible for God to lie.” His character guarantees His words. Why They Matter • They reveal the “unchanging nature of His purpose” (Hebrews 6:17). • They give “strong encouragement” to cling to hope (v. 18). • They ground assurance not in shifting feelings but in God’s fixed word and oath. Witnesses Across Scripture • Numbers 23:19 – “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind.” • Psalm 110:4 – “The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind,” an oath later applied to Christ’s priesthood (Hebrews 7:21). • Isaiah 55:11 – God’s word “will not return to Me void.” • Titus 1:2 – “In hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.” These passages echo the same twofold certainty: God speaks a promise; God backs it with His own trustworthy nature. Our Response of Hope • Flee to Him as the sure refuge (Hebrews 6:18). • Anchor the soul “firm and secure” in Jesus, the guarantee of the promise and oath (Hebrews 6:19-20). • Stand confidently, knowing that what God has promised and sworn cannot fail. |
    |