Topical Bible: Christ is God: As Unchangeable

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Topical Encyclopedia

The immutability of Christ is a foundational doctrine within Christian theology, affirming that Jesus Christ, as God, is unchanging in His nature, character, and promises. This attribute of immutability is essential to understanding the divine nature of Christ and His eternal consistency.

Scriptural Basis

The concept of Christ's unchangeability is rooted in several key biblical passages. Hebrews 13:8 declares, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" . This verse succinctly encapsulates the eternal constancy of Christ, affirming that His divine nature and attributes remain unchanged throughout time.

In the Old Testament, the immutability of God is a well-established theme. Malachi 3:6 states, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed" . This declaration of God's unchanging nature is understood to apply to Christ as well, given His divine identity.

Theological Implications

The unchangeability of Christ is significant for several reasons. First, it assures believers of the reliability and faithfulness of Christ's promises. Since Christ does not change, His words and commitments remain steadfast and trustworthy. This is particularly comforting in a world marked by change and uncertainty.

Second, Christ's immutability underscores His divine nature. Unlike created beings, who are subject to change and development, Christ, as God, possesses an eternal and unalterable essence. This attribute distinguishes Him from all creation and affirms His deity.

Christ's Unchanging Nature in His Work

The unchangeability of Christ is also evident in His redemptive work. The efficacy of His atoning sacrifice remains constant and sufficient for all time. Hebrews 7:24-25 highlights this by stating, "But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them" . Christ's eternal priesthood and intercession are grounded in His immutable nature.

Christ's Unchanging Character

In addition to His work, Christ's character is unchanging. His love, mercy, and justice remain constant, providing a foundation for the believer's faith and hope. James 1:17 affirms this by stating, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow" . This passage, while referring to the Father, is applicable to Christ, who shares in the divine nature.

Conclusion

The doctrine of Christ's immutability is a profound truth that offers assurance and stability to believers. It affirms that Jesus Christ, as God, is eternally consistent in His nature, character, and promises, providing a reliable foundation for faith and worship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 3:6
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 1:12
And as a clothing shall you fold them up, and they shall be changed: but you are the same, and your years shall not fail.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Unchangeable Christ
... SERMON XXXI. THE UNCHANGEABLE CHRIST. Eversley.1845. ... Christ is the witness to us
also of the eternity of Love,"Of God's love- -the love of the Father who ...
/.../all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxi the unchangeable christ.htm

The Unchangeable Christ
... The Unchangeable Christ. ... to suppose that there can be any more revealed than has
been made known in the person and work of Jesus Christ the Son of God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 40 1894/the unchangeable christ.htm

The Unchangeableness of God
... God's love stands faster than the mountains. His love to Christ is unchangeable;
and he will no more cease loving believers than he will cease loving Christ. ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/4 the unchangeableness of god.htm

Election is the Unchangeable Purpose of God, Whereby, Before the ...
... Election is the unchangeable purpose of God, whereby, before the ... into sin and
destruction, a certain number of persons to redemption in Christ, whom He ...
/.../various/the canons of dordt/article 7 election is the.htm

Of the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which the Platonists ...
... divine, the one changeable and the other unchangeable, than in a ... school of Plato
to the discipleship of Christ, who by ... Word, and the Word was with God, and the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 29 of the incarnation of.htm

Of the Knowledge of God, to which no Man Can Attain Save through ...
... from delighting and abiding in, but even from tolerating His unchangeable light,
until ... For this is the Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 2 of the knowledge of.htm

The Unchangeable One
... THE UNCHANGEABLE ONE. ... moved, and the hills be carried into the midst of the sea.'
For the word of God abideth for ever in heaven, even Jesus Christ, who is ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxiii the unchangeable one.htm

How the Back Parts of God were Seen. The Faith of the Resurrection ...
... Jesus Christ was manifested; or if in some cases Christ was manifested ... wrought through
the changeable creature, made subject to the unchangeable God, and did ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 17 how the back parts.htm

The Holiness of God
... He infused all holiness into Christ's human nature. ... Holiness in the saints is subject
to ebbing, but holiness in God is unchangeable; he never lost a drop ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 the holiness of god.htm

The Cloud
... he have looked entirely away from himself, and up to Christ, thus to learn that
though the cloud had come between his soul and God, the unchangeable love of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter xxxvii the cloud.htm