What Does it Mean When God Says
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However, the declaration; 'God never changes' actually involves two different 'Biblical' subjects and spheres of authority ... not just one. It is certainly true that God's nature and attributes do not change.
Jesus Christ, who is also the second person of the Godhead ... |
These eternal characteristics,
involving the unchangeable nature
of Christ and our Heavenly Father
is why we can have faith that
they will do what they say.
But, the Bible reveals that
the second area, concerning
God's different covenants
(specifically ... the Old
Testament Mosaic covenant
and the New Covenant initiated
by the cross of Christ) ...
Do not follow the same
'unchangeable' pattern.
Those who thoughtlessly use the statement, 'God never changes' fail to separate and correctly define (according to the rules of context) each of these different spheres of authority.
As a result, they merge both of
these areas into one universal
declaration designed to persuade
their audience that ...
God does not change anything
He was previously doing.
This causes their listeners to believe
that the way God related with those
living under the government of the
Old Testament generally remains the
same in the New Testament, under
the New Covenant of Christ,
because ...
'God never changes'
Yet, the Bible warns that making this
vague universal statement without
properly defining your terms becomes
a very dangerous 'half truth' that
lays the foundation for one of the
most destructive heresies found
within Christendom.
these areas into one universal
declaration designed to persuade
their audience that ...
God does not change anything
He was previously doing.
This causes their listeners to believe
that the way God related with those
living under the government of the
Old Testament generally remains the
same in the New Testament, under
the New Covenant of Christ,
because ...
'God never changes'
Yet, the Bible warns that making this
vague universal statement without
properly defining your terms becomes
a very dangerous 'half truth' that
lays the foundation for one of the
most destructive heresies found
within Christendom.
These kinds of practices are often used to defend the belief that; 'the New Testament is just a continuation of the Old' - meaning that God continues the same program of the Law in the New Testament that He started in the Old Testament ... because 'He never changes'. Yet, this is a classic example of how 'half truths' and a failure to define certain terms often cause inexperienced Christians to go dangerously astray in their faith.
The Scriptures that state how Jesus and our Heavenly Father ‘do not change’ are found in the 'Top ten list of the Bible's most abused passages'. They are commonly used by those who defend their beliefs by "spiritualizing" rather than using a "literal interpretation" of God's Word.
(Important Note: a literal intepretation should be used - except where Scripture reveals that a symbolic or allegorical understanding is required for specific verses.)
Spiritualizing Scripture (also known as 'allegorizing Scripture') has evolved into a popular, yet dishonest debate tactic - because it's difficult to refute. It gives critics the ability to 'twist God's Word' (by using Scripture out-of-context) in a way that can support almost any religious teaching. For this reason, it is usually not wise to engage in discussions or debates with those who practice these methods of Bible interpretation. What starts out as a friendly discussion - eventually deteriorates into a sharp and confusing disagreement over someone's "opinion". An opinion can be anything. As believers in Christ, we should always embrace Biblical truth that is literally proven and verified (or kept in context) by Scripture ... and not "spiritualized personal opinions" about God.
When God makes certain statements
in Scripture such as ...
"Behold, I will do a new thing"
(Isaiah 43:19)
"Behold, the days are coming, says the
Lord, when I will make a new covenant..."
(Jeremiah 31:31-32)
"This cup is the new covenant in My
blood, which is shed for you."
(Words of Christ from Luke 22:20)
...And then refers to the 'New Covenant'
as "The new and living way of Christ"
(Hebrews 10:19-23)
It becomes obvious to any
serious student of the Bible
that God is making radical
changes in the way he relates
to the human race after
the cross. This exposes the
popular statement; "God never
changes" as a dangerous and
misleading half-truth - since
His eternal character attributes
never change, but His covenant
laws that govern how He treats
sin and the sinner after the
cross ... do change.
By using the phrase 'New and living way of Christ' - our Heavenly Father is telling us that the sacrifice of His Son established 'a new way' - which also means He no longer operates according to the previous "Old Testament way' that Hebrews 8:13 now labels as 'obsolete'. This is a warning to those who use the universal statement; "God never changes' - in order to defend a brand of theology that is spiritually dangerous and misleading.
This kind of theology is usually based on a "Christianized brand of Judaism" (an illegal mixture of Old Testament Judaism and New Testament Christianity). It essentially denies the finished work of Christ that radically changed how God deals with sin ... and the new grace-based way salvation is received after the cross.
Reviewing Some Bible
Interpretation
Basics
In our continuing study of the Scriptures, one of the most startling truths we encounter is the unique way God's Word is structured and designed. In our commentaries, we repeatedly refer to the command the Apostle Paul gave to his disciple Timothy (and all believers today) to "rightly divide God's Word" (2 Timothy 2:15). If we truly desire to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Scriptures must be viewed and interpreted according to the way God designed it ... and not the way we want them to be. The modern-day Christian church is full of contrary teachings that violate Paul's instructions in order to defend certain brands of denominational theology and traditions. These 'spiritual counterfeits' are often treated as just "a difference of opinion". Yet, God views them as something that distorts, redefines - and often destroys His original intentions concerning the salvation of His Son. Much of Christendom is in denial about this problem.
The Bible is divided into two primary parts: The administration of the Law given to Israel - and the administration of Grace given to the Church. This is why the Bible translators deliberately added special title pages to the Bible known as; the Old Testament and the New Testament.
A majority of Christians fail to understand that the Old Testament program of the Law, given to Israel, continues into the New Testament ... about half way into the book of Acts. The 'Gospel accounts' of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (and approximately half of the book of Acts) represent a transition between the Old Testament program of the Law ... and Christ's New Covenant program of Grace for the Church--which didn’t officially begin until after the cross. As a result of this transition, we find elements of both Old Testament Law and New Testament Grace in these writings. Scripture reveals that before the cross, Jesus directed most of His ministry at His countrymen - the Jews - who lived under the Law. The reason for this is simple: Jesus had not yet been crucified ... which was an act that had to happen before the New Covenant could begin its rule through the Church - or Body of Christ. As a result, the Law of Moses governed during Christ's earthly ministry until His crucifixion and the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts chapter 2. Before this time, the Church that Saint Paul spoke about in his epistles, did not yet exist.
"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons." (Galatians 4:4-5)
These transitional issues often cause students of the Bible to assume that both of these programs (Law and Grace) are binding upon the Christian believer. However, the Bible warns that these programs must never be mixed together, but kept 'rightly divided' as Saint Paul commanded in 2 Timothy 2:15.
The following explains the reason for
Paul's 'rightly dividing' command.
When Old Testament Law (often referred
to in the Bible as 'works' or living
according to the flesh) - and New
Testament Grace (given by God to the
believer 'apart from works') are
illegally mixed together ... a
destructive heresy is created that cuts
the violator off from Christ and leads
them dangerously astray in their faith.
This 'cutting off' often occurs
without their knowledge.
God considers this 'mixing' to be illegal - because Law (along with its 'works and deeds') - and Grace are mutually exclusive. Yet, mixing and intermingling these two programs together is the way many church leaders and their followers handle the Scriptures.
"And if by Grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work." (Romans 11:6)
"You have become estranged (separated or cut-off) from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from Grace." (Galatians 5:4)
"...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:5-7)
The following is a brief comment from Dr. Dwight Pentecost concerning these often misunderstood facts. He challenges and exposes various wrong ideas and misconceptions about how the average Christian thinks the Bible is structured - and provides valuable insight into the importance of Biblical context.
On The New Testament
Each of these administrations (some Bible scholars refer to them as "dispensations") is governed by a different set of rules known as "a covenant". The Old Covenant of the Law is governed by the rules (or commandments) given to Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai. The Law consists of 613 different commandments ... and not just the Ten Commandments as many are led to believe. The New Covenant of Grace is governed by rules established at the cross (also known as "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" - Romans 8:1-4). The book of Hebrews refers to the covenant established at Mount Sinai as, "the first covenant" ... and refers to the New Covenant that Jesus established at the cross as; "the second covenant". Scripture describes this "dividing line" in the following way:
"But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He (Jesus) is also mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. For if that FIRST COVENANT had been faultless, then no place would have been sought FOR A SECOND." (Hebrews 8:6-7)
"In that He (Jesus Christ) says, "A new covenant," He has made THE FIRST obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:13)
"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (the second covenant) has made me free from the law of sin and death (the first covenant). For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us (or imputed to us) who do not walk according to the flesh (or trying to qualify/earn salvation through works or religious merit) but according to the Spirit (or our faith in the finished work of Christ that does not require our works)." (Romans 8:1-4)
The "administration of the Law" (the first covenant) and the "administration of Grace" (the second covenant) operate under two radically different sets of laws and principles. To respect God’s original intention, you must never merge these laws into one unified program of religion. This is why Paul commanded Timothy (and all believers today) to "rightly (or correctly) divide God's Word".
If Christ's New Covenant is "a
better covenant established on
better promises" (as revealed in
the book of Hebrews), then it's a
totally new system of faith that
didn't exist before the cross. If
"the law of the Spirit of life in
Christ sets me free from the law
of sin and death" ...
Then “the law of the Spirit” can
never be a continuation of the old
system as many claim...because it
must now replace the old system
which God declares to be 'annulled'
according to Hebrews 7:11-22.
If a new covenant is beginning, it
means the previous "old covenant"
is becoming obsolete, which is
exactly what the book of Hebrews
teaches.
This is why Christ's New
Covenant is declared to be...
“A new and living way”:
"Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus (the New Covenant), by a new and living way which He (Jesus) consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:19-23)
All of this is very good news for the Church. However, some church leaders enjoyed great power and authority as a shepherd under the Mosaic Law of the old program. Secretly, they didn't like the new redemptive principles that Christ introduced ... because it changed the tenants of their Old Testament religion ... and greatly limited the authority they once held over God's people. Jesus informed His disciples about these future changes when He said ...
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20: 25-28)
Later, following the crucifixion,
Peter reminds the shepherds (often
called 'church leaders') about the
Lord's original command concerning
their responsibilities and the use
of spiritual authority under the New
Covenant;
"Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." (1 Peter 5: 2-4)
In response to Christ's new directives, these disgruntled leaders decided on an alternate course of action, which is documented in Acts chapter 15. Beginning in the first century (approximately 7 years after the cross), a 'modified theology' was submitted to the leading apostles and elders of the Church. The hidden goal was to bring Christ's Grace-based New Covenant salvation back under the authority of the previous old covenant (or the Old Testament Law of Moses). This would be accomplished by mixing both covenants together ... making Christ's salvation dependent on both Law and Grace. The apostolic leadership of the early church, which included the original disciples of Jesus Christ, organized a meeting in Jerusalem to examine this doctrine. The official meeting - or "The First Jerusalem Apostolic Council" (as some theologians refer to it) - was led by James, our Lord's half-brother.
After extensive deliberation, the
council condemned this theology and
sent a letter to all the churches
warning that it did not originate
with them. Unfortunately, the
council's judgment did not
permanently stop these ministers
from preaching this false and toxic
doctrine.
In defiance of the council's official decision, the ministers who initially introduced this now rejected theology continued to spread it throughout the young, inexperienced and vulnerable Christian Church. The Apostle Paul worked to expose their doctrine and agenda until his death. Unfortunately, it survived and is now widely accepted in many sectors (but thankfully not all) of the modern Christian Church ... on both the Catholic and Protestant sides of the isle. It exists under countless different names and labels designed to hide its true identity. In other words; 'it's a spiritual counterfeit that seeks to replace authentic Christianity'.
This theology is established on the misconception that God's Word 'should not be divided', which contradicts the command of Saint Paul found in 2 Timothy 2:15. It subtly suggests that the way God dealt with His people in the Old Testament is the same way He deals His people today. Once again, this theology travels under countless different names designed to hide its true identity. Yet, the following staement describes why the Apostolic leadership of the Church condemned it in Acts chapter 15:
It illegally attempts to mix or
merge the principles of Old
Testament Law, with the New
Covenant Grace of Christ in
order to create a new single
'unified theology' based on
both Law and Grace.
In order to get around the obvious differences in the two programs, these ministers and their devoted followers insist that Christ's New Covenant is "just an extension of the Old Testament program".
In an effort to defend this aberrant,
yet popular theology - which was
essentially the same one that was
condemned by the Acts chapter 15
Apostolic Council ...
you'll often hear Christians comment;
"The Bible says that God
never changes".
In this study we discover why this
popular statement (which is actually
a 'half-truth') is dangerous and
can lead inexperienced believers
astray in their faith.
yet popular theology - which was
essentially the same one that was
condemned by the Acts chapter 15
Apostolic Council ...
you'll often hear Christians comment;
"The Bible says that God
never changes".
In this study we discover why this
popular statement (which is actually
a 'half-truth') is dangerous and
can lead inexperienced believers
astray in their faith.
The Cross of Christ Changes
Everything From the Way it
Existed Under the Old
Testament Program
Does God ever do something new?
If He does, then He's changing
the way He previously operated.
The prophets of the Old Testament
clearly answer this question.
(God is speaking)
"Behold, I will do a new
thing, now it shall spring
forth; shall you not know
it? I will even make a
road in the wilderness and
rivers in the desert."
(Isaiah 43:19)
Concerning this "new thing" that
God will do, Jeremiah prophesies
(God is speaking once again)....
"Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah - not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord." (Jeremiah 31:31-32)
In these two Scriptures, especially the one from Jeremiah 31, we see the two major programs (or administrations) found in the pages of the Bible and referenced in Hebrews chapter 8 verses 6-13. THE FIRST PROGRAM (or "first covenant") is identified as "the covenant that God made with their fathers, which they broke". This is the covenant of the Law established with Israel at Mount Sinai. THE SECOND PROGRAM (or "second covenant") is called "a new covenant" that God will begin sometime in the future. Concerning this future "new covenant" that Christ will establish using His own blood - God makes this promise:
"For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." (Hebrews 8:12 and Jeremiah 31:34)
Paul also tells us about these
two covenants.
"Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise, which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai, which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar - for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children (speaking of the first covenant) - but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written:
"Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband."
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of Promise. But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free (speaking of the second [or New] Covenant of Christ)." (Galatians 4:21-31)
The New Covenant is God's "New Thing" that didn't start until after His Son's crucifixion. Additional information is available below that reveals how God operates through this 'new and living way' after the cross - and how the tenants of a popular false theology attempts to silence these truths.
After the Cross
The New Covenant is also called "the new and living way of Christ" established on His blood (Read: Matt. 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, 1 Cor. 11:25, 2 Cor. 3:6, Heb. 8:6-13, Heb. 9:15, Heb. 10:19-23, Heb. 12:24).
In this study, we examine some of the characteristics of God's "new thing". From Jeremiah chapter 31 and Hebrews chapter 8, we see that God changes the way He responds to the sin of His people. Through Christ's New Covenant, God clearly states that He is doing something 'New' ...
"In that He (Jesus Christ) says, “a new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away." (Hebrews 8:13)
When Jesus uses the word
'New' to describe His
redemptive program, He does
not mean that it's a
continuation of the old
program.
Yet, some critics claim that, "God doesn't change" - which is actually a dangerous and misleading 'half-truth'. When examining the words of the prophet Jeremiah (a direct quote of God's words), we see that God promises, in the future, to make a major change in the way He deals with sin and the sinner.
God states through Jeremiah, "For
I will be merciful to their unright-
eousness, and their sins and their
lawless deeds I will remember
no more."
That's a major change from the way
God previously punished sin under
the Old Testament program of the Law
(or the Law of Moses).
In the remainder of this study,
we will continue to "look beneath
the surface" of this controversy
and the way a dangerous 'half-truth'
has decieved the Church for many
years.
way God describes the New Covenant
through the prophet Jeremiah
indicates that it's only for the
Israelites - and not the Christian
Church. The following brief
commentary will explain why this
belief is incorrect.
Why Did Saint Paul Use the Phrase
'To the Jew First' in His Epistles
This is Part 1 of a three-part Bible study.
Click on the appropriate link to navigate
this material.
Part 2 ------- Part 3