Bible Question:
Hi Tim, Thanks for your comments. According to the information gathered thus far, it is safe to say that due to compassionate and circ-umstantial situations,God did not bring to pass-certain punitive actions He had in mind. To a layman's perception, this is tantamount to 'change of mind'. This matter as it stand is not crystal clear, I would therefore welcome any further input. Thanks. |
Bible Answer: Greetings Robert! Let's start with what Scripture says. Following are every verse where the words 'change' and 'mind' occur together in the Bible (NIV). Num. 23:19 - "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" 1 Sam. 15:29 - "He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind." Ps. 110:4 - "The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”" Heb. 7:21 - "but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: ‘‘The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’” Heb. 12:17 - "Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears." The last one does not refer to God. The third and fourth verses refer to a specific promise of God. The first and second refer to God in general (His nature). The only instances that I can find where God 'seems' to have changed His mind are instances like Nineveh where individuals or groups are allowed to avoid punishment because they repented. In those cases, the wrath is conditional. But, Scripture is quite clear that God does not 'change' His mind. He may respond to our repentance, but His plan is perfect. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |