Does God ever change his mind?
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"Does God Ever Change His Mind?"
Someone asked me that question during a recent Q&A session while I was speaking at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. It's the kind of inquiry people often raise when trying to test a Bible teacher's view of God's unchanging nature—whether He ever changes His mind and, if so, what that means for His reliability and promises.
Gotcha questions like that rarely have simple answers. Scripture contains verses that, on the surface, seem to support both sides—"yes" (God relented or repented of a course of action, as in Exodus 32:14 and Jonah 3:10) and "no" (God does not change His mind, as in Numbers 23:19 and Malachi 3:6).
Saying "yes" could imply God is imperfect or lacks foresight, contradicting James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." Yet saying "no" might make passages where God relented—such as Moses pleading for mercy for Israel in Exodus 32—seem meaningless or suggest that human prayer and repentance have no effect on His actions.
Discussions about God's sovereignty often stretch beyond what we can comprehend. The Lord reminded us, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9) We simply can't grasp every mystery of an infinite God with our finite minds.
That's why I view differing perspectives about foreknowledge and predestination as family discussions—important but not worth dividing over. Those who hold to five-point Calvinism are still my brothers and sisters in Christ. I just don't make it a test of fellowship.
Since my background leans toward an Arminian understanding—that God's grace enables us to choose or reject salvation—here's how I answered that evening:
"I believe in the sovereignty of God, but He can and has changed His mind on occasion. For example, King Hezekiah was informed by God through the prophet Isaiah that he was going to die. When Hezekiah earnestly prayed for his life, God told Isaiah to turn around and tell the king his prayer had been heard and he would be granted fifteen more years."
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told His disciples, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." (Matthew 26:41) If their failure were predetermined, why would He urge them to pray? Scripture promises, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16) Prayer changes things!
I concluded with a smile: "Now, if you're a Calvinist and my answer bothers you, don't be upset—because according to your theology, God predestined me to say it!" The man who asked the question later told me he thought that was a cheap shot—but I still think it was funny.
The Bible also says, "God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind." (Numbers 23:19) God never makes promises He fails to keep. Some events are fixed and unchangeable. But that doesn't mean every detail of our lives is scripted—or that some people are doomed for hell with no chance of redemption. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Imagine you're on a Caribbean cruise. The ship's captain announces several predetermined ports where the vessel will harbor. Nothing you say or do can alter that course. There are also a number of planned activities and meals laid out in advance for the enjoyment of the passengers. But the guests still have the free will to choose various entertainment and meal options. They're free to go to bed at 9:00 p.m. or stay up and watch a fireworks display. Our spiritual journey has some predestined events that are inevitable. But on many occasions, we are free to make individual choices—and live with the consequences.
Imagine one day you meet the ship's captain and ask, "Would you be willing to do me a big favor? When we approach the island of St. Martin would you sound the horn three times? I have relatives who live on the island, and I told them I'd try to signal them with three blasts when we arrive. Would you do that for me?" If the captain is a benevolent, accommodating leader, he just may change his mind and alter the normal practice because of your request. The odds would certainly increase if the captain were your father. You matter to him! On the other hand, if you asked him to completely bypass St. Martin, he'd ignore the request because that's a predetermined stop. That's what prayer is like. God won't cancel His eternal purposes, but He delights in hearing and responding to His children.
That's why it's important to pray daily for wisdom. God promised, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5)
And that is why it is important to: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
"I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19)
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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