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Can God change His mind?
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Posted on 12/11/2003, 9:16:22 PM by xzins

A simple question. But, like all parts of Scripture, there is so much depth to the answer that an entire book could easily be written on this one subject alone. Following a lively discussion in Sunday School, it seemed that English translations of the Bible were unclear on the answer to this question. It made sense to explore the issue further.

Did God in fact change His mind when He turned from His claim that He would destroy the Israelites for their disobedience after Moses argued with Him? Did He change His mind when He told Jonah that He would destroy Ninevah but then spared the city? These are issues that deserve deeper analysis. Let's take a look at the facts in detail.

Foundational Truths

Before we begin this study, it's important to establish several foundational truths from the Bible.

The first truth is that God cannot lie. According to Hebrews 6:18, it is "impossible" for God to lie. Lying is so opposite His perfect, holy nature that He cannot lie under any circumstances.

"God did this 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 offered to us may be greatly encouraged."
Hebrews 6:18

God knows everything. He cannot be surprised by anything. There is no situation in which God can suddenly learn some new truth that He was unaware of in the past. Some passages may seem at first glance to suggest that a human argument shed light on something God hadn't thought of, like the discussion with Moses in Exodus 32 (more on this later). Yet a closer examination reveals that this is not as it might seem. It's absurd to believe that Moses actually made God stop and think, "Hmm, that's a good point. I hadn't thought of it that way." Obviously, the appearance of such a revelation is only an illusion, meant to make a point about the author's own perspective or providing a valuable lesson for us. To better understand the story we must examine the actual Hebrew text rather than depending entirely on common English translations.

God is not bound by time and space. God lives in the past, present, and future all at the same time. Time is not a constant, marked like a ruler, that marches along at a steady pace as we typically think of it. Time was invented for our benefit. It is a physical property that changes under certain situations, such as gravity and speed or acceleration. God can move forward and backward through time instantly. Thus, He is not restricted by the flow of events as we see them.

Scripture is "God-breathed" which means that it is perfectly written. But we must be careful to recognize that this refers to the original Bible as written in Hebrew, Greek, and other languages. English translations can be flawed and imperfect. Some will argue that God would not allow this to happen, but in fact there have been many false translations, including one infamous version that accidentally altered the sixth commandment to its opposite meaning. Jehovah's Witnesses have published widely distributed versions that change or leave out passages that don't agree with their doctrine. That such errors exist is evidence that God does not necessarily interfere in human endeavors to translate the holy Scriptures, which makes it possible for translations to contain weak or misleading wording.

God responds to prayer. When we pray with hearts that are pure before God (without unconfessed sin hampering our relationship), then God has promised that He will hear and will respond. It may not be the response we expect, and it happens in His time frame rather than ours, but it does happen.

The suggestion that God doesn't change His mind does not mean He can't or won't respond to prayer. It refers only to His promises and any statements He makes, not to events outside of Scripture that unfold in individual lives. If someone gets sick and you pray and that person is healed, it does not mean God "changed His mind" about the sickness, but that He responded to your faithful prayer just as He has promised He will.

The Hebrew word "Nacham"

The Hebrew word "nacham" (pronounced nawkam) is almost always translated into English as "change one's mind." However, careful study reveals that this is the proper meaning in only a few Scriptural circumstances. It does not automatically mean to change one's mind or repent.

Nacham can have several meanings, but it generally means to turn or change direction, though it can mean to change one's mind. It contains no association with wrongdoing, though it can suggest pity or making a change with a heavy sigh. Translations which automatically interpret this as saying that God "changed His mind" are not necessarily wrong, but incomplete. The King James Version translated 'nacham' as "repented," but the meaning of that word has changed so much over the past 500 years. Today, repentance is always associated with erroneous behavior that is being corrected. In the 16th Century, the word "repent" had far less ominous undertones. Then, it simply meant to make a dramatic change in direction.

"God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should 'nacham' (change His mind, repent, turn away from what He says He will do). Does he speak and then not 'asah' (act, accomplish, finish)? Does he promise and not 'quwm' (fulfill, make good, succeed in completing)?"
Numbers 23:19

Notice the strong association here between lying (the Hebrew word "kazab") and changing of the mind. It suggests that if God were to say one thing and then change His mind and do something else, it would make the first statement a lie. This passage specifically refers to God's own statements or promises. It assures us that anything God tells us He will do can be relied upon with full assurance.

Another verse is even more dramatic in associating a change of mind with lying. The association of the two things is so strong that the relationship cannot be ignored. It claims that for God to change His mind would be a form of lying.

What about our repentance? Is that lying?

When we repent, our change of mind is not a form of lying. Quite the opposite. It is the falling away from our commitment to God--the act of sin itself--that is a form of lying, which this verse appears to hint at:

"He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or 'nacham' (change his mind, repent, turn away from His promises); for he is not a man, that he should 'nacham' (change his mind, say one thing and later decide to do another)."
1 Samuel 15:29

In the following passage, the Hebrew word "shaba" refers to God swearing an oath by repeating it seven times. Throughout the Scriptures, the number seven is used to represent completeness. God could not swear by someone greater than Himself, so He repeated the oath seven times to swear it by Himself.

"The LORD has 'shaba' (sworn) and will not 'nacham' (change his mind, turn from His oath): You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
Psalm 110:4

Note that "will not" is implied. In the Hebrew it simply says Jehovah has sworn and doesn't change His direction. There is no auxiliary verb in the statement. It does not mean it will not happen just once, but implies a permanent condition, as a result of His promise. His oath makes it impossible for Him to do so.

Consequences and Redemption

"For this the earth shall mourn, And the heavens above be dark, Because I have spoken, I have purposed, And I will not 'nacham' (change My mind, reverse my direction), nor will I 'shuwb' (turn from it wholly or even partially)."
Jeremiah 4:28

In the above verse, God emphatically states His inability to reverse His position on a promise. The first time He uses the word "nacham" and the second time He uses "shuwb" which means to make a partial change rather than a complete change. God is asserting that He will neither turn His thinking around completely, nor make a partial change in the purpose He has established.

This passage appears to refer specifically to a prophecy about the coming captivity in the hands of Babylon. The prophecy indicates a military conquest that will leave the cities completely desolate. God is saying that because He declared this purpose, it cannot be changed. It is part of his overall plan. It doesn't mean that the captivity cannot be avoided, but that the promise of captivity for continued disobedience cannot be avoided. God is asserting that His promise stands firm, including the consequences of sin.

"Now therefore amend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will 'nacham' (change direction for Israel) about the misfortune which He has pronounced against you."
Jeremiah 26:13

Note how this later verse clarifies the point, though at first glance it might seem to be a contradiction. In Jeremiah 4:28, God says that He will bring about the destruction of Israel as He has promised, but in Jeremiah 26:13 He states that He will change this direction or path for Israel if the nation reverses its course of disobedience. Does that mean He changed His mind? Not at all!

Earlier He told Jeremiah that He would destroy Israel. Now He says that if Israel repents God will turn the path of the nation's course away from Babylonian captivity. God knows that Israel will not turn, yet He reminds the people that if they would only repent and confess as a nation that His perfect plan and purpose for Israel would no longer be destruction and disbursement. Both conditions were part of His everlasting covenant with Israel. Both are true at the same time.

Understanding this is vital to our understanding of God's changes in direction. He does not "change His mind" in the human sense, but fulfills His original promise. If hearts are obedient to God, filled with love and gratitude for His grace and mercy then He will protect and redeem His people (which includes salvation through Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all people would be blessed through Abraham's offspring). But if they turn away from Him they will face the necessary consequences.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9

God's character is truth. He cannot lie. He is absolutely 100 percent true to His word at all times. We can depend on Him completely, without ever worrying that situations will cause Him to reverse His direction on a promise He has made. The conditions are clearly established: follow Jesus Christ and prove it through your actions, or face the consequences. We might change our words, actions, or minds but God does not.


TOPICS: General Discusssion; Prayer; Theology
KEYWORDS: change; direction; god; prayer
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1 posted on 12/11/2003, 9:16:23 PM by xzins
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To: P-Marlowe; All
Interesting topic.

Looks like this guy's saying that God will not change His mind, but that He just might revert to His perfect plan for someone/something. God wouldn't change....but He might change YOUR direction.

Is that what you get out of this?
2 posted on 12/11/2003, 9:18:17 PM by xzins (Retired Army and Proud of It!)
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To: xzins
When God said he repented that he had even made man, it is clear that he expressed disappointment but he knew from the foundation of the earth that that is how he would feel. He wasn't suprised, but he obviously wasn't pleased with the situation either.

The fact that Jesus was able to suffer on the cross and suffer for our sins is evidence that God has "feelings". Whether those feelings are expressed differently in time or eternity might be a question that needs to be answered. It appears that "in time" God repented that he had made man, however "in eternity" God knew from the foundation of the earth that his will will be done and that everything will be accomplished according to his purpose. So a temporal disappointment (even for God) does not negate an eternal work according to God's purpose. I'm sure there are those who will claim that God is never disappointed, but then how do they deal with the verses that suggest that he is?

Uh oh, I sense a crowd approaching with torches. I do believe, however, that when weighed on a scale, I will weigh more than a duck. I could be safe.

3 posted on 12/11/2003, 10:01:05 PM by P-Marlowe (Former Official Arminian Ambassador to the Calvinist Heretics, Present Resident Ambassador at Large.)
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To: P-Marlowe
Uh oh, I sense a crowd approaching with torches. I do believe, however, that when weighed on a scale, I will weigh more than a duck. I could be safe.

Don't be so sure. The Calvinist Swarm has a special duck just for you...

4 posted on 12/11/2003, 10:08:33 PM by Gamecock (Nothing but happy controversy free posts from me!)
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To: P-Marlowe
The Association of

Torched And Proud Determined Arminian Nosy Committee to Exhume Remains (TAPDANCER)
5 posted on 12/11/2003, 10:09:51 PM by xzins (Retired Army and Proud of It!)
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To: xzins
That God knows ecrything doesn't necessarily mean that God predestined ALL things and events. God's ultimate plan for mankind cannot be changed or avoided. That does not mean that God's relationship with individual men has ben predestined to the point that it is God's will for men to sin, as some Calvinists claim.

That God has changed his mind in response to the sins or repentance of man in no way makes him less than the one Sovereign God.

I think the author is trying to parse words in the article. While the nature of God cannot change because God is God, God gives grace sufficient to all men so that they may choose to accept or reject the Gospel message when it is presented. Man can either sin against God or be obedient to His will in his thoughts or deeds.

why is it so important for some people to argue that God hasn't or can't change His mind about anything in response to the pleas and prayers of men when the Bible has plenty of examples. The nature of God is unchangeable, but God can and has changed his mind in response to man.

Obviously, such clear scripture as this is not consistent with predestination and foreordination of every event and every act of man.

6 posted on 12/11/2003, 10:24:03 PM by connectthedots
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To: Gamecock; P-Marlowe; drstevej
That's the wet swarm. (Presby's, Dutch, Reformed, etc.)

The Dry swarm (Baptists, Baptists, Baptist knock-offs) doesn't do the "we see a really big duck" kind of beer. (O'Douls is as risky as they get.)
7 posted on 12/11/2003, 10:28:34 PM by xzins (Retired Army and Proud of It!)
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To: connectthedots; P-Marlowe
The question is this:

"Does prayer actually change things, or does it only seem that way?"
8 posted on 12/11/2003, 10:35:38 PM by xzins (Retired Army and Proud of It!)
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To: xzins
read later
9 posted on 12/11/2003, 10:40:28 PM by LiteKeeper
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To: xzins
"Does prayer actually change things, or does it only seem that way?"

In most cases, I would say it is impossible to say for sure. On the other hand, petitioning God for something is not the only purpose of prayer. Certainly God hears our prayers and I would say responds to them. How and why he responds in the way he does up to Him. I also accept that there are times when God answers our prayers and we are so focused on our desired result, that we sometimes don't understand until later that God answered in a different, but better way than we wished.

Sometimes, things don't change, but prayer can bring us peace during times of stress and trials. God never promisd us a life free of turmoils, but he did promise to see us through them. That is what really brings true peace and contentment. God will not abandon those who earnestly seek his will, even if death is a result.

10 posted on 12/11/2003, 10:43:43 PM by connectthedots
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To: xzins
God is not bound by time and space. God lives in the past, present, and future all at the same time. Time is not a constant, marked like a ruler, that marches along at a steady pace as we typically think of it. Time was invented for our benefit. It is a physical property that changes under certain situations, such as gravity and speed or acceleration. God can move forward and backward through time instantly. Thus, He is not restricted by the flow of events as we see them.

The crux. "Change" implies some condition before a time and a different condition afterward. But God is not subject to time any more than He is subject to gravity or any other element of creation.

11 posted on 12/11/2003, 10:44:15 PM by Sloth ("I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!" -- Jacobim Mugatu, 'Zoolander')
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To: connectthedots
If everything is either pre-planned or pre-known, then it is not possible by human understanding for anything to change.

Therefore, it is not possible for prayer to change anything. You only think it is. Even your prayer is part of the pre-arranged script.

But my sense is that prayer does change things. My sense of life is that it's being acted out now, for real.
12 posted on 12/11/2003, 11:08:16 PM by xzins (Retired Army and Proud of It!)
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To: xzins
The question is this: "Does prayer actually change things, or does it only seem that way?"

2 Chronicles 7:12-14
And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.
If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Sounds pretty clear to me :)

13 posted on 12/11/2003, 11:12:05 PM by Ex-Wretch
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To: Ex-Wretch
see #12
14 posted on 12/11/2003, 11:28:13 PM by xzins (Retired Army and Proud of It!)
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To: Sloth
I'm uncomfortable with the idea that the past exists; i.e., it is not recoverable. And it achieves a permanence....a non-changeability. There's a part of me that questions the existence of the future (I see it as potential existence.). But the present is so fleeting that it is immediately bounded by the non-recoverable and the potential.

However, if time is like a sliding scale and there is an ability to go backward in time, then there is a possibility of making scripts as if they've always been X way instead of Y way.
15 posted on 12/11/2003, 11:45:30 PM by xzins (Retired Army and Proud of It!)
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To: xzins
I think you're getting tangled up in legalism. The concept of "lie", an untruth uttered when one knows it is an untruth, exists. We know that a lie can be told out of loving kindness, and be justified.

So why not? If God considers that a movement of His will, that contains a lie, is proper to be a part of Creation, who am I to question. I don't have the consciousness.

I don't think that prophesies have any untruths in them, though.

16 posted on 12/12/2003, 12:32:48 AM by William Terrell (Individuals can exist without government but government can't exist without individuals.)
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To: Sloth; xzins
Ineresting point! God cannot change, but everything around him, (possibly even the past) can change at his will.
17 posted on 12/12/2003, 12:38:08 AM by P-Marlowe (Former Official Arminian Ambassador to the Calvinist Heretics, Present Resident Ambassador at Large.)
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To: xzins
God made alcohol for our enjoyment.


18 posted on 12/12/2003, 3:03:38 AM by Gamecock
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To: Gamecock; drstevej; P-Marlowe
There's some verse about "wine to make the heart glad."

That much wine should be less that the legal driving amount.

You can get THIS GLAD, but no GLADDER!
19 posted on 12/12/2003, 3:08:17 AM by xzins (Retired Army and Proud of It!)
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To: Gamecock; xzins; drstevej; CARepubGal
This is the official Beer of the Calvinist Swarm:


20 posted on 12/12/2003, 3:19:25 AM by P-Marlowe (Former Official Arminian Ambassador to the Calvinist Heretics, Present Resident Ambassador at Large.)
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