The Divine Unchangeableness
A. Gray. Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed. Here, in the land of our exile, we must live by faith, not by sight. Fear of Him who is the unchangeable Majesty is more suitable for us whilst we are here, than to rejoice and be glad. We now speak of that glorious and incomparable attribute, the Divine unchangeableness. Changeableness is the note of all things here below: but He takes here to Himself a more excellent name, and who can doubt that which He hath spoken? When we seriously reflect on the unchangeableness of God, we find that He is such a One, notwithstanding of all His infinite works and varieties of dispensations that come from Him, as yet remains unchangeable. All things remain in a circuit of being and not being; and even such things, when they have a being, remain changeable. But, to speak of God's unchangeableness, it is held forth that He is void of all variableness and corruption, and that He, in the blessed purpose of His goodwill, is void of any shadow of changeableness; He is unchangeable in His essence, in respect of this, that He is void of, and cannot be subject to, corruption. That He is void of all alteration, and infinitely perfect, proves sufficiently His being both sufficient, and all-sufficient. Wherein can man be profitable to God? His perfection cannot be found out. He is infinite in His omnipotency; in His understanding and knowledge; and He is unchangeable in His love. Consider the advantages a Christian may have, in this consideration, that God is unchangeable. 1. It is an excellent way to keep the grace of love growing in the Christian. 2. It is an immutable and irresistible way to keep life in the exercise of faith. O, for the faith to believe that God cannot nor will change His immutable purpose. 3. The attaining to much Divine patience and submission, under all sad dispensations. 4. We come to the distinct persuasion, that the "gifts and calling of God are without repentance." 5. The mortification of all things here below. 6. Much joy and satisfaction, for the heirs of God have strong consolation. (A. Gray.) Parallel Verses KJV: For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. WEB: "For I, Yahweh, don't change; therefore you, sons of Jacob, are not consumed.