FAQs Mondays: What Are the Attributes of God? Part 1

Last week, we concluded our look at the Scriptures. You can read that post here. 

We  are now shifting our focus slightly to look at the author of Scripture, God. We pick up in Henry Clay Fish's catechism in Lesson 3, part 2. You can review his catechism here. The overarching question for the next few weeks, will be, "What is God like?". This week we will look at the eternity and immutability of God.

Was there ever a time when God did not exist?

There was not. "Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity, Your are God" (Ps. 90:2). See also: Ps. 102:12, 27; Ps. 135:13; Rom. 1:20; Rev. 1:4. Note: All quotes have been updated to the HCSB, and references have been put into the modern format. You may wish to use the version you prefer.

Will God ever cease to exist?

He will not. He is called the "King Eternal" and the "Everlasting King;" and again it is said, "But You, LORD, are enthroned forever" See 1 Tim. 1:17, Jer. 10:10. Ps. 102:12, 27; 135:13; Job. 36:26; Deut. 32:4.

Is He uncreated and self-existent, or does He depend on some other being for his life?

He is uncreated and self-existent. He styles Himself "Jehovah," [Yahweh], "I am," and Christ declares, "the Father has life in Himself." See Deut. 6:2; Ex.3:14; John 5:26.

Is He subject to change, as are other beings?

He is not. He declares, "Because I, Yahweh, have not changed, you descendents of Jacob have not been destroyed" (Mal. 3:6).

Will any of His plans and purposes be ever, in the least degree, altered?

They will not. "But He is unchangeable; who can oppose Him? He does what he desires" (Job 23:13). See Ps. 33:11; Prov. 19:21; Heb. 6:17.

How are we to understand by those expressions of Scripture which represent God as repenting; as in Gen. 6:6; Ex. 32:14; Jonah 3:10?

It is a change in the external discovery of his purpose, or in His mode of dealing, and not in His actual determinations or principles.

Is there the least ground for believing that God will change His laws by which He governs His creatures, or the plan of mercy by which He saves souls from guilt and pollution?

There is not; for with Him there "no variation or shadow cast by turning" (James 1:17).

If so, what effect should the doctrine of God's immutability have upon the minds of believers?

What effect should it have upon the minds of unbelievers?

Can you rejoice in the truth that God changes not, and never can change; or does it fill you with fear and trembling?

Notice that the last three questions are open-ended. The answers are left for the student to contemplate. This leaves the student room to wrestle with the implications of the the "doctrine of immutability," that is, the teachings of Scripture that tell us God doesn't change.

Considering the first seven questions, how would you answer the last three? I would love to know. Why not answer them in the comments? Next week, we will continue our look at the attributes of God.