Today's Reading: Psalm 89

His Unalterable Word

The Lord has a question for you – “Do you think I’d ever withdraw my holy promises? Or take back the words I’ve spoken?  I’ve given my word, my whole and holy word; do you think I would lie to you?” This question is a core and fundamental question we all must answer in our heart-of-hearts. Because, if you know that God would never take back His word or lie to you, then you have a rock-solid foundation upon which to build your life and faith.

In Hebrews 6:18, we are told that “it is impossible for God to lie.” Numbers 23:19 tells us the same core truth, “God is not a man, that he should lie.” And Titus 1:2 tells us, “God, who cannot lie.” These verses tell us a critical truth about God’s unaltering character. He CANNOT lie! This doesn’t simply say that He WILL not lie, but that He CANNOT. Lying is a function that God is incapable of. Unlike human beings, who seem to be born with the ability to lie, God does not have that ability. His very nature is so pure, holy, and filled with light, that it is impossible for Him speak untruth or to alter the words He has spoken. The Lord will never lie to us or mislead us. He will always tell us the truth and stand by the truth He has told us.

What an amazing attribute of God that we rarely consider - the unalterableness of His words. Because of His moral perfection, He has absolute integrity. He never deceives; He never distorts; He never misrepresents what He says or does. Lying is against His nature. And, because God cannot lie, God’s Word, the Bible, is completely trustworthy.  “Every word of God is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). We can rely fully on the truth of His word and build our lives on something that does not alter.

In verse 34 the Lord says that “I will not violate my covenant.” God has entered into a covenant – a contract with humanity and He will abide by it completely. What is this covenant? It is the promise that God makes with us that He will forgive sin and restore fellowship with those whose hearts are turned toward Him based on our faith in the blood of Christ, the Mediator of the New Covenant. “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people… for I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

Rest assured today, follower of Christ, that God will not violate His contract with humanity. Let your faith rest fully on His unalterable word. Place your confidence and trust in the Lord who cannot lie. Build your life on the solid-rock of God’s unchanging word. “All other ground is sinking sand.”