Short Answer: No. This may come as a surprise because there are Scriptures in the Bible that appear as though He does. Below are some ideas to consider. We also need to consider what we are saying if we think God does not already know the future. This means we must give up a part of God’s Divine character. Let’s think this through from a classical theist perspective.
One of the most challenging questions Christians face is this: If God is unchanging, how do we make sense of the Bible passages where He appears to change His mind? For example, in Genesis 6:6, we read that God regretted making humanity. In Exodus 32:14, God “relented” from destroying Israel after Moses interceded. And in Jonah 3:10, God withheld judgment from Nineveh after they repented. These passages can seem, at first glance, to contradict the classical understanding of God’s nature.
As a classical theist, I affirm that God is Immutable—unchanging in His essence, will, and purposes. So how do we reconcile these seemingly problematic texts? Let’s explore the issue by unpacking key biblical examples and offering some insights.
1. Understanding Anthropomorphic Language.
The Bible often uses anthropomorphic language—describing God in human terms to help us understand His actions. Just as Scripture speaks of God’s “hands” (Exodus 15:6) or “eyes” (Proverbs 15:3), it also describes His decisions and emotions in ways that resonate with our human experience. These descriptions don’t mean God has a physical body or that He literally changes His mind. Instead, they help finite beings grasp God’s infinite nature and how He interacts with His creation.
2. Examples of God “Changing His Mind”
Genesis 6:6 – God Regrets Making Humanity
“The Lord regretted that He had made human beings on the earth, and His heart was deeply troubled.”
This passage is often cited to argue that God experiences regret like humans. However, classical theists interpret this as an expression of God’s holy displeasure at sin. It doesn’t imply that God was caught off guard or made a mistake. Rather, it reveals how grievous sin is to a holy God.
Exodus 32:14 – God Relents from Judgment
“So the Lord relented from the disaster He had spoken of bringing on His people.”
Here, after Israel worships the golden calf, God threatens to destroy them, but Moses intercedes on their behalf. The text says God “relented,” but classical theists understand this as a way of highlighting the power of prayer and God’s mercy. From an eternal perspective, God always intended to show mercy in response to Moses’ intercession. The “change” was in human perception, not in God’s eternal plan.
Jonah 3:10 – God Withholds Judgment from Nineveh
“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, He relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened.”
God’s mercy toward Nineveh demonstrates His consistent character: He is always ready to forgive the repentant (Joel 2:13). The warning of destruction was conditional, meant to provoke repentance, and it succeeded. What looks like a change of mind is, in reality, a demonstration of God’s unchanging commitment to justice and mercy.
3. God’s Eternal Plan and Human Free Will
These examples highlight a key truth: God’s eternal plan includes both His sovereign will and human free will. When Scripture describes God “changing His mind,” it reflects the way His eternal, unchanging plan unfolds within time. From our perspective, God’s responses to human actions (e.g., repentance, intercession) may look like changes, but they are part of His eternal design.
4. God’s Decrees vs. His Responses
Classical theists distinguish between God’s unchanging decrees and His responses within time. For instance, God’s decree to redeem humanity through Christ was established “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). Yet, He interacts with humanity in time, responding to our prayers, repentance, and actions. His responses are not evidence of change but a reflection of His consistent character applied in specific circumstances.
Why This Matters
Understanding that God does not change is crucial for our faith. It assures us that His promises are sure, His love is steadfast, and His justice is perfect. When we read passages where God appears to change His mind, we are reminded of His relational nature and His willingness to engage with us. These texts invite us to trust Him more deeply, knowing that His character and purposes are unshakeable.
Practical Takeaways
• Read Scripture in Context: When you encounter passages where God seems to change His mind, ask what the text reveals about His character and our relationship with Him.
• Remember God’s Consistent Character: God’s mercy, justice, and faithfulness are always at work, even when His actions seem different in various situations.
• Trust in God’s Unchanging Promises: Because God does not change, we can rest in the assurance that His promises are reliable and His love for us is steadfast.
God’s unchanging nature doesn’t mean He’s distant or uninvolved. On the contrary, He is deeply relational, meeting us where we are while remaining perfectly faithful to who He is. Let this truth bring peace and confidence to your walk with Him.
