Something God Can’t Do

Articles

1

“So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.” —Hebrews 6:17-18

While it may seem strange to think there is something God cannot do, Hebrews reminds us it is “impossible for God to lie.” God is truth! He is the standard of truth, and everything about Him is truth. It’s not simply hard for God to lie—that would be an issue of validity. It’s not unlikely that God would lie—that would be a matter of probability. It is impossible for God to lie—that’s an aspect of His inviolable attributes—something God cannot and therefore will not do.

Think of all of the reasons why people lie. Even if God could lie, He would have no motivation. He can gain nothing by lying. Everything He wants to have happen, happens. Every word He says is true. He’s afraid of nothing, and He’s right about everything. He doesn’t forget anything. Nothing about Him ever changes. He is a Rock—He’s God!

Because He never lies, when God says something, you can be sure He’ll do it. So when He says we are “heirs of the promise,” He wants us to be convinced of His faithfulness.

When God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, He made room for you there, too. Galatians 3:29 says, “If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.” So, if by faith you have trusted in Christ for forgiveness and eternal life, you’re in on the promises God has made. The writer of Hebrews confirmed our part in God’s promises by highlighting the “unchangeable character of his purpose.” We may waver and wander; God is always on task and on track. Both His promises and His character are “unchangeable”!

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Satan, the ultimate antithesis of God. While God is the best truth teller, Satan is the worst liar. John 8:44 says, “[Satan] is a liar and the father of lies.” He cannot tell the truth. Satan will never even mention the truth to you unless it is wrapped around a deceptive lie. That was the tactic he used with Jesus when they met in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). The devil quoted Scripture to Jesus, but only to twist it for his manipulative purposes.

You can’t count on anything Satan tells you; but you can rest the full weight of your life on God and His Word.

If you think about it, you can probably come up with a number of promises God is keeping right now. Take a few minutes to list them—God’s promises are your hope. He wants you to rest in His absolute reliability so that “we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.”

Journal

As you listed the promises God is keeping right now, which one or two are the most precious to you?

Why is it important that God cannot lie?

Are you staying alert to any of Satan’s lies that you may be entertaining?

Pray

Lord, I remain in awe of Your promises. How can a person like me be in the sights of Your great love and mercy? Yet, You have assured me You love me with an everlasting love. How can I not come to You in humble adoration and seek to know You better? Thank You that the joy of knowing Your faithfulness is not affected by my failures, but guided by Your unchangeable character. Receive my obedience today as a gesture of gratitude for all You have done for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.