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Divine Essentialism contends that God’s moral commands flow from his unchanging essence. Rather than grounding morality in arbitrary decrees, this view asserts that moral truths originate in the permanent character of the One who cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). The alternative, known as divine voluntarism, proposes that something is good solely because God wills it. Essentialism, however, maintains that God wills what is good because his nature is good, providing an unshakable basis for moral absolutes.

Philosophical Basis for an Unchanging Moral Nature

The understanding that God’s nature remains constant is crucial to comprehending His moral authority. Philosophers have argued that God is immutable because He is pure actuality, without potential for change. While Exodus 3:14 is often referenced, its literal Hebrew, ʼEh·yehʹ ʼAsherʹ ʼEh·yehʹ, translates to “I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be,” spoken around 1446 B.C.E. This reveals not a static “I am,” but God’s dynamic purpose to become what is necessary to fulfill His will toward others. Yet, this adaptability in action does not mean His essence changes. His nature remains fixed, even as He acts purposefully within it.

God’s perfection also requires immutability. A perfect being cannot improve or decline, for change would imply a prior deficiency or a loss. Hebrews 6:18 in the ASV states, “it is impossible that God should lie,” showing His nature is inherently truthful and stable. If God changed, He would either gain what He lacked—denying His perfection—or lose something, making Him less than whole. Neither fits the biblical God.

Additionally, God’s simplicity supports this truth. A changing being must have parts—some that alter, some that persist. Yet, God is a unified essence. James 1:17 in the ASV declares, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.” This philosophical coherence matches Scripture’s portrayal of God as eternally unwavering.

Biblical Testimony of God’s Immutability

Scripture consistently proclaims that Jehovah does not change. Malachi 3:6 states: “I, Jehovah, do not change.” The psalmist highlights this constancy at Psalm 102:25–27, showing that the heavens themselves will wear out, yet God remains the same. First Samuel 15:29 adds that “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man.” The Bible’s authors knew that God’s dependability is rooted in his very nature, not in shifting situations.

The New Testament reiterates these truths. Titus 1:2 upholds that “God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” Hebrews 1:10–12 echoes the psalmist’s words about God’s enduring attributes. Because God’s nature stands firm, his moral commands must be consistent with perfect righteousness. There is no possibility of a “new morality” that reverses the essence of good. Good is what God’s character reveals, not the result of a sudden decree.

Practical Implications for Moral Certainty

Divine Essentialism sustains moral stability. Believers can place absolute trust in God’s declarations, knowing he does not arbitrarily redefine what is right or wrong. Isaiah 55:11 shows that God’s word will accomplish what he intends, reinforcing the principle that his promises do not waver. This also means his expectations for human conduct remain anchored in eternal love and justice.

Life’s difficulties do not weaken or modify God’s integrity. James 1:17 emphasizes that every good gift comes from the Father “who does not change like shifting shadows.” This consistent nature grants confidence that he will not inflict evils to test individuals, nor will he entice them to do wrong (James 1:13). At every point in history, Jehovah’s holiness remains the same, and what he approves remains the same.

Those who embrace Divine Essentialism find genuine peace because the One they worship cannot alter his essential goodness. A changeable God would leave humanity in chaos, never certain whether moral laws might be revoked. Instead, Scripture shows that Jehovah’s character is a refuge for those who seek steadfast moral guidelines.

Addressing Objections About Divine Change

Some passages speak of God “repenting” or “relenting.” Genesis 6:6 describes his regret over making humanity at a time when wickedness was rampant. Jonah 3:10 portrays his decision to withhold destruction from Nineveh once they turned from evil. Numbers 14:11–20 records Moses’ plea for Israel, resulting in Jehovah’s compassion. Yet these accounts do not show genuine changes in God’s essence. Rather, they illustrate that human behavior changed in relationship to his consistent righteousness. God’s disposition toward unrepentant evil or humble repentance remains fixed in his nature.

Another common objection arises from the idea of divine sovereignty. Certain passages point to God doing as he pleases (Job 42:2) or having mercy on whom he desires (Romans 9:15). These verses do not contradict the essentialist perspective but merely demonstrate that God’s actions remain free within the boundary of his unchangeable goodness. His will, though absolutely sovereign, is grounded in moral perfection. This ensures that acts of compassion, justice, and love are forever in harmony with his nature.

Why God’s Goodness Cannot Be Arbitrary

If morality were established by decree alone, independent of God’s intrinsic perfection, it would imply that God could decide tomorrow that cruelty is good or that lying is praiseworthy. Such a notion conflicts with countless scriptural witnesses to his impeccable justice and benevolence (Deuteronomy 32:4). It also fails logically because a being who could reverse all moral definitions would be unpredictable and untrustworthy. By contrast, an immutable God never permits wrongdoing to be regarded as right, because he himself is the true standard for what is and will ever be good.

A further reason to reject purely voluntaristic ethics is that Scripture depicts God as deeply compassionate and righteous. The living God who delivered Israel from Egypt in 1446 B.C.E. is the same who reveals steadfast love through Christ centuries later. If God’s nature itself contained any potential for contradiction, the continuity displayed across biblical history would be inexplicable. Instead, there is an unbroken consistency rooted in the moral perfection that has always defined who he is.

Conclusion

Divine Essentialism offers a compelling explanation for why God’s moral will remains firmly grounded in his unalterable nature. Scripture insists that Jehovah stands above shifting passions, while philosophical reasoning underscores that an infinitely perfect being cannot improve or decline. Believers gain assurance from a God who is perpetually trustworthy, one who does not redefine good and evil but forever embodies moral perfection. Such bedrock certainty enables the faithful to live with firm confidence, knowing that the same One who promised blessings to Abraham will stay consistent through every generation.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).