Can God Change His Mind Or Repent?

Sermon Title: Can God Change His Mind or Repent?

Scripture Foundation: Numbers 23:19 (KJV)

"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent..."

Introduction

Here is a sermon centered on the question: "Can God Change His Mind or Repent?" This message explores the mystery of God’s immutability versus His relational interaction with humankind. It draws from Scripture to examine instances where God appeared to change His mind.

Have you ever asked God to change a verdict you felt was already decided?

Have you ever wondered, “If God is all-knowing and unchanging, why does He sometimes act as if He changes His mind?”

Today, we will explore the tension between God’s unchanging nature and the times in Scripture when it seems like He does change His mind—or “repents.”

I. God’s Nature: Unchanging and Sovereign

Key Verse: Malachi 3:6

"For I am the Lord, I change not..."

God’s character and divine purposes are unchanging.

His justice, mercy, holiness, and truth are eternal.

But then... why do we find verses that suggest otherwise?

II. Instances Where God Appears to Change His Mind

1. The Case of Nineveh – Jonah 3:10

"And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not."

God sent Jonah to declare judgment.

The people repented, and in response, God withheld judgment.

God’s change was not a change in His character but in His response to human repentance.

2. Moses Intercedes – Exodus 32:9–14

After Israel’s idolatry with the golden calf, God declared He would destroy them.

Moses pleaded with God.

Verse 14: “And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.”

God relented—not because He changed His nature, but because He honored the intercession of Moses. This reveals a God who is just and merciful.

3. King Hezekiah – 2 Kings 20:1–6

The prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah to set his house in order—he was going to die.

Hezekiah prayed with tears.

God added 15 years to his life.

God responded to prayer. The decree was changed—not because God made a mistake—but because He invites relationship and response.

III. Understanding “Repent” or “Change” in Scripture

The word “repent” when applied to God is not about sin or wrongdoing—it refers to a change in course of action in light of human behavior.

Hebrew Word: Nacham can mean “to be moved to pity, to relent.”

It’s anthropomorphic language—human terms used to help us understand divine action.

IV. What Does This Mean for Us Today?

1. God is Relational

God engages with humanity. Our prayers matter. Our repentance matters.

Jeremiah 18:7-10 clearly shows that God may change His decree based on a nation's behavior.

2. God’s Ultimate Will is Unchanging

Though God may adjust His dealings with us, His ultimate purposes never change.

3. God Invites Intercession

Just like Moses and Hezekiah, we are called to stand in the gap.

Ezekiel 22:30 “I sought for a man among them…”

Conclusion:

Can God change His mind?

Not in the sense of being unstable or fickle.

But yes, in response to prayer, repentance, and intercession, God may relent or adjust His dealings with us.

That is not a sign of weakness but of a deeply relational God. A God who listens. A God who responds.

Call to Action:

Will you be like Jonah—or like Moses?

Will you pray and intercede?

Will you repent and believe God can turn situations around?

Closing Prayer:

"Lord, we thank You that You are unchanging in character but full of mercy in Your dealings with us. Teach us to pray like Moses, to repent like Nineveh, and to trust like Hezekiah. May we never take Your mercy for granted, but walk in awe of Your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen."