Immutable: It Just Ain't Gonna Happen

When we read Hebrews 6:18, it feels like a solid rock to cling to in the midst of a storm in the middle of the ocean. It speaks of two things, God’s promise and His oath, and these two things are utterly immutable. Let’s break it down and see how this powerful truth anchors our souls and gives us confidence.

The verse says, “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.” (Hebrews 6:18, KJV)

Now, the first word that catches our attention here is immutable. This isn’t just a word you throw around lightly. It’s a powerful word. In Greek, immutable is ametathetos (ἀμετάθετος, cannot be changed, unalterable), which means something that cannot change, cannot be altered. It’s like a foundation that’s set in stone, unmovable, unshakable, and totally reliable. When we talk about God’s promises and His oaths being immutable, we’re saying that there’s absolutely no way for them to be changed or undone.

Why is this so important? Because this is not just about a promise that might or might not come through. This is God’s Word and God’s oath, and He has declared, with the full weight of His being, that what He says, He will do. He’s not like us. He doesn’t make promises that fall flat or backtrack when things get hard. When God speaks, it’s like the creation of the world: it is done (Genesis 1:3). His Word cannot fail. And when He swears an oath, there is no higher authority to appeal to (Hebrews 6:13-14). He swears by Himself, because He is the highest.

When Hebrews 6:18 says it’s impossible for God to lie, it uses the Greek word adynaton (ἀδύνατον, impossible, cannot happen), meaning something that cannot happen. It’s like saying, “There’s no way this could ever occur.” Not even the smallest possibility of God deceiving or failing to deliver. Imagine that, impossible. That’s not just about being truthful; it’s about the nature of God. Lying isn’t even a consideration for Him. It’s “not in His DNA” (Titus 1:2).

This is why the two immutable things, His promise and His oath, are the foundation of our strong consolation. The word consolation here is paraklēsis (παράκλησις, comfort, encouragement, calling near), which means comfort, encouragement, and a calling near. It’s not just “comfort” like a soft pillow; it’s deep, lasting, strengthening. It’s the kind of assurance that says, “I know what I’m standing on, and I know it’s never going to move.” This isn’t just a feeling of calm; it’s a powerful anchor in our lives. It’s what holds us steady when everything else shakes (Psalm 62:2).

Now, what does that comfort mean in the context of us? The verse says it’s for those who have fled for refuge, that’s us, the ones running to Yeshua as our place of safety. We are the ones who are guilty of sin, who deserve to be cast out, but instead, we find that there is a refuge, a place to run to, a city of safety where we are protected. This image takes us back to the cities of refuge in the Torah (Numbers 35:11-15), where someone who accidentally killed another could flee and find protection from vengeance. In the same way, we run to Yeshua, knowing we’ve messed up, but He is our refuge, our place of safety from the judgment we deserve (Matthew 11:28).

But what do we do when we get there? We lay hold of the hope set before us. That phrase, “lay hold,” in Greek is katechō (κατέχω, to grip tightly, seize, take possession of), meaning to grip tightly, to seize or take possession of. It’s not a passive hope that just sits there in the distance. It’s an active, confident hope that we cling to, we don’t let go of it. The hope we’re gripping tightly to isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s a sure and certain hope because it’s based on two immutable things, God’s promise and His oath. And that hope is the hope of glory, the expectation of everything God has promised us in Yeshua (Romans 5:2, Colossians 1:27).

This hope isn’t just an “I hope it happens” kind of thing. It’s a confident expectation that what God has said, He will do. And when we know that, when we hold onto that kind of hope, we can endure anything, knowing that God’s Word is unshakable, His oath is rock-solid, and He is forever faithful. It’s the hope that makes our hearts unshakable, even in the hardest times (Isaiah 40:8).

Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on what this means for our lives today. There are so many things in this world that try to shake us, trials, difficulties, fears, disappointments. But when we hold onto God’s promise, when we trust in His immutable nature, we’re anchored. We’re safe. And no matter what the storms of life bring, we know that God’s Word and His promises can’t fail (Psalm 119:89).

When you feel like giving up, when it feels like the ground beneath you is shifting, remember, the God who promised is unchanging. He is immutable. His Word is sure. His oath is firm. And you can stand on that promise with everything you’ve got because it ain’t gonna happen that God will ever go back on His Word.

So take a deep breath, rest in that peace, and know that the hope you’ve laid hold of is the sure and certain hope of everything God has promised.