What God Cannot Do

Hebrews 6:18  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.

Why is it that witnesses in a court proceeding are always sworn in with the words: "Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?" It is because all mankind has the tendency to be devious and to outright lie. We simply cannot be trusted to always tell the truth. Therefore, under threat of imprisonment for perjury, it is a necessity for witnesses to agree to a solemn oath of truthfulness.

As the author of Hebrews refers to the promise of eternal life, he too refers to "an oath" (Hebrews 6:17). He was reminding his fellow Jews: "God made [a] promise to Abraham" (vs. 13). Specifically, God promised Abraham that He would make of him "a great nation," bless him, "make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing; And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee; and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:2-3). It is important for us to realize that inherent in the above promise was also the promise of eternal life. We learn from Titus 1:2 that the "hope of eternal life...[was given] before the world began." Paul explained to the Jews that God had promised a resurrection from the dead "unto [all] the fathers" (of Israel-Acts 13:28-34). It was primarily this promise of a resurrection to eternal life that the author of Hebrews referred to when he pointed back to Abraham as an example of God always fulfilling all of His promises. This promise of eternal life served as "an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:19). But the rock into which the anchor of confidence rested was God's oath. What was this oath? It was His steadfast promise that "it was impossible for God to lie" (Hebrews 6:18). Man can and does lie. In contrast, because God is righteous and holy, He gave us His oath that He cannot lie. That means His promise of resurrection to eternal life, to those who receive it by faith alone, is steadfast and sure. Moses wrote saying, Jehovah is a "God of truth." David sang to God: "thy words be true" and the Lord "keepeth truth forever" (II Samuel 7:28; Psalm 146:6).

If you've trusted in Christ alone, never waver in your confidence of eternal life. "God, that cannot lie" promised it (Titus 1:2).

Article: by Pastor John Fredericksen / Daily Transformation

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Bible Verses

1. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): Explanation: This verse reminds us that God has plans for our lives, plans for our welfare and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope. His promises include a purpose and a future that He is actively working to fulfill.

2. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV): Explanation: This verse assures us that as we trust in the Lord, we will experience the fulfillment of His promise of renewed strength and endurance. In times of weariness and trials, we can rely on His strength to carry us through.

3. Psalm 37:4 (NIV): Explanation: Delighting in the Lord involves finding joy and satisfaction in Him. When we do, He promises to give us the desires of our hearts. This doesn’t mean He fulfills every fleeting desire, but He aligns our desires with His will.

4. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): Explanation: Trusting in the Lord with all our hearts and leaning not on our understanding means acknowledging God’s wisdom over our own. When we do, He promises to make our paths straight, guiding us in His way.

5. Romans 8:28 (NIV): Explanation: This verse reminds us that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Even in difficult circumstances, God’s promises include the assurance that He can bring good out of them.

6. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV): Explanation: In Christ, all of God’s promises are “Yes.” This means that every promise in the Bible finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises of redemption, salvation, and eternal life.

7. Psalm 84:11 (NIV): Explanation: This verse emphasizes that God does not withhold good things from those who walk uprightly. His promises include provision, protection, and favor for those who live in accordance with His ways.

8. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): Explanation: God promises to be with us and help us in times of fear and trouble. His presence and strength are a source of comfort and assurance, ensuring that His promises are fulfilled in our lives.

9. Hebrews 10:23 (NIV): Explanation: We are encouraged to hold fast to our confession of hope without wavering because God, who promised, is faithful. His faithfulness is the foundation upon which we can trust that His promises will be fulfilled.

10. Philippians 4:19 (NIV): Explanation: This verse assures us that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus. His promise encompasses not only our physical needs but also our spiritual and emotional well-being.