Two Unchangeable Things – Hebrews 6:16-18
Oct 1, 2025 19
[16] For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. [17] 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, [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. (ESV)
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Why Oaths Matter
In the ancient world, when people wanted to end an argument or confirm a claim, they would swear an oath by someone greater than themselves. That way, their words carried weight.
But there is no one greater than God. So when He wanted to give Abraham – and all his spiritual descendants – absolute assurance, He swore by Himself. God’s promise was already secure, but His oath doubled down to make it “more convincing” to the heirs of the promise.
Two Unchangeable Things
Hebrews says we have “two unchangeable things” – God’s promise and God’s oath – in which it is impossible for Him to lie.
Think about that. Our world is filled with broken promises, slippery words, and unreliable people. But God’s character is the opposite. He is the truth. He cannot lie. His promises are certain. His purposes never change.
That’s why this is such strong encouragement. Our security doesn’t rest on our feelings or our ability to keep it all together. It rests on the God who makes promises and cannot break them.
The Gospel Anchor
God’s promises to Abraham find their ultimate fulfilment in Jesus. In Genesis 12, God promised Abraham a family, a land, and blessing for the nations. Through Jesus – the true offspring of Abraham – the blessing of salvation has gone out to the world.
The gospel is the good news that God keeps His word. He has kept His promises to Abraham by sending Christ, who, through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection, has brought blessing to the nations. And because God has already kept His biggest promises in Jesus, we can be sure He will keep every promise still to come.
Reflection
Where do you need encouragement today to keep trusting God’s unchangeable word? Write down one promise of God from Scripture and cling to it.
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