Immutability Of God Essay

Among topics within the realm of the doctrine of God, God’s love holds significance for the believer and non-believer alike. At the heart of the debate is the immutability of God; which is the view that God is neither unchanged, no able to change regarding his characteristics and his nature. Kevin Vanhoozer relates the classical view of the immutability of God to his perfect, unchangeable characteristics. When referencing Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas, Vanhoozer states the doctrine of divine immutability is, “God’s being and God’s will are unconditional. God cannot change, for he is perfect.” Similarly, the doctrine of divine sovereignty as, “God’s will is the final explanation for everything happening.” The common understanding is that classical theology holds to the belief in the immutability of God. Conversely, the contemporary view is less likely of complete subscription to the immutability of God. An example of such is Open theology, which suggest …show more content…
He asserts that Plato taught a type of, ‘need love’ which is, “geared to the satisfaction of some physical, mental, or spiritual desire within the self.” In opposition, Nygren believes more of a ‘gift love’, which is “characteristically centered in the other rather than on the fulfillment of some need in the self.” Vanhoozer and Badcock share similar sentiments regarding the conclusion of Nygren, both disagree with his ‘gift love’ on a number of grounds. A proper place to land would be somewhere in the middle of the two. It must be understood that Vanhoozer is against any possibility of egoism within the ‘need love’ teaching of Plato; however, the egoism does not subject the complete doctrine of God’s love to be eliminated. Man is indeed in desperate need of salvation from sin and such salvation and deliverance from sin might allow for a proper understanding of God’s