Variableness
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Variableness refers to the quality of being changeable or inconsistent. In the context of biblical teachings, variableness is often contrasted with the unchanging nature of God. The concept is significant in understanding the steadfastness and reliability of God's character and promises, as opposed to the fickle and unpredictable nature of human beings and the world.

Scriptural References:

1. James 1:17 : "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow." This verse highlights the constancy of God, emphasizing that unlike the shifting shadows, God does not change. The term "shifting shadow" is illustrative of variableness, suggesting that while the world and its circumstances may be in constant flux, God's nature and His gifts remain consistent and reliable.

2. Malachi 3:6 : "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." Here, God's unchanging nature is presented as a source of stability and assurance for His people. The lack of variableness in God is a foundation for His faithfulness and mercy, ensuring that His covenant promises remain intact despite human failings.

3. Hebrews 13:8 : "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." This passage underscores the immutability of Christ, affirming that His character and divine nature are not subject to change. The absence of variableness in Jesus provides believers with a constant and dependable foundation for faith and life.

Theological Implications:

The concept of variableness is crucial in understanding the nature of God as opposed to the nature of creation. While humans and the created order are subject to change, growth, and decay, God remains eternally the same. This immutability is a cornerstone of Christian theology, providing believers with confidence in God's promises and His eternal plan.

The absence of variableness in God assures believers that His love, justice, and mercy are not subject to the whims of time or circumstance. This constancy is a source of comfort and hope, especially in a world marked by uncertainty and change.

Practical Applications:

1. Trust in God's Promises: Understanding God's unchanging nature encourages believers to trust in His promises, knowing that what He has spoken will come to pass without alteration.

2. Stability in Faith: In a world that is constantly changing, the unchanging nature of God provides a stable foundation for faith. Believers can find peace and assurance in the knowledge that God's character and His Word remain constant.

3. Moral and Ethical Consistency: As God is unchanging, His moral and ethical standards remain the same. Believers are called to reflect this consistency in their own lives, striving to live according to the unchanging truths of Scripture.

In summary, variableness is a concept that highlights the contrast between the changeable nature of the world and the immutable nature of God. This understanding is foundational for a life of faith, providing assurance and stability in the promises and character of God.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) The quality or state of being variable; variability.
Greek
3883. parallage -- change
... fickleness, variableness. From a compound of para and allasso; transmutation (of
phase or orbit), ie (figuratively) fickleness: variableness. see GREEK para. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3883.htm - 6k
Library

"God, with whom is no Variableness. "
... CHARACTER, ATTRIBUTES AND PROVIDENCE OF GOD. 146. " "God, with whom is no Variableness.".
146. LM Walker's Coll. "God, with whom is no Variableness.". ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/146 god with whom.htm

Of the Errors of Philosophers, and the Variableness of Law.
... the divine institutes Book VI. Of True Worship. Chap. VIII."Of the Errors
of Philosophers, and the Variableness of Law. This is ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap viii of the errors of.htm

The Days of the Week
... Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the
Father of lights, with whom is neither variableness, nor shadow of turning. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxv the days of.htm

The Unchangeableness of God
... His essence shines with a fixed lustre. With whom is no variableness, neither shadow
of turning.' James 1:17. Thou art the same.' Psalm 102:27. ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/4 the unchangeableness of god.htm

Letter ix. To Maximus the Philosopher.
... is not satisfied with laying down a difference of hypostases, but must needs assert
also difference of substance, diminution of power, and variableness of glory ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ix to maximus the.htm

The Word of God.
... heaven. In Thee is no carelessness, neglect, slothfulness, nor caprice.
Thou hast no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Thou ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xiv the word of.htm

Triumphant Prayer
... I suppose that none of us will say that the reason is in any variableness of that
unalterable, uniform, ever present, ever full, divine gift of God's Spirit to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/triumphant prayer.htm

The Infallibility of God's Purpose
... in the day of temptation if now through divine grace you can come near to God and
offer him the tribute of our devotion, who is without variableness or shadow ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the infallibility of gods purpose.htm

Sowing Beside all Waters.
... national life, Isaiah turned to the bright vision of those servants of God whose
faith should never fail, and in whom there should be no variableness, and no ...
/.../percival/sermons at rugby/ix sowing beside all waters.htm

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of ...
... It declares that He is Immutable: "The same yesterday, and today, and forever"
(Heb.13:8). Yea, that with Him "is no variableness, neither shadow of turning ...
/.../pink/the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter four the character of.htm

Thesaurus
Variableness (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The quality or state of being variable; variability.
Multi-Version Concordance Variableness (1 Occurrence). ...
/v/variableness.htm - 6k

Vapours (5 Occurrences)

/v/vapours.htm - 7k

Variance (1 Occurrence)

/v/variance.htm - 7k

Shadow (72 Occurrences)
... In James 1:17, we have in the King James Version, "the Father of lights, with whom
is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (aposkiasma); the Revised ...
/s/shadow.htm - 35k

Shade (67 Occurrences)
... In James 1:17, we have in the King James Version, "the Father of lights, with whom
is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (aposkiasma); the Revised ...
/s/shade.htm - 31k

Shadowing (3 Occurrences)
... In James 1:17, we have in the King James Version, "the Father of lights, with whom
is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (aposkiasma); the Revised ...
/s/shadowing.htm - 10k

Resources
What is the immutability of God? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org

Variableness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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