QUESTION:<\/strong> How can both of these be true? Does God regret or not?<\/p>\n ANSWER:<\/strong> In Numbers 23:19<\/strong>, we learn that God is not like us<\/strong>. He doesn’t lie or change His mind impulsively. This affirms His immutability<\/strong>, a core attribute of God meaning He does not change in His nature, character, or eternal purposes.<\/p>\n Malachi 3:6<\/strong> confirms this: This means when God makes a decision, it\u2019s never out of ignorance or misjudgment. He sees the beginning and the end of every matter (Isaiah 46:10).<\/p>\n When the Bible says in 1 Samuel 15:11<\/strong> that God \u201cregretted\u201d making Saul king, it is using anthropopathism<\/strong>\u2014a literary device where human emotions are attributed to God so we can understand His actions.<\/p>\n God doesn’t regret the way people do (out of mistake or unforeseen consequences). Instead, it\u2019s an expression of His grief over Saul’s rebellion. This is similar to a parent who knows their child will make a mistake but still feels real sadness when it happens.<\/p>\n Later in the same chapter, it clarifies:<\/p>\n This shows that God\u2019s regret isn’t about changing His eternal plan<\/strong>, but expressing divine sorrow<\/strong> over human sin.<\/p>\n God\u2019s foreknowledge<\/strong>\u2014His ability to know everything before it happens\u2014doesn\u2019t make Him emotionless. He knew Saul would fail, but that doesn\u2019t stop Him from expressing sorrow when it actually happens.<\/p>\n Similarly, in Genesis 6:6<\/strong>, it says:<\/p>\n “The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Again, this doesn’t mean God made a mistake, but it shows His heartache over humanity\u2019s corruption.<\/p>\n God often relates to humanity within time and experience to teach, test, or grow us<\/strong>. In Exodus 32:14<\/strong>, when Moses pleads with God not to destroy Israel, the text says:<\/p>\n “Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n This was not because God changed His eternal plan, but because He wanted Moses to intercede<\/strong>, displaying leadership and mercy.<\/p>\n The presence of anointing, gifts, or calling<\/strong> does not guarantee one\u2019s salvation. Saul was chosen, anointed, and empowered\u2014but he disobeyed and was rejected.<\/p>\n Jesus warns in Matthew 7:21\u201323<\/strong>:<\/p>\n “Not everyone who says to me, \u2018Lord, Lord,\u2019 will enter the kingdom of heaven… Many will say… \u2018Did we not prophesy… and in your name perform many miracles?\u2019 Then I will tell them plainly, \u2018I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!\u2019”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n This shows that obedience and relationship with Christ<\/strong> are what truly matter\u2014not gifts or titles.<\/p>\n While Romans 11:29<\/strong> says “God\u2019s gifts and his call are irrevocable,”<\/em> this refers to God’s covenant promises (e.g., to Israel). On a personal level, if someone lives in persistent disobedience, God may withdraw His hand or favor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Saul\u2019s story is a warning: a good beginning doesn\u2019t guarantee a good ending (1 Samuel 13\u201315).<\/p>\n CONCLUSION:<\/strong> The Bigger Question:<\/strong> \u201cSo, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don\u2019t fall!\u201d \u2013 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n For Prayer \/ Worship Schedule \/ Counseling \/ Questions:<\/strong> Please share this message with others.<\/strong>
\nPraise the Lord, servant of God. I\u2019ve been reading the Bible and came across two verses that seem to contradict each other. One says God doesn\u2019t change His mind or regret, and another says He does:<\/p>\n\n
\n“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”<\/em><\/li>\n
\n“I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.”<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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\nGreat question\u2014and one that has deep theological significance. The short answer is this: God does not regret in the human sense<\/strong>, but He does express sorrow or grief in ways we can understand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\n1. God\u2019s Nature Is Immutable (Unchanging)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”<\/em><\/p>\n
\n2. Anthropopathism: God Speaks in Human Terms<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n“He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.”<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n3. Foreknowledge Doesn\u2019t Eliminate Emotion<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n4. God\u2019s Interactions Are Relational, Not Mechanical<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n5. Spiritual Gifts Are Not Proof of Salvation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n6. Callings Can Be Revoked<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nGod does not regret like humans, nor does He make mistakes. When the Bible says He regrets or relents, it\u2019s expressing His heart in ways we can understand<\/strong>. He grieves over sin and disobedience\u2014not because He didn\u2019t foresee them, but because He is a personal, relational God who cares deeply.<\/p>\n
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\nAre you walking in true obedience to Christ? Have you surrendered your life to Him completely? Remember, gifts and calling without holiness will not save us. We must remain faithful to the end.<\/p>\n
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\n+255693036618 or +255789001312<\/p>\n
\nJesus is coming soon. Be ready.<\/strong><\/p>\n