The Stability of God

The concept of God's stability is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing His unchanging nature, faithfulness, and eternal presence. In the Old Testament, God is often described as a rock or fortress, symbolizing His steadfastness and reliability. For instance, in Deuteronomy 32:4, God is referred to as "The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This imagery conveys the idea that God is a secure foundation upon which believers can depend.

The Psalms frequently highlight God's stability. Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Here, the psalmist expresses trust in God's unwavering support and protection. Similarly, Psalm 46:1-2 states, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas." This passage reassures believers of God's constant presence and unshakeable nature, even amidst chaos.

In the New Testament, the stability of God is further affirmed through the person of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:8 proclaims, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." This verse underscores the consistency and permanence of Christ's character and His divine nature. Additionally, James 1:17 emphasizes God's unchanging goodness: "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."

The Instability of Idols

In stark contrast to the stability of God, the Bible portrays idols as inherently unstable and unreliable. Idolatry is consistently condemned throughout Scripture, as idols are seen as man-made objects that lack life, power, and the ability to save. In Isaiah 44:9-10, the futility of idol worship is highlighted: "Those who fashion idols are all nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Those who would speak up for them are blind; they are ignorant, to their own shame. Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing?"

The prophets often mocked the absurdity of idol worship. Jeremiah 10:5 describes idols as "like scarecrows in a cucumber patch; they cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, nor can they do any good." This passage illustrates the impotence of idols, contrasting sharply with the living and active nature of God.

The New Testament continues this theme, warning against the dangers of idolatry. In Acts 17:29, Paul addresses the Athenians, saying, "Being then God’s offspring, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination." Here, Paul emphasizes that God transcends any physical representation and cannot be confined to material objects.

Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 acknowledges the existence of many so-called gods and lords, yet affirms the supremacy of the one true God: "We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many 'gods' and many 'lords'), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist."

In summary, the Bible consistently contrasts the stability and faithfulness of God with the instability and futility of idols. While God is depicted as a reliable and eternal refuge, idols are portrayed as powerless and transient, unable to provide true security or salvation.