“Unchanging” is a beloved worship song by Chris Tomlin, released on his second studio album Not to Us (2002). It is a hymn-like declaration of God’s faithfulness, constancy, and unfailing love. The Unchanging lyrics have brought comfort to millions of believers who anchor their trust in a God who never changes — not yesterday, not today, not forever.
[Verse 1]
Great is Your faithfulness
Great is Your faithfulness
You never change
You never fail, O God
[Verse 2]
True are Your promises
True are Your promises
You never change
You never fail, O God
[Chorus]
So we raise up holy hands
To praise the Holy One
Who was, and is, and is to come
Yeah, we raise up holy hands
To praise the Holy One
Who was, and is, and is to come
[Verse 3]
Wide is Your love and grace
Wide is Your love and grace
You never change
You never fail, O God
[Bridge]
You were, You are, You will always be
You were, You are, You will always be
Lyrics by Chris Tomlin
Song Meaning
Unchanging Lyrics Meaning – Chris Tomlin
"Unchanging" by Chris Tomlin is one of the most theologically rich and emotionally anchoring worship songs of the modern era. In a world defined by constant change — in relationships, in circumstances, in culture — this song plants a flag in the unchanging character of God.
"Great is Your faithfulness" — this phrase echoes Lamentations 3:23, one of the most famous declarations of God's consistency. Even in Jeremiah's darkest season, he found a reason to worship: God's mercies are new every morning. His faithfulness is not occasional; it is great — overwhelming, reliable, inexhaustible.
"You never change, You never fail, O God" — this is the theological foundation of the entire song. The technical term is immutability: God does not change. He does not become more loving on good days and less loving on hard ones. He does not modify His promises based on our performance. He is the same — always.
"True are Your promises" — in a world of broken promises, this is deeply comforting. Every promise God has made in Scripture remains in full force. Nothing has voided them. Nothing can.
"Wide is Your love and grace" — the song then moves to God's character: His love and grace are described as wide. Not narrow, not selective, not conditional. They are wide enough to cover the worst sin, the deepest wound, the most broken life.
"So we raise up holy hands to praise the Holy One" — the response is physical and communal. Raised hands are a posture of surrender, of praise, and of welcome. We do not raise them to impress God; we raise them because we cannot help ourselves.
"Who was, and is, and is to come" — this phrase from Revelation 1:8 and 4:8 captures God's eternal nature. He was present in eternity past, He is present right now in this moment, and He will be present in every future moment we face.
The Unchanging lyrics meaning is ultimately this: whatever you are facing right now, the God you worship has not changed. His faithfulness is still great. His promises are still true. His love is still wide. And He will always be.
Bible Verse
I the Lord do not change— Malachi 3:6
Chords
Unchanging Chords – Chris Tomlin Key: Ab (Original) | Simplified to G for acoustic [Verse] G C – Great is Your faithfulness D C G – You never change, You never fail, O God [Chorus] Em7 G C2 – So we raise up holy hands Em7 Bsus B G – To praise the Holy One, who was and is and is to come [Bridge] G D Em C – You were, You are, You will always be Strumming Pattern: D – DU – UDU (reverent, moderate)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of Unchanging by Chris Tomlin?
Unchanging is a declaration of God's absolute constancy — His faithfulness, His promises, and His love never waver or fail. It is a song of deep comfort and theological confidence, rooted in Malachi 3:6 and Lamentations 3:23.
2. Who wrote Unchanging and when was it released?
Unchanging was written and performed by Chris Tomlin, released in 2002 on his second studio album Not to Us (Sixstepsrecords).
3. Is Unchanging based on the Bible?
Yes. The song draws from Malachi 3:6 (God does not change), Lamentations 3:23 (great is Your faithfulness), and Revelation 1:8 (who was, and is, and is to come).
4. When can I use Unchanging in worship?
Unchanging is perfect for times of uncertainty, grief, or transition — any moment when the congregation needs to be reminded that God's character and promises remain firm regardless of circumstances.