If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Believe not - `if we are unbelieving' х apistoumen (G569)]; continued unbelief: a further step than 'denying' (2 Timothy 2:12), which might be temporary. He remains faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9-10). 'Aleph (') Delta G (but not C, Vulgate) read 'for.' He cannot possibly deny Himself. He can do all things consistent with His being God, supremely true, good, and wise. He cannot break His word, that He will deny these who deny Him, though we break our profession of faith in Him (Romans 3:3). Three things are impossible to God-to die, to lie, and to be deceived (Augustine, 'Symbolum ad Catechumenos,' 1: 1) (Hebrews 6:18). This impossibility is not infirmity, but infinite majesty. Comfort is suggested to believers, that He is faithful to His promises to them; while apostates are stripped of their self-deceiving fancy, that because they change, Christ will.