(04/06/2018) Why Does GOD "Repent"?

Today, reply is on divine confession, grace, repentance, and revelation.  One of the fighters in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “Anonymous” (no profile data shared) posted the following:



Did God do something wrong in Genesis 6:6?

I'm SORRY that I bumped into you. I REGRET stealing. I REPENT of my sins.



THE GOLDEN ARROW:   So the LORD sent pestilence upon Israel:  and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.  And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it:  and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD stood by the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.  And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.  (1st Chronicles 21:  14-16, King James Version, KJV)



THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Christianity Is A Relationship (04/05/2018); An Act of GOD? (12/20/2017); Neither “All-knowing” Nor “Omniscient” (11/07/2017); Having Consciousness of Death (11/03/2017); Making Sense of Preexistence? (10/06/2017); Corruption of Ones Spirit? (05/14/2017); Divine Knowing, Finite Will? (09/28/2016)



“Anonymous”, developing Christian believers are always a bit surprised to find language in the holy writings suggesting that GOD is not pleased with outcomes and responses to the word he himself has spoken and sent forth.  In effect, the perfect, unchanging Creator seems to confess having “changed his mind” and made a costly error when making decisions and exercising his sovereign will.  Correctly understood, mature followers grasp that the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead; the Trinity; the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit) are providing sacred knowledge and  further revelation of the divine makeup and process to benefit mankind following the fall of Adam.  Through judgment and expressions of divine wrath, otherwise unseen  grace, righteousness, and mercy become displayed; and GOD is to be seen saying he regrets the course that mankind through self-will has chosen to pursue as his created, for it has continued corruption in the earth, and irreversible operations of sin. 

That divinity is deeply moved and sorrows for mankind is not simply on the basis of finite human conduct (so to speak, you expect “babies” to make mistakes in the course of their growing up); and his suffering is not a matter of divinity being easily hurt, emotional, and vulnerable.  In the same way knowing the pattern ABCDEFG we can say XYZ is coming without being able to read minds, or tell what an individual’s specific future actions will be (i.e., destiny; fate; predestination), the consciousness of GOD apprehends mankind within cosmic  patterns that include the conditions of chaos, flux and instability that were in place before the foundations of heaven and earth were laid; the impact of events that must follow the operations of sin; the imperatives (i.e., things that must be done) and limitations of divine law as well as the true threat presented by sin.

Sin opposes the continued existence of divine law, the Lawgiver, and all divine order required for existence and life throughout the universe.  Sin may dominate awareness and self-will within created beings and living creatures.  Thus, sin must be annihilated (totally eliminated, erased, and wiped out).  However, sin has never been created by GOD, and may not be simply removed by a “do over.”  Therefore, the multiple operations of GOD include forbearance, forgiveness, imparting aspects of divine personhood, Incarnation (divinity using the form of mankind to appear on the earth as Jesus Christ), rebirth, reconciliation, and men being led to be Christ-like. 

Consider again the verse you cite in its context, a passage that showcases the grace of GOD along with the following that uses language from the Bible that are the genuine focus of godly faith.  The proclamations of punishment and wrath against sin made by GOD are usually “on the condition” that there is no change or repentance by mankind:

(1.)  Genesis 6:  5-8, King James Version (KJV):  5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.  6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.  7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.  8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

(2.)  Numbers 23:  19, KJV:  19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent:  hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

(3.)  Jonah 3:  3-10, KJV:  3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.  4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.  5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.  6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.  7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing:  let them not feed, nor drink water:  8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God:  yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.  9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?  10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

There is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, (4.)  Isaiah 55:  6-13, KJV:  6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:  7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:  and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.  10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth:  it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:  the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.  13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree:  and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.)  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX

Washington, DC

(06/21/2016) All Who Express Divinity

Points are shared, today, on the appearance of divinity as one indivisible and three inseparable persons.  By demanding that Spirit and divinity must appear in a material similitude of man, created beings and living creatures have challenged Deity to the highest level; and GOD has granted an answer that none may gainsay.  A clear and authoritative revelation has been provided such that those seeking further quarrel and dispute are without excuse or justification [Proverbs 21:  30, King James Version (KJV):  30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.]  One of the many fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information appears) posted the following:

God the father,Son and the Holy Spirit?

So you know how they say god the father son and the Holy Spirit and they also say Jesus is all three son spirit father, so is Jesus god?? Confused

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  (Philippians 2:  5-11, KJV)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  All Having One Consciousness? (06/13/2016); The Life Of GOD? (06/01/2016); The Problem of Faith? (05/22/2016); Sacred Knowledge and Christ (05/16/2016); The Cross Must Occur? (02/23/2016); 3 Persons, 3 Minds? (02/03/2016); The Bridge To Heaven (01/27/2016)

“Anonymous”, there are multiple manifestations (i.e., appearances) for the person and active presence of divinity that all correctly may be called “God”.  So to speak, anyone and everyone who perfectly expresses divinity is properly called, “God”.  In addition to immortality, incorruption, and purity, “God” will be exalted and set apart by such features as divine authority, awe, holiness, sacred knowledge, eternal purposes, righteousness, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin.  Sacred knowledge that makes Deity knowable and known (we say, prophecy, revelation) does not embrace many elements important to “secular knowledge.”  Thus, GOD can not be known at all by those who are in flesh (carnal; totally  dependent upon appetite, senses, emotions/mental functions) and relying upon such finite tools as intellect, logic, science, and technology as well as the frameworks of time and space.  Divinity who appears as spirit (we say, breath, life essence, word) that is diffuse and formless must be “apprehended” through responses that are in the nature of acceptance, discernment, and submission.  (Thus, Christian believers speak of being called, chosen, drawn to GOD, and elect.)  Only definitions and descriptions provided by GOD (that will remain partial and suggestive) may be regarded as appropriate or useful.  Many mature Christian believers acknowledge the fullness of GOD (we say, the GODhead) as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The three give expression to the consciousness, emanation, existence, presence, and purposes of one another; and are inseparable, interdependent and unified.  In this sense, one does not exist or function without the other.  Jesus Christ is an appearance of GOD using human form and various limitations and restraints to carryout sacred acts that accomplish eternal purposes.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC

(03/10/2013) Not Even Sorry?

My older brother Howard’s birthday is today, my older sister Barbara’s birthday, tomorrow, while my younger sister Cheryl celebrated another year toward the first part of March.  Forgiveness and grace are in view, today, along with more on accepting limits set by GOD.  A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “K” (Level 4 with 4,422 points, a member since June 12, 2010) posted the following:

How can you forgive someone who is not even sorry?
And not only that, but blames you for what they did?
I feel it is best just to separate myself from such people.
What is your view on this?

Additional Details
No actually, it's very right. The Bible talks a lot on forgiveness.

THE BATTLE AXE:  Wanting to Have Our Way (03/09/2013)—As children we often enjoy stories of heroes that have “super powers” allowing them to do fantastic deeds.  We wish that we ourselves could see through walls, run as fast as the speed of light, or fly without the aide of machinery.  Even so, most children accept that having such skills are not truly part of human reality; and we are not discouraged from doing the best we can to fulfill our own human potential for becoming a respected adult.  Similarly, Christian believers must acknowledge limitations of both divine and human reality whereby created beings and living creatures have a continuing place in the presence of Eternal GOD.  All human beings are not in the same peculiar relationship to the Creator as sons and daughters, and children of GOD.  Standing and status as those adopted, reborn, redeemed or saved is granted only to those containing and embracing Jesus Christ within their own awareness and spirit person.

THE GOLDEN ARROW:  But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number.  Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.  Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty:  behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:  Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.  And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen:  for the Lord GOD shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:  That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.  (Isaiah 65:  11-16, King James Version)

THE DOUBLE DAGGER:  Unless You Repent (03/05/2013); The Childhood of Jesus? (03/06/2013); Does Everyone Go To Heaven? (10/28/2012); Magick and Prayer? (10/29/2012); Father Forgive (09/06/2012); By Grace (09/04/2012); Apostasy Forgiven? (08/15/2012); Scriptures To Reassure (03/05/2012); To Save Jesus? (03/12/2011); Having Life? (03/13/2011); Forgiveness? (12/07/2010); Conspiracy? (12/08/2010)

Mature Christians understand that bestowing and expressing forgiveness are operations from the Spirit of GOD, and are not motivated by (1) feelings of affection, compassion, fear and guilt; (2) close relationship with or detailed knowledge of another person’s motives, their past, or their future; (3) determinations and outcomes of truth-finding (i.e., judgment).  Forgiveness proceeds as an operation of grace through faith and may appear because one is in obedience, sympathy, or spiritual understanding.  Those who seek forgiveness must also practice forgiveness.  (See Ephesians 2:  8-9, Mark 11:  26, KJV.)

As a spirit substance that resides within Almighty GOD, forgiveness is inseparable from such aspects of Divine Person as faith, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, love, wisdom and wrath against sin.  Forgiveness does not itself eliminate sin; however, forgiveness can be regarded as a peculiar sacred seed that, once planted, encourages spiritual awareness, change, growth and learning in accordance with divinity and righteousness.  Forgiveness has power by operating along with such supports as rebirth, repentance, and sanctification that result from the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended.  (For example, upon the cross—before anyone made apology, petitioned, or prayed for forgiveness—Jesus asked that forgiveness be shown to those who had opposed him calling for his death.  Following this example, Stephen (one of the first seven deacons of the early church) became the first Christian martyr, and further sealed this practice along with confession as an aspect of the last rites for believers, and the way Christians go to their deaths (see Luke 23:  34 and Acts 7:  60, KJV).  Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful.  Be it unto you according to your faith.

THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC