Omniscience

[EastCoastRemnant]

How much do we really know about this character trait? It has been argued in another thread that because God knows the end from the beginning that everything has been planned and fulfilled according to His Will. Why is it then, that we see God repenting at various times in the OT for the supposed glitches in His plan? Would a omniscient Being having to repent mean that His control is limited by the freewill of His creation?

 

[JohnMarsten]

How much do we really know about this character trait? It has been argued in another thread that because God knows the end from the beginning that everything has been planned and fulfilled according to His Will. Why is it then, that we see God repenting at various times in the OT for the supposed glitches in His plan? Would a omniscient Being having to repent mean that His control is limited by the freewill of His creation?

You could be right on that!

 

[Stryder06]

My issue with the idea that God has everything planned out is the implication that He planned for some people to be saved and for others to burn in hell. That doesn't vibe with me.

 

[JohnMarsten]

My issue with the idea that God has everything planned out is the implication that He planned for some people to be saved and for others to burn in hell. That doesn't vibe with me.

thats true, and it would mean that we arent actually responsible for or guilty of our actions...

but on the other hand, it one can never be sure if God doesnt mold things the way He wants them to play out...

 

[Stryder06]

thats true, and it would mean that we arent actually responsible for or guilty of our actions...

but on the other hand, it one can never be sure if God doesnt mold things the way He wants them to play out...

I believe God has means to have things play out the way He wants through some strong persusaive techniques

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

I believe God has means to have things play out the way He wants through some strong persusaive techniques

The best example I heard was speaking to the molestation of a young child. Obviously, that is not the will of God for that child but God cannot outright stop it because the freewill of the perpetrator trumps. God can and will set in motion every available means to prevent the act from happening in the context of not violating individual freewill. And, God can work all things for good...

 

[Kira Light]

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

Sounds like some predestination to me.

 

[Pythons]

How much do we really know about this character trait? It has been argued in another thread that because God knows the end from the beginning that everything has been planned and fulfilled according to His Will. Why is it then, that we see God repenting at various times in the OT for the supposed glitches in His plan? Would a omniscient Being having to repent mean that His control is limited by the freewill of His creation?

The bolded part was not what was argued from my understanding....
...While God absolutely planned and executed His part of our Salvation.
...It is not God's will that any should be lost.

Therefore: While God knows exactly what each and everyones eternal fate will be....
...God does not predestinate anyone to either heaven or hell.
...In some special cases God communicates what WILL happen prior to it happening.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Any ideas on why the Bible says that God repented for things done or things He thought to do?

 

[Pythons]

Any ideas on why the Bible says that God repented for things done or things He thought to do?

He didn't - "Divine Impassibility".

 

[JohnMarsten]

The best example I heard was speaking to the molestation of a young child. Obviously, that is not the will of God for that child but God cannot outright stop it because the freewill of the perpetrator trumps. God can and will set in motion every available means to prevent the act from happening in the context of not violating individual freewill. And, God can work all things for good...

Unfortunately it doesnt seem to work out all the time...

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Unfortunately it doesnt seem to work out all the time...

God would never want anything bad to happen to a child (or to anyone for that matter) but He is constrained by the freewill of His creation... it's the paradox of His Love for us.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

He didn't - "Divine Impassibility".

Maybe you can explain these passages then...

Gen 6:6,7
And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

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.

Ex 34:14
And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

1 Sam 15:10,11
Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Jer 15:6
Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.

 

[JohnMarsten]

God would never want anything bad to happen to a child (or to anyone for that matter) but He is constrained by the freewill of His creation... it's the paradox of His Love for us.

yet another mystery of the almighty God

 

[Stryder06]

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

Sounds like some predestination to me.

If it applies to Jeremiah, it applies to everyone. Either there is free will, or there isn't.