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God is Immutable

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Iconoclast, May 18, 2016.

  1. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    Before any theological discussion can take place this biblical fact must stand as one of the foundational truths.
    Any denial of this is a departure from the truth of scripture;
    From Berkofs systematic theology;

     
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  2. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    from JP Boyce;
     
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  3. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Are you looking for someone to debate that?
     
  4. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    No.....it is not debatable, I just enjoy a good positive discussion about the biblical God.
    We should use this as a starting point and add to it with solid imput.
    Once basics are established progress can be made.
     
  5. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    Actually, there is an ongoing discussion which does deny divine immutability as explored by Berkhof.

    It is being argued that on the cross Jesus was separated from God's presence for 3 hours as a "spiritual death." On pg. 339 of Berkhof's Systematic Theology he clearly denounces this position based in part on the immutability of the Mediator Christ. It was, he insists, strictly and only from a judicial point of view that it can be said Christ experienced "eternal death" bearing our sins. But the Christ never experienced a separation of human/divine natures and never a separation from the Father's presence. It is, states Berkhof, impossible for Jesus to have been forsaken in this manner. Why? Because God is immutable.

    So while all of us may affirm the immutability of God directly, it does seem many reject the doctrine in other areas. We don't always hold it consistently.
     
  6. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    I am sure people want to speculate on all manner of things. I do not spend much time on those speculations.
    On this quoted section there is no real debate. There might be more to learn about it for sure, but this gets the ball rolling.
     
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  7. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    I agree. I mentioned that topic as an illustration (it is not, actually, speculation as scripture is clear enough on some things to denounce the view). We sometimes seem to believe one thing as true (like Jesus is God, God is immutable, Father and Son are one, etc.) but denounce those truths when not engaging them directly.

    In this case, all may agree that God is immutable but even some who agree may argue that He has changed His mind, relented of something that has been established as a plan, etc. People may agree that God is sovereign yet also believe that salvation hinges on man's decision. People hold truths inconsistently sometimes.
     
  8. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    I have an online friend who caused a split of sorts in arbca because he could not give up his speculation on this kind of issue.
     
  9. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    On immutability?
     
  10. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    When anyone suggests God has changed his mind, they depart from truth.People cannot believe truth and error at the same time. Because someone holds a novelty does not mean it is a legitimate view....
     
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  11. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    No.....impassibility!
     
  12. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    Oh...I can see how that could end up in speculation. I wouldn't see that as serous a doctrine to cause division. Discussion is one thing but we don't know enough about our own feelings to even speculate on God's.

    But my first example, the idea that Jesus was separated from God’s presence, is unbiblical enough to justify a split if taught as doctrine. It is beyond speculation because scripture directly and repeatedly denounces the claim. Berkhof is right that it is impossible that Jesus was separated from God on the cross. Some things are large enough to be called heresy and this is one of those things. This is more severe than Arminianism ever was.

    I believe that there are some doctrines like that that are absolutely worth the fight. They are so interlinked and dependent on each other (immutability, sovereignty, omnipotence.....etc.). We guard them.
     
  13. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    To put it another way, Arminianism holds that salvation is entirely of God and not of man. But when the conversation turns to the will of man in salvation, their soteriology ultimately denies this belief. They hold two inconsistent doctrines (and at least one must be false).

    That's how I see immutability. Everyone "believes" it in theory, but when it comes down to it some deny it in practice.
     
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  14. Iconoclast

    Iconoclast Well-Known Member
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    Instead of debate...we can build up, from CHS-
     
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