Genesis 6
Dear RTB’ers,
Noah, the ark and the flood. The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (v. 5) This verse, from thousands of years ago, sadly, rings true today. We would like to believe that we are somewhat set apart from this global “condemnation”, that every intention of the thoughts of his heart does not apply to us, that although we are fallen, we know that we are still seeking the Lord. We would like to think that we are among those who walk with God (v. 9b), as did Noah. But even as I imagine all that for myself, I realize that I am grading on a curve. Yeah, I may not be among the most despicable men on the face of the earth, but I know that I am corrupt in the eyes of a holy God. But because I live on this side of the Cross and Resurrection, I also know that my many shortcomings are forgiven, that I have been redeemed. Maybe not “every intention”, but way too many!
Carol and I were having a discussion recently about how much God knows of the future (and how far into the future), how much He knows of our future behaviors. Verse 6 seems to counter that notion: And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. Verse 7b then repeats that refrain: …for I am sorry that I have made them. Did God really not anticipate man’s corruption? Had he not anticipated Adam and Eve disobeying Him? How much does He know of our futures? Does He know where I will be at this time next year? Is it already marked how many years I will spend in this life? Questions for the more theologically-minded!!
Blessings!
Yes, Genesis 6:6-7 are challenging verses, raising interesting questions. But we must not consider those verses in isolation or raise those questions apart from the rest of Scripture. It is abundantly clear in the rest of the Bible that God is utterly sovereign, that He knows the end from the beginning (Is. 46:10), that He does not make mistakes, that He is still on “Plan A”, not “Plan B” (or “C” or “D”…), and that He is not surprised or caught off guard by anything. Psalm 139 should be sufficient to put such notions to bed, even the question of whether He knows where you will be at this time next year. (See Ps. 139:16.)
Much more can be (and has been) said about Genesis 6:6-7, but for now I’ll just refer us all to https://www.gotquestions.org/does-God-make-mistakes.html .
As always, John, you offer a really good response. However, my issue/question had nothing to do with God making mistakes – although the verse(s) that I cited would naturally lead you to respond to that item.
My question had to do with how much God knows the future, how much He knows about the choices that we will make. I used verse 6 as an example of God ?not knowing in advance? of mankind’s evil choices.
Basically, I’m asking how much He knows of the everyday choices that we will make.
Like I said, refer to Psalm 139:16. I don’t think there is any question whatsoever that God knows everything about everything — past, present, and future. He is not surprised by anything. The “uncertainty principle” of quantum mechanics, while very much applicable to us mortals, is not at all applicable to God.
Yes, He knows full well all the heinous things we humans have yet to do — and He sends us the Lamb, slain before the foundation of the world, anyway.
God saw the extreme wickedness on the earth and the narrative is very gloomy. Gen 6:5-7 has God determined to blot out all of creation … Then v. 8 “BUT NOAH found favor in the eyes of the LORD.”
Again in Gen 6:17 God declares that everything is going to die. Gen 6:18, however says, “BUT I will establish my covenant with you…” God is coming to the rescue.
This reminded me of the wonderful passage in Ephesians 2:1-7 where this all becomes very personal for us:
Once again, the narrative is bad, very bad. All is bad; we are all bad … BUT GOD. And He makes all the difference. He came to our rescue! Praise His Name!!!
Amen!
Amen, Sharon.
The older (maybe wiser?) I get, the more I see what a sinner I really am, and I’m sure I don’t recognize half of it!
Talking about sin has certainly gone out of fashion in our society, but I think people would be so much healthier psychologically if they could just stop, properly see their sinfulness, and repent. Then it’s done, forgiven, forgotten in Christ Jesus. What a gift of freedom!
“But God…”
Amen.
OK, I waited 24 hours and nobody said anything about Nephilim. I have an interest in aspects of the Bible that could be considered supernatural. There’s quite a bit of speculation currently that pushes things like Nephilim or great wheels of fire in the sky toward the “new age” way thinking. Maybe it’s aliens.
Now personally I believe that this is deliberate deception aimed at people who don’t come from firm Christian roots or who have had their faith “taught” out of them.
In college (for wildlife) we were encouraged to defend the ark story in a scientific way that would satisfy numbers of animals, their weight, food, and waste solving for time and space. For the sake of space I won’t get into it here, but it’s an easier equation than explaining eyewitness accounts of the appearance of angels or giants.
Is there a chance of doing a side study of these things?
For what it’s worth, you might take a look at last year’s post, not that it answers the question of the Nephilim, but it at least touches that arena. As for a side discussion or study, that sounds like fun.