Genesis 6:6–7 says that God “regretted” making humanity. This seems to imply divine change, sorrow, or even error. But how can God regret anything if he is all-knowing, unchanging, and perfectly wise?
In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller is joined by Wyatt Graham to unpack the theological and interpretive challenges of Genesis 6:5–8. Together, they explore role of anthropopathism in Scripture and answer questions like, Does God experience emotion? Can he change his mind? And how should pastors faithfully teach such texts?
Get a free Mobile Ed course when you start a free trial: https://www.logos.com/show/what-in-the-word?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw
Learn more about the episode: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-does-god-change-his-mind?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=show-witw
Outline:
(00:00) Introduction and Theological Questions
(01:01) Guest Introduction: Dr. Wyatt Graham
(03:13) Discussing Genesis 6:5-8
(04:10) Theological Implications of God’s Regret
(06:56) Linguistic Connections in Genesis
(10:11) Salvation Through Judgment: The Flood
(10:49) Tools for Biblical Study
(19:58) Historical and Theological Perspectives on God’s Immutability
(25:42) Understanding Biblical Metaphors for God
(27:15) Jeremiah’s Insight on God’s Unchanging Nature
(29:48) Theological Perspectives on God’s Immutability
(32:39) Synthesizing Biblical Passages on God’s Nature
(34:39) Augustine’s Doctrine of Signs and Biblical Interpretation
(38:38) Practical Implications of God’s Immutability
(45:04) Preaching and Teaching on God’s Unchanging Nature
(55:15) Final Thoughts and Encouragement
