Does G-d really repent and was Jesus really perfected?

Does G-d really repent and was Jesus really perfected?


In Numbers 3:19 we read: "G-d is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of a man that he should repent." In 1 Samuel 15:29 we read: "The Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent." In Ezekiel 24:14 we read: "I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent." In Malachi 3:6 we read: "For I am the Lord, I change not." In James 1:17 we read: "With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

But, what do all of the following verses of scripture mean then?: Genesis 6:6 - "And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart." (After which G-d caused a great flood to destroy all mankind - except for Noah and the seven who were with him in the ark - remember that G-d Himself shut the door of the ark so no other people could get in to be saved!) Exodus 32:14 - "And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people." Deuteronomy 32:36 - "For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants." 1 Samuel 15:11 - It repenteth me [G-d] that I have set up Saul to be king." 1 Samuel 15:35 - "The Lord repented that he had made Saul king over Israel." 2 Samuel 24:16 - "And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshing place of Araunah the Jebusite." 1 Chronicles 21:15 - The Lord beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand." Isaiah 38:1-5 - "In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah ... said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. ... Thus saith the LORD ... I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years." Jeremiah 15:6 - "I [G-d] am weary of repenting." Jeremaih 18:8 - "I [G-d] will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them." Jeremaih 26:3 - "That I [G-d]may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them." Jeremiah 26:13 - The Lord will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you." Jeremiah 26:19 - "The Lord repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them." Jeremaih 42:10 - "For I [G-d] repent me of the evil that I have done unto you." Amos 7:3,6 - "The Lord repented for this." Jonah 3:10 - "And G-d saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and G-d repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not." All the verses above, and others,come from the Hebrew Old Testament. The word translated "repented" is the Hebrew verb nâcham (Strong's H5162). It has a number of meanings, including "to be sorry," "to console oneself," "to repent," "to regret," and "to be comforted." Besides the Hebrew word nâcham, there is another Hebrew verb with one meaning "to repent." This word, shûb (Strong's H7725), has additional meanings of "to return," "to turn back," etc. When used with the meaning of turning from sin (i.e., to repent), it is never used in reference to G-d, but always used with reference to human beings.

There are obviously many more Scriptures that speak of G-d repenting than there are of Him not repenting. For example, in the days before the great flood, “it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth” (Genesis 6:6). Later, G-d said: “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” (I Samuel 15:11). Yet the Scriptures plainly teach that: “G-d is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent” (Numbers 23:19). The words translated “repent” in both Old and New Testaments, are used of actions which indicate outwardly that a “change of mind” has occurred inwardly. He said concerning national repentance: “If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them” (Jeremiah 18:8). That clearly means that if a nation truly repents, then G-d will change His own projected course of their destruction.

No Biblical teaching is more misunderstood and avoided than the subject of G-d’s repentance. Yet, it is the path that mankind needs to take to become reconciled with G-d and also (more importantly) how G-d becomes reconciled with a repentant mankind. What we discover is that not only should humans repent of evil and be reconciled with G-d, but believe it or not, the Holy Scriptures also reveal that G-d himself "repents of evil" so He can become reconciled with mankind. If you do not understand this need - ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the real meaning - do not try to understand with your carnal mind!

Have you ever wondered about G-d's part in reconciliation? The Bible shows most clearly that G-d will also repent of His ways in the manner in which He has dealt with mankind in order for Him to become thoroughly reconciled to mankind as well. The meaning of the word "reconciliation" shows us the need for restoring a harmonious relationship between two parties (who are at odds with each other) and the obvious need for both sides to take part in the reconciliation. Both have to forgive and forget. It is not a proper reconciliation if one party forgives and forgets about the wrongs and misunderstandings which have caused hostility between the two parties, while the other party does not also forgive and forget. There must be the action of repentance and forgiveness among both parties to avoid further hostility and/or unforgiveness in order for a true harmony to come back into force between the two. Scriptures show that this is precisely what G-d will do with us. He not only demands repentance from us for our ways against Him, but He will equally repent of His ways that we have thought were against us. Thus, a true reconciliation can take place between G-d and ourselves.

This doctrine of mutual reconciliation is of paramount importance and it is the most important reason why Jesus came to earth to live and die for all the world. Without understanding this point - one can hardly comprehend the repentant nature of G-d; why He does what He does among humans; or why He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus to earth some 2000 years ago to rescue mankind from their sins. But Paul explained the matter clearly to show us its great importance. Paul taught that G-d sent Jesus into the world as a first step in showing G-d’s own repentance to mankind. And G-d’s repentance to man is the real means He devised a perfect Son to grant salvation to all humanity and bring about true harmony to Himself.

G-d is truly the creator and sovereign ruler of the entire universe and of everything that exists within the whole of creation. G-d reigns supreme in the universe. He creates and controls all things whether they are visible or invisible, whether they are spirits or humans, whether they are animal or inanimate (Colossians 1:15-17). G-d created everything and He rules among His creation as the supreme power over all. For G-d to be the ruler over all, He must also control all the various forces on earth and in the universe. Whether the forces are good or evil - G-d is in charge of them all.

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom. O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all." 1 Chronicles 29:11

"You, even you, are Lord alone; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their hosts, the earth and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and you preserve them all; and the host of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:6

"O Lord G-d of our fathers, are not you G-d in heaven? and rule you not over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in your hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand you?" 2 Chronicles 20:6

G-d Controls and Rules Over Evil

"Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and Lord has not done it?" Amos 3:6

Almighty G-d is responsible for all things that happen in the universe whether they be good or evil. The Bible teaches this. G-d created the waster to destroy.

"I have created the waster to destroy." Isaiah 54:16

These scriptures (and there are many more) show that G-d is the sovereign ruler of the universe. His powerful control embraces all activity within the entirety of creation even to the numbering of hairs on a human head (Matthew 10:30). G-d is also in charge of all political or governmental activity.

"Jesus answered, You could have no power at all against me, except it were given you from above." John 19:11

"A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven." John 3:27

Even the destinies and boundaries of nations (both past and present) are under the control of G-d. "[G-d] has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed [through predestination] and the bounds of their habitation." Acts 17:26

To make it even clearer, all things that G-d has allowed to happen to nations or individuals in the past, present, or future were and are precisely known and ordered by G-d.

"Known unto G-d are all his works from the beginning of the world." Acts 15:18

Truly, G-d creates all things, even those which are evil. Nothing escapes His supervision. Yes, even evil works are within the creative activity of G-d.

"I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: [the Lord does all these things]." Isaiah 45:7

The ancient Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, who destroyed the Temple of G-d and the city of Jerusalem [killing both the guilty and the innocent], was called by G-d "my servant" (Jeremiah 25:9). The pharaoh of the Exodus was prevented by the direct intervention of G-d from permitting the Israelites to leave Egypt because G-d repeatedly stopped him from doing so (Exodus 4:21, 27:3, 14:4) Pharaoh was more than willing on several occcasions to release the Israelites but G-d stepped in to change his mind and to harden his heart. This may not seem fair to some people but it is clearly the teaching of the Bible. And why not? G-d has continually used "evil" when it suits His purpose. For more examples of this please see Jeremiah 11:23; 16:10; 19:3, 15; 21:10; 32:42; 40:2; 44:2, 27, 29; 45:5 also Daniel 9:12-14; Micah 1:12; etc. The word "evil" when it is associated with G-d is not to be reckoned as "sin." G-d can do whatever He pleases and no one dare ever judge or accuse Him of being "wrong or a sinner". Only G-d can determine and judge what "sin" is. We humans have nothing to say in the matter.

Even Satan was created by G-d to be an evil spirit. Jesus said of Satan that he "was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth" (John 8:44). From the very start of his creation, Satan was a liar. He was a sinner. "The devil sinned from the beginning" (1 John 3:8). The truth is, Satan was created by G-d to be Satan. G-d said: "I have created the waster to destroy" (Isaiah 54:16). Satan was brought into being by G-d to perform a specific purpose for G-d. He is completely under the control of G-d. When Satan wanted to destroy the children and property of righteous Job, Satan had to get permission from G-d to do it (Job 1:12). When Satan finally wanted to take Job's health, he again had to obtain permission from G-d to do so. Even then, G-d put limits on Satan by telling him not to kill Job himself (Job 2:6). G-d could easily have stopped Satan from doing any of his works against Job, but He didn’t. In reality, that it was G-d who was responsible for afflicting Job. True, G-d did it through the agency of Satan, but it was G-d who ordained and first suggested it. It was G-d using Satan to tempt Adam, Eve and Jesus. To sift Simon like wheat. In Genesis 22:1 we read: "And it came to pass after these things, that G-d did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am." In James 1:13 we read; "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of G-d: for G-d cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:" Since G-d created all things and is in charge of the entire universe and nothing escapes His control, then G-d can do with all of the creatures He has created in the manner that best suits Him. The Bible specifically speaks of vessels of mercy and vessels of destruction, which G-d specifically made for His purpose (Romans 9:18-23). In verse 18, Paul clearly states that G-d is sovereign and: "He has mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will He hardens." Dear one if that does not seem fair to you; in verse 21 Paul says, "Hath not the potter power over the clay; of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor and another unto dishonor?" The potter can make a vessel any way he wants. He's the potter and the vessel is simply clay. You really do not have anything to say about this matter.

G-d even sends spiritual powers to earth to lie (tell falsehoods) to certain people at times.

"And the Lord said, 'Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?' And one [spirit] said on this manner, and another [spirit] said on that manner. And there came forth a spirit, and stood before [the Lord], and said, 'I will persuade him.' And the Lord said unto him, 'Wherewith?' And he said, 'I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.' And he [G-d] said, 'you shall persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.'" 1 Kings 22:20-22

Dear one, do you believe that G-d would allow such a thing as lying to be done in His name? But G-d truly did so and the example just given clearly proves this. Paul warns us that "G-d shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie" (2 Thessalonians 2:11). Even the prophet Jeremiah admitted that G-d was responsible for allowing the people to be deceived. "Then said I, Ah, Lord G-d! surely you have greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, You shall have peace; whereas the sword reached unto the soul" (Jeremiah 4:10). G-d even allows the great whore Babylon and her harlot daughters to confuse and deceive and eventually destroy all believers who will not listen to Him. Revelation 17 & 18.

G-d has even given statutes and ordinances to mankind that were not good for humanity (or for Israel).

G-d said: "I gave them also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not live" (Ezekiel 20:25).

G-d even gave people over to do evil:

"G-d gave them over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient" (Romans 1:28).

"G-d turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven" (Acts 7:42).

"So I gave them up unto their own heart’s lust: and they walked in their own counsels" (Psalm 81:12).

G-d has actively and deliberately deceived people and then judged them for being deceived.

"And if the prophet be deceived when he has spoken a thing, I the Lord have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel" (Ezekiel 14:9).

The interesting thing about these deceptions and evils just mentioned is the fact that G-d has commanded us not to commit any of them. But He uses these same tactics quite freely whenever He deems it best to do so. Now, this may seem at first very unfair (and even unjust), but who are you to judge G-d?

G-d’s Use of Evil in Prophecy

The Book of Revelation and many Biblical prophecies tell us of G-d's promised plans and desires. Some of these prophecies were made over 3500 years ago, while those in the Book of Revelation were made about 1900 years ago. No human (or groups of humans), no spirit (or groups of spirits), no Satan (nor all the Satanic forces in the universe) can change one iota what G-d has decreed will happen in the future! When G-d prophesies something, the only person or thing that can change His mind about the matter is G-d Himself. It is true that G-d has indeed "repented" of some of His intended actions in the past (Jeremiah 26:13,19; 42:10), but that "repentance" has only come about because G-d wanted it. In Ezekiel 5: 12 we read: "A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them." So, if any of the terrible prophecies of the Bible are to be "repented of’ - it will only be because G-d has personally repented and changed His mind. If G-d does not repent and there is silence in Heaven, then the end of the age will truly see the earth and all mankind suffer from the promised great destructive attacks that G-d has prophesied in Revelation that will occur e.g., plagues, curses, earthquakes, destruction, wars, famine, terrible weather conditions, economic chaos, and even death. This terrible destruction shall happen to both the guilty and to the innocent. "All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust."

Besides the terrible prophecies concerning the end-time future that are destined to descend upon all surviving mankind, look how Hitler systematically killed millions of Jews, Poles, Russians, Gypsies, and others (including women, infants and young children) and G-d allowed it to occur. During the Holocaust, Jews in Concentration Camps actually put G-d on trial. They literally got together in the death camps and held court-like proceedings, putting G-d on the stand. "How could you?" they asked, "You, the G-d of Abraham and Moses, who led our people out of slavery, who parted the Red Sea, who led us to the Promised Land. How could you let this happen to us? What do you have to say for yourself?" They put G-d on trial, and in the end, some found G-d guilty of betrayal. Others acquitted him on grounds that G-d wasn't as powerful as he had been in Biblical times. So He couldn't be held responsible. Others, looking around and watching their loved ones march off to the gas chambers, could come to no other conclusion than that G-d must be dead." The very fact that G-d is all-powerful and has all things under His control so that even a sparrow can not fall without His permission - simply means that G-d is still responsible for all things. Why? Simply because G-d had (and has) the power to stop all the carnage being done in the world, both today, in the past and in the future, but He has not yet stopped it nor is He prophesied to stop it as far as the Book of Revelation is concerned. Even so, come Lord Jesus!

"For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. And not only they [the world], but ourselves also [even Christians], which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our bodies." Romans 8:22-23

(G-d has promised to destroy the earth again - this time with fire - the water H2O will simply break apart and burn as hydrogen and oxygen - only G-d could make water out of two combustible materials.) "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of G-d, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." 1 Peter 3:9-16

Paul also wrote that believers are not exempted from pain and anguish at the present time than any of the others in the world. It is true however, that G-d sometimes responds to our prayers and releases us from specific problems from time to time, but not in every circumstance that we ask - G-d will only aid us if it is in accordance with His will.

"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us." 1 John 5:14

"The creature [creation] itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of G-d. ... waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body" (Romans 8:21,23).

"G-d was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them: and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19

"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to G-d by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." - Romans 5:10 (We were not reconciled to G-d when we became righteous. It was when we were His enemies and ungodly that He reconciled us to Him.)

"Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your G-d; and the Lord will repent Him of the evil that He has pronounced against you." Jeremiah 26:13

"We know that all things work together for good for those who love G-d, who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

The Doctrine of Reconciliation

"G-d was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:19

The first step in the reconciliation process between G-d and man clearly was made by G-d Himself He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die for us (out of His great love for us) while we were yet enemies of His (Romans 5:10); while we were sinners (verse 8); and also while we were ungodly (verse 6). Paul said that at the time G-d stepped in to make amends to mankind, mankind was in no way yet willing to make amends to G-d. When G-d because of His love for mankind started the reconciliation process by sending Jesus and having him die for all mankind, even though mankind was still G-d’s enemy. They were also ungodly and all of them were still active sinners. That is what Paul said. None of mankind wanted to be in harmony with G-d when the Father commenced His reconciliation process. G-d started the process off by sending Jesus to die for mankind and to cleanse us of all sin. [Notice that the reconciliation involves the totality of the world, not just a select few.] "G-d was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself not imputing their trespasses unto them" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

But why has mankind been at odds with G-d? It is simple. Though G-d is Almighty and could make mankind have all blessings right here and now that they had in the Garden of Eden, G-d has not yet willed to do so. He has allowed evil (as well as good) to permeate the environment of the earth. He has permitted weather devils, pollutions, pests and diseases to exist that afflict mankind. He has allowed and caused famines that have hurt mankind whether they are guilty or innocent. He has allowed and caused wars of great magnitude (and even commanded them) which have caused much pain, suffering and death to many people. G-d has even said He has hated some people even before they were born - who had obviously could not have done anything "bad" before they were born.

"For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of G-d according to election might stand. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated." Romans 9:11, 13

This "hating" of Esau by G-d was ordained by G-d even before Esau was born. This may seem a very unfair thing to you dear one, but Paul came back quickly with the following answer. "What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with G-d? G-d forbid" (Romans 9:14). The point is, G-d can do anything He wishes with His creation. There is no one who can hold Him accountable for any wrong deeds that mankind might think He has committed. Yet it must be admitted that Esau was judged long before he could do anything wrong. He was chosen before his birth to be hated of G-d. Some misinformed believers (who do not hear G-d) cannot believe that G-d would ever do such a thing to a person, but they are avoiding all scriptural teaching (and His voice) when they say such a thing. They say that G-d really didn’t "hate" Esau; He only loved him less. Oh? The word used by Paul was niseo and is shown throughout the New Testament as meaning "complete antipathy, disdain and hatred." One should see Matthew 5:43,44; Mark 13:13; John 15:18; Titus 3:3; 1 John 2:11; etc.

G-d Will Repent Of His Ways

G-d has promised that He will repent and He will eventually change His current method of dealing with mankind. He is going to stop allowing man to be afflicted with famine, wars, diseases, sorrow, pain and death. "And G-d shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" (Revelation 2 1:4). In a word, G-d is soon going "to repent of the evil" which He has allowed mankind to undergo. He has repented of such things in the past. Notice again what Jeremiah said to the elders of Judah back in the sixth century B.C.E. "Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your G-d; and the Lord will repent him of the evil that he has pronounced against you." Jeremiah 26:13

Dear One, the Bible clearly says that G-d repents of evil.

"If you will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you." Jeremiah 42:1

in Jonah 3:10, 'And G-d saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and G-d repented of the evil that He had said that He would do unto them, and He did it not."

Joel 2:12-14, "Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your G-d: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your G-d?"

G-d repented often enough to actually become weary with repenting concerning His people.

In Jeremiah 15:6 we read: "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." That means that G-d had changed His mind so much about His people that He actually became weary of it. But, thank our merciful G-d! G-d can, does and will change His mind in response to repentance and sincere prayer from His people.

G-d brought the various plagues upon Pharaoh, as G-d was using His wrath to loosen the hands of Pharaoh from His people that they might leave the land and be free to serve Him. G-d had sent the frogs on the land. Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and asked them if they could persuade G-d to take the frogs away. Exodus 8:8, "Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD." Moses did come to G-d with Aaron and ask G-d to remove the frogs. Exodus 8:12-13, " And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried unto the LORD because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh. And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields." The key repentance statement here is in verse 13, "And the LORD did according to the word of Moses." Notice the power of prayer. Notice how G-d was influenced by the prayers of Moses. This same thing is repeated concerning the thunderings and hail. Exodus 9:27,28,33, "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. Intreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer. And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the LORD: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth." The same thing is done concerning the locusts in Exodus 10:16-19, " Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your G-d, and against you. Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your G-d, that he may take away from me this death only. And he went out from Pharaoh, and intreated the LORD. And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt." On each of these occasions Moses came to G-d and persuaded G-d to repent and take take certain action. In response to Moses' request, G-d did repent and take these actions to relieve Pharaoh. But it was also G-d who repeatedly hardened Pharaoh's heart and made him refuse to let the chosen people go forth out of Egypt.

In the case of Abimelech and his family, G-d healed them that they might bear children because Abraham prayed to G-d. Genesis 20:17-18, "So Abraham prayed unto G-d: and G-d healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children. For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife." G-d had closed up all the wombs of the ladies of the house of Abimelech. Abraham prayed to G-d and G-d responded to Abraham's prayer and healed the house of Abimelech.

In the life of Job - G-d became angry with Eliphaz and Job's other false friends and pronounced His judgment upon them. Because of Job's prayers and their repentance G-d repented and changed His mind and did not pour out His wrath. Job 42:7-10, "And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job. And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before."

G-d did repent previously and change His mind concerning about consuming His people. Exodus 32:11-14, "And Moses besought the LORD his G-d, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people." In verse 11 Moses explains to G-d that it was He Who had brought the people out of Egypt with a great power and mighty hand. Then in verse 12 he beseeches G-d to repent and change His mind. He uses the words, "Repent of this evil against Thy people."

And though this "repentance of G-d" pertained only to the Jews of Judah in the sixth century before Christ, Paul makes it clear that G-d is now willing to be reconciled to all in the world (and even all the universe) if they will but do one thing. What is that action that must be done by mankind? Since G-d has already started the reconciliation from His point of view by sending Jesus to die for all the sins of the world (even when we were ungodly and enemies of His), He will now forget all our trespasses "not imputing their trespasses unto them" (2 Corinthians 5:19). The apostle Paul then said: "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though G-d did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, BE YOU RECONCILED TO G-D." 2 Corinthians 5:20

Jesus Christ has started something for all mankind. G-d’s reconciliation in Christ shows that G-d really does love mankind. When you consider all of the things that G-d has allowed to happen to mankind that cause us harm. G-d has done the things He does since in G-d’s infinite wisdom He knows this is the way to learn love. "All things work together for good to them that love G-d, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

The various sufferings and afflictions which are allowed by G-d, or even on some occasions commanded by Him, in the long run are the means of creating love and concern in people. The Scriptures tell us that even Christ learned by His suffering (Hebrews 5:8). "For it is G-d which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."Philippians 2:13

We will eventually see the real reason and thank G-d for all the "bad" things which He has allowed (or even ordered) to happen to us. We may not always like what is occurring at the present time, but one day we will find that G-d has allowed or even created all these things to help us - we have already thanked G-d for what we consider "blessings" - eventually we will thank Him for all of the "problems, delays and troubles that we have had.

Was Jesus Really Perfected?

If Jesus was perfect from the beginning - why would He or how could He be "perfected"? Jesus' humanity is just as critical to our Christian faith as is His deity - Jesus was fully G-d and He was fully man, a single unique Person with two distinct separate natures, both divine and human, existing in perfect harmony. This arrangement is referred to as the Hypostatic Union. Jesus was made human in every way, in order to become our perfect high priest to make atonement for our sins at the cross (Hebrews 2:14-17, 4:15). Thus Jesus took on our physical and emotional traits such as hunger (Matthew 4:2, 21:18), thirst (John 19:28), weariness (John 4:6), anger (Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 3:5), frustration (Mark 9:19), compassion (Matthew 9:36, Mark 8:2, Luke 7:13), sorrow (Matthew 26:37-38, Luke 19:41, John 11:33-35), joy (Luke 10:21, John 15:11), anguish (Luke 22:44) and love (John 11:5). He was born (John 1:14, Romans 1:3, 8:3, Galatians 4:4), grew physically and with wisdom (Luke 2:40,52), had flesh and bones (Luke 34:39, 1 Timothy 3:16), was tempted (Matthew 4), prayed (Luke 5:15, John 17), slept (Mark 4:38), and He died (Mark 15:44, John 19:30, Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 3:18). In Hebrews 2:17 and 4:15, we see that Jesus was “made like his brothers in every way”. Judas had to kiss Him to show which one was the Messiah - Jesus did not obviously look any different.

The Scriptures are clear that it is the “pouring out” of the blood which make it effective. Since the blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11), the shedding of blood represents the pouring out of life. In the OT, the priest poured out the blood of the sacrifice on the alter (Leviticus 8:15, 9:9, Deuteronomy 12:27). During the last Pesach Supper, Jesus offered the cup to his disciples, saying “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26: 28). Paul, the writer of Hebrews compares Jesus Christ as the mediator of the new covenant with Moses and the old covenant (Hebrews 9:11-28), and concludes that “the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”. Returning to the comparison of the covenants in Hebrews, we find Paul contrasting the perfection of Jesus as the permanent mediator of the new covenant with the imperfection of the temporary priesthood of the old covenant (Hebrews 7:11, 23-28). Such a high priest [Jesus] meets our needs -- the only one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens... For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever (Hebrews 7:26,28).

Just as the Old Testament sacrifice had to be an animal without blemish, Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, the unblemished Lamb of G-d, who took away all of our sins (John 1:29). We can read Jesus “has been made perfect” in verse 28 and a similar phrase in Hebrews 5:9 indicates that Jesus was not perfect before. Likewise, the phrase “He learned obedience from what he suffered” in Hebrews 5:8 indicates that Jesus had been "less than perfect" in the past. Dear one do you really think that Jesus did everything “perfectly” before? For example, when working as a carpenter, was every project that He completed perfect and without any flaws? I believe we can honestly say that the answer is “probably not”. Even though Jesus was the Son of G-d and perfectly sinless, he lived a normal human life as a carpenter’s son. Prior to the beginning of His public ministry, there is no evidence that He stood out in a crowd. This is substantiated by the people’s amazement once He began teaching and performing miracles. They asked “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” (Matthew 13:54-55, Mark 6:1-3). Even His relatives, who had lived with Him for 30 years, did not realize who He truly was (Mark 3:21,31-35, John 7:5). Shortly before His crucifixion, He declares to His Father that “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do (John 17:4). In the garden He was obedient and completely conformed to His Father's will for Him and not His own - "Not my will but thine be done".. Dear one, Jesus the man was truly perfected - the G-d part did not need further perfection and when both true man and true G-d were brought and conformed into agreement/perfection - Jesus could perfectly fulfill all that His Father willed for Him to do.

When we ask Jesus into our hearts - Jesus does not need to be further perfected - but we still do. We all still need to be perfected and daily conformed into His image. He must increase and we must all decrease until we become one with Him - even as He and His Father are one. Jesus prayed: "Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are." (John 17:11) "Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me. Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world hasn't known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me. I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:20-26)

Any Father will admonish his children when they are wrong - but that same father will also feel very bad when he is forced to do so. My earthly father used to tell me: "This is going to hurt me more than it does you!" With children of my own - I know this to be true. So, whether G-d relents, changes His mind or repents is to me an insignificant issue - as we read in 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." If we repent G-d will hear our prayers, forgive us and heal us! Please do so and then love one another dear one and judge nothing before it is time!


Selah and Shalom!