> Why does Genesis 6:5-6 make it sound like God decided to wipe man from the
> earth based on their wickedness? I have tried to read this open mindedly but
> I struggle to avoid the contradiction with other scripture that says God
> causes all things? Please help explain.
chris
Dear Chris:
Gen. 6:5-6 is not just intended to "sound like" God decided to wipe man from the earth,
but this IS THE REASON WHY God wiped them from the face of the earth. But it was
not a surprise to God that man became that evil, or that He would wipe them out, etc.,etc.
Of course He had it all planned from the beginning. God created the world as it was and
He created man as he is, and when you put the two together sin is the result.
Why did God say to Adam: "For in the day you eat thereof you shall surely die," if He did
not ALREADY KNOWN that Adam and Eve would eat of it and have to SURELY DIE?
Things are not always as they "sound" to the human mind. "CHOOSE you this day whom
you will serve..." (Josh. 24:15). Sure "SOUNDS" like God gave them a "free will" to "freely
choose" which way THEY wanted to go, doesn't it?
Ex. 24:7--"And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people, and they said, ALL THAT THE LORD HAS SAID WILL WE DO AND BE OBEDIENT." "Sounds" like they were
exercising their own free will, doesn't it. Did they have such an ability? Did God BELIEVE THEM? Hardly: "FOR I KNOW that after my departure ye will UTTERLY CORRUPT YOURSELVES, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you...." (Deut. 31:29). God knows what He is doing and God always knows how it will turn out.
God be with you,
Ray
