The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum God and "passions" in the WCF

John,

You are obviously referring to CHAPTER II, section 1.

What that section is teaching, specifically the phrase "without passions", which should not be separated from "without body, parts" because they are referencing a similar thought, is that God, being the essence of perfection in Himself is not like man. More specifically, the writers were contrasting the idols created by men after themselves with the true living God. Thus, God is not like man in that He is without a physical body. He does not consist of several parts. And, He is not governed by passions, i.e., emotions.

When we read in Scripture, e.g., "a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm" (Deut 4:34) or "the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings" (Ruth 2:12), etc., we are to understand them metaphorically or as anthropomorphisms; not literally. Likewise, when we read "And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart." (Gen 6:6) and "And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people." (Ex 32:14), these are to be understood as anthropopathisms, i.e., attributing to God the passions of men for our understanding. But, these things are not actually of the essence of God. The Lord is unchangeable, eternal, perfect, etc., in His being. Therefore God is not swayed from His eternal purpose and His good pleasure which He has determined in Himself to show forth His glory. All His works are perfect (Deut 32:4) and thus there is no possibility that God would have to change His mind based upon what any creature does. That His temporal judgments are stayed based upon the repentance of man only speaks to His providence and His justice based upon conditions met and which He previously declared... "If...then".

I'm curious to know what precipitated the question? It is definitely legitimate and a good one so I am not criticizing its asking.

In His grace,