God is Immutable

Actually, there is an ongoing discussion which does deny divine immutability as explored by Berkhof.

It is being argued that on the cross Jesus was separated from God's presence for 3 hours as a "spiritual death." On pg. 339 of Berkhof's Systematic Theology he clearly denounces this position based in part on the immutability of the Mediator Christ. It was, he insists, strictly and only from a judicial point of view that it can be said Christ experienced "eternal death" bearing our sins. But the Christ never experienced a separation of human/divine natures and never a separation from the Father's presence. It is, states Berkhof, impossible for Jesus to have been forsaken in this manner. Why? Because God is immutable.

So while all of us may affirm the immutability of God directly, it does seem many reject the doctrine in other areas. We don't always hold it consistently.

 

I agree. I mentioned that topic as an illustration (it is not, actually, speculation as scripture is clear enough on some things to denounce the view). We sometimes seem to believe one thing as true (like Jesus is God, God is immutable, Father and Son are one, etc.) but denounce those truths when not engaging them directly.

In this case, all may agree that God is immutable but even some who agree may argue that He has changed His mind, relented of something that has been established as a plan, etc. People may agree that God is sovereign yet also believe that salvation hinges on man's decision. People hold truths inconsistently sometimes.

 

On immutability?

 

Oh...I can see how that could end up in speculation. I wouldn't see that as serous a doctrine to cause division. Discussion is one thing but we don't know enough about our own feelings to even speculate on God's.

But my first example, the idea that Jesus was separated from God’s presence, is unbiblical enough to justify a split if taught as doctrine. It is beyond speculation because scripture directly and repeatedly denounces the claim. Berkhof is right that it is impossible that Jesus was separated from God on the cross. Some things are large enough to be called heresy and this is one of those things. This is more severe than Arminianism ever was.

I believe that there are some doctrines like that that are absolutely worth the fight. They are so interlinked and dependent on each other (immutability, sovereignty, omnipotence.....etc.). We guard them.

 

To put it another way, Arminianism holds that salvation is entirely of God and not of man. But when the conversation turns to the will of man in salvation, their soteriology ultimately denies this belief. They hold two inconsistent doctrines (and at least one must be false).

That's how I see immutability. Everyone "believes" it in theory, but when it comes down to it some deny it in practice.