Gen. 6:1-7; Ep. 1:20-23, The Antediluvian “Sons of God” (3)

We are continuing to think about the “sons of God” in Gen. 6:1-7.  Were they fallen angels or men from the righteous line who turn away from God?

·       Eph. 4:9-10: Christ, who ascended far above the heavens, first descended into the lower parts of the earth.  As in 1 Peter 3, Jesus preached to the spirits in prison, and that might be the subject here.  Again, it does not demand that these who occupy the lower parts of the earth are angels who fell at the time of the flood.  Jesus was given authority over all unclean spirits or demons.  It makes sense that they fell earlier than this time because their “leader” was active back in Gen. 3.  What Paul is talking about fits with Eph. 1:20-23. Jesus “fills all in all” (v23).  This means He rules over the angelic world (fallen or not, v21) and is also “head over all things to the church” (v22).  In Eph. 4 His descending was the completion of His humiliation, so that He then ascended.  He had to finish the work totally, dead and buried for three days, before God then began to exalt Him in His resurrection and then the ascension.  It was not until He ascended into heaven that the Holy Spirit was sent and He was able to establish the “gifts” (apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor-teachers, 4:11).  As 4:10 says, in sync with Eph. 1:23, “that He might fill all things.”

The subject we are considering is difficult for one to make pronouncements with certainty.  That is my view at least.  But sometimes insisting on one view or another keeps us from seeing some important truths in Scripture.  Along the way, in these posts, we have seen that this story from Gen. 6:1-7 has yielded some huge truths.

ü Man was accountable for the wickedness that led to the flood.  The LORD said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever.”  He did not pin the blame on fallen angels.  The evil one is powerful, but “the devil made me do it” is never a viable excuse before God.

ü Today, as in the days of Noah, God is being patient with mankind.  If you wonder why, wonder no more: it is because He is not willing that any should perish (2 Pt. 3:9).

ü Furthermore, if you have put your faith in Christ and are thus clothed in His righteousness, rest assured that God knows how to deliver you from judgment.  The difficulties of life can never be proof that God has left or forsaken us.  He rescued Lot, a righteous man who was vexed by the evil world around him.  Need I say more?

ü Christ has authority over everything on earth and in heaven.  That is the message of this topic.  When you put your faith in Christ you have put your trust in the One who fills all in all.  He is preeminent in the universe!