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For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the
unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been
put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in
which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now
in prison, who once were disobedient, when the patience of God
kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of
the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought
safely through the water. (NASB) 1 Peter 3:18-20
And
angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their
proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for
the judgment of the great day. Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and
the cities around them, since they in the same way as these
indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are
exhibited as an example, in undergoing the punishment of eternal
fire. (NASB) Jude 6-7 |
1 Peter 3:18-20 tells us that there are spirits in prison or that
there are evil angels in prison - under judgment. These angels were
disobedient during the time of Noah. Since Noah was born in Genesis
5:28-29, this means these angels did something wrong between Genesis
6 and 10. Jude 6-7 tells us that some angels "did not keep their
own domain." These angels are also under judgment. Why? Jude
7 explains. These angels went after strange flesh just like Sodom
and Gomorrah - like homosexuals do. This view believes that these
evil angels - demons - went after the beautiful women in Genesis 6:2-4.
Conclusion:I
believe the second view is correct. Those who hold to the first view
have some serious problems. First, we have to ask were the only beautiful
born to the descendants of Cain? I have found this hard to believe.
Second, when Genesis was written the exact phrase "sons of God"
referred to angels and not to believers. Third, Jude and 1 Peter make
it clear that angels did sin during the time of Noah and their sin
was sexual just like the men of Sodom and Gomorrah! These angels are
not free to move around the universe but are locked in a special prison.
In summary, the "sons of God"
are angels who sinned by having sex with beautiful women. This was
the view of the early church fathers. Why were they able to "take
wives for themselves, whomever, they chose. The answer could be that
angels are very powerful. Why did they do this? We do not know the
answer, but we can guess. Did they think they might be able to prevent
Jesus Christ from being born and prevent His death and resurrection?
Was this an attempt to defeat God? Whatever their purpose, God defeated
them. They failed! God controls everything - even the invisible forces
of darkness. What a wonderful comfort for Christians. Glory to God! |
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