Who Are the “Sons of God” in Genesis

6?
July 10, 2009 | From theTrumpet.com
Genesis 6 mentions the “sons of God.” Who are they? Are they angels? If so,
did angels marry and reproduce? BY WAYNE TURGEON

T he reference to “sons of God” in Genesis 6:1-2 has baffled many. Some believe it

means angels married and had offspring. What is the truth about this verse?

Before we look at the account in Genesis that sometimes raises these questions, let’s see
what the Bible reveals elsewhere about angels. From Hebrews 1:14, we see that they are
created spirits and not mortal flesh-and-blood beings. Christ is recorded in the Gospel
accounts as stating that angels are created spirits. They cannot reproduce by sexual
intercourse or any other means (see Luke 20:34-36; Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25). For
more information on this subject, read Chapter Two of Herbert W. Armstrong’s
book Mystery of the Ages.

Angels were a special creation. Each was individually created. Why does man reproduce?
Because mankind has the potential to be in the Family of God. Only mankind has been
given this opportunity. “For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my
Son, this day have I begotten thee?And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be
to me a Son?” (Hebrews 1:5). Only mankind, created physically, unlike the angels, may
become spiritual “sons of God” through a begettal by God’s Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14; 1
John 3:1; 2 Peter 1:4). When we are also composed of spirit like the angels, we will not
have sexual function. The level of intimacy, mentally and spiritually, between us and the
other members of the God Family, cannot even be fathomed. It will certainly FAR
SURPASS anything that we can compare it with on the physical plane.

Against this backdrop, let’s next look at the sixth chapter of Genesis. “And it came to
pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born
unto them, that the SONS OF GOD saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they
took them wives of all which they chose. The SONS OF GOD came in unto the daughters of
men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old,
men of renown” (verses 1-4).

Who, then, were these “sons of God”? The phrase can be used three different ways in the
Bible: 1) MEN (Genesis 6:1-4; Luke 3:38; Malachi 2:10). Genesis 6 is referring to men,
not angels. 2) ANGELS (Job 38:5-7; Hebrews 1:5). 3) SPIRIT-BEGOTTEN HUMANS (Romans 8:14; 1
John 3:1; 2 Peter 1:4). The first two groups are both created “sons of God,” physical and
spiritual. But only the first category of men, created physical “sons of God,” unlike the
angels, may become spiritual “sons of God” through a begettal by God’s Holy Spirit.

Genesis 6:2 says that the “sons of God” took wives. Since they married women, they
could not be angels. Notice verse three: “The Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive
with man.” Here, again, the sons of God are called man. Because these sons of God
sinned, God continues in verse 7, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face
of the earth ….”

It is always important to read the entire context of a passage. So far, not one word about
angels! As mentioned earlier, angels are spirits and could not be destroyed by water. With
the flood, “all flesh died … AND EVERY MAN. … Noah only remained alive, and they that were
with him in the ark” (Genesis 7:21-23).

For more on the subject of angels, please read Chapter Two of Herbert W. Armstrong’s
book Mystery of the Ages. For more on how mankind can be born into the Family of God
and the transcendental purposes of marriages and sex, read The Missing Dimension in
Sex. •

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