Gospel Outreach International

This Bible study explores Genesis 6, addressing the critical question: Who are the “sons of God” mentioned in Genesis 6, and what does their interaction with humanity reveal about God’s patience and coming judgment? Through careful examination of scripture and cross-referencing with the book of Job, this study reveals important truths about fallen angels, human immorality, and God’s warning that His Spirit will not always strive with mankind.

And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. Genesis 6:6

• The phrase “sons of God” (Benne Elohim) appears only four times in the Old Testament - once in Genesis 6 and three times in the book of Job
• Three main interpretations exist for “sons of God”: the godly line of Seth, extraterrestrial visitors, or fallen angels who feature in various ancient myths
• The most supported interpretation is that these are fallen angels who produced giants (Nephilim) through unions with human women
• The immorality described was both physical and spiritual, reaching such depths that only Noah and his family remained faithful to God
• God’s declaration that His Spirit will not strive with man forever establishes a critical principle - divine patience has limits
• The 120 years mentioned likely refers to the time Noah had to build the ark while preaching righteousness to an unresponsive generation
• God brought the animals to Noah rather than Noah having to gather them himself
• The parallels between Noah’s day and the present time suggest the Lord’s return is drawing near
• The ark represents God’s gracious provision of escape from judgment, just as the cross provides our way of salvation
• Christians are commanded to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to go into all the world preaching the gospel
• God works according to His appointed timetable, and His purposes cannot be thwarted by human indifference

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:8

This study leaves us with a sobering but ultimately hopeful message. Just as Noah faithfully built the ark and preached righteousness for 120 years, we’re called to share the gospel even when people aren’t listening. The big takeaway about Jesus is this: He’s our ark, our only way of escape from judgment. God graciously provided Noah with one door into the ark, and once God shut that door, no one could open it. Jesus is that one door for us today - the cross is God’s provision for our salvation. The challenge is simple but urgent: don’t miss the boat. Make sure you’re inside before it’s too late, because when He returns, the door will be shut. As it was in Noah’s day, so it will be when the Son of Man returns - and all the signs suggest that day is getting very near indeed.

Bible References

• Genesis 6:
• 2 Corinthians 6
• Ezekiel 1
• Job 1:6
• Job 2:1
• Job 38:7
• Matthew 28
• 2 Timothy 3
• Romans 12