Before God created humans, He already had another household among His family[i] called the sons of God. They were older family members, heavenly beings created by Yahweh before He brought our world and the human race into existence. The sons of God were among the entities who watched God create the foundation and cornerstone of our world.

Job 38:4-7 (Selected portions) Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

It’s fascinating that the sons of God[ii] watched Yahweh work as He created the cosmos. They saw Him fashion the understructure and probably more of the original construction of our world.

When the sons of God heard Yahweh speak a word, maybe they perceived it as Whish! Whoosh! Wham! in thunderous volume. Suddenly, a mountainous arrangement appeared, ready for the next step of creation. With great enthusiasm, the angels launched into singing and shouting!

Wow, such shouting for joy was true worship! Their emphatic rejoicing shows that the sons of God were splendidly impressed with Yahweh. His work was seemingly effortless. He merely spoke to make and move such massively grand features. It inspired them beyond their imaginations!

Despite the vast display of force and energy, my take is that Yahweh’s motive was mainly to have a place where He could love and cherish us as His children. A place where we can learn to be all He knows we’re capable of being. With sophisticated power, He moved atoms, molecules, and elements to develop our cosmos. The result was a fantastic place where humans could thrive.

Since the sons of God were with Yahweh and so interested and excited about His work, let’s dig deeper into who they are.

Old Testament Sons of God

The “sons of God,” as specified in Job 38 and other places in the Old Testament, is a phrase derived from the Hebrew words bên ʼĕlôhîym, defined as follows.

ben – Strong’s # H1121 – son, grandson, male child

elohim – Strong’s # H430 – God, god, judge

The Hebrew word elohim can be used in the singular or plural sense, like the English word sheep. There can be many sheep or just one sheep, but the same word. This is how Moses used the word elohim when he described Yahweh as the only true God in contrast to the lesser gods.[iii]

Deuteronomy 10:17 (LEB) For Yahweh your God (elohim), he is God (elohim) of the gods (elohim) and Lord of the lords, the great and mighty God, the awesome one who is not partial, and he does not take bribes.

The Bible uses the word elohim 2,602 times, always to describe spiritual beings in heaven; nothing physical or observable in our world. Accordingly, the sons of God in heaven are gods (elohim) whom Yahweh created.

The sons of God are sometimes called Watcher angels (Daniel 4:13, 17, 23). These are the same class of angels that rebelled against God by mating with women, as described in Genesis 6:4.

What about the statements in the Bible which declare there are no other gods besides Yahweh? Those are comparison statements proclaiming there is no other elohim who can come even close to equating with Yahweh.[iv]

Although the heavenly beings are merely created, the Bible describes them as gods. This is also apparent in a scene described in Psalms when God is standing among His council.

Psalm 82:1 (KJV) God [elohim] standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods [elohim].

The takeaway is that we have a heavenly family called the sons of God, who are actually elohim – gods. They have free will to do good or evil, and they can perform amazing supernatural acts. Someday, humans loyal to Jesus will be with these family members, and we’ll be gods, too.[v] That may seem like a leap, dear reader, but I’ll make a case for that in this blog.

New Testament Sons of God

Interestingly, the New Testament also calls human believers in Jesus the sons of God. The Biblical context makes it clear that the apostles meant humans when they used the phrase.

Romans 8:19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.

Those humans loyal to Jesus are the sons of God. However, the phrase intends to identify our future status. It’s our destiny; our hope is to be like Him when He appears.

1 John 3:2 (KJV) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

We don’t know precisely when the change shall be, but we will be like Jesus. We are imagers of Jesus, the firstborn of all creation, and He is the image of God the Father.

Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation:

Furthermore, Jesus is the Creator, through whom all things came into being.

John 1:2-3a He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him.

Jesus, the creator of the cosmos, visited us in human form and chose to work as a carpenter. With His life, Jesus endorsed the significance of our work. In the Bible record and by observing creation, we have numerous examples of Jesus creating, building, and working.

Since we are His imagers, does it make sense why humans have the abilities and desire to make things and initiate actions to rule the Earth? We’ll be delving deeper into our human purpose in another blog. In the next section, let’s focus our attention on our unseen, heavenly family.

Family Matters

There are at least two different households in God’s kingdom: the angel sons of God and human sons of God. We will be at least partially like the angel sons of God in the future, and we will all worship Jesus, the firstborn of our family.

Hebrews 1:6 And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, “And let all the angels of God worship Him.”

In the future, humans and angels will interact and complement each other. This will be increasingly so in the time to come. But while both groups are sons of God, angels and humans are also dissimilar. We have different roles to perform, not just in this world but in heaven.

Humans who follow His ways now will be sons of God in eternity. This has some implications for understanding our individual roles and humanity’s at-large purpose. It also provides insight, though limited, into relations between Yahweh’s heaven and earth families.

Since angels and humans will worship Jesus together, let’s learn more about the place we’ll inhabit with our heavenly family.

A New Physical World

After the thousand-year reign of Christ, the old heavens and earth will pass away, and a new heaven and earth will be established.

Revelation 21:1a Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away.

Also, an enormous, entirely completed city called New Jerusalem will come down from heaven.

Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,

The Bible passages above reveal how Yahweh will switch out (replace) our situation on Earth by supernaturally building a whole new cosmos with an awesome city. As believers with faith in Yahweh’s goodness and ability to make all this happen, it’s delightful to anticipate.

But not all humans have faith in Yahweh. Many do not believe in His power – His supernatural ability to make things. Many think the earth and humans are evolving. And they think that if we want to gain eternal life, we must achieve it on our own. They don’t literally intend to mean “on our own.” But by the use of technology, humankind will supposedly gain eternal life.

In the next few sections, let’s discuss some technologies and the anticipation of the singularity. This word means that people expect the pace of technological change to be so rapid that human life will be irreversibly transformed.[vi] There is a mixed bag of elation but also concern about this among much of the world’s population.[vii]

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI machines will supposedly mix with and surpass human mental processes like perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning. It is unknown if human consciousness, emotions, and personal beliefs will be emulated by AI. Some believe, or hope, that human 1.0 (as God created humans) will become obsolete and that AI will have a role in the change.

In late November of 2022, ChatGPT (Generative Pre-Trained Transformer) was released by OpenAI, a San Fransisco-based research lab. OpenAI began in 2015 and Elon Musk was one of the original group members. They aimed to develop a “safe and beneficial” artificial general intelligence.[viii]

ChatGPT is a tool driven by AI technology and was part of a deliberate process by various developers. They expressed, “We currently lack a clear understanding of how [AI models] work, when they fail, and what they are even capable of due to their emergent properties.”[ix]

AI has some amazing attributes but some shortfalls as well. Some have argued that AI and ChatGPT have a conundrum. It’s the program’s lack of knowledge beyond a particular date.[x] In other words, it can’t give info beyond its last revision. At least in this early version, ChatGPT cannot create a suitable word or name for future human knowledge.

After finding this out, my Bible came alive when I recalled that Adam had the human ability to create the animals’ names. God brought the animals to Adam and looked upon his activity to see what he would call them. (Genesis 2:19) Was God emoting affection for Adam, His new imager, just as a father has for a toddler?

Critics say that AI cannot feel pleasure at successes, be warmed by a compliment, be miserable for a mistake, be charmed by sex, or be angry or depressed by not achieving a goal.[xi] Despite all these limitations, being aware of this technology is worthwhile, even necessary.

For the time being, it seems AI can be used to benefit humans. It can help disseminate information and assist people in gaining knowledge. But there’s another side to the coin. What about AI running away with the show as the intelligent machines did in The Matrix?

Remember the AI creators iterated that they do not clearly understand AI models. We cannot be careless with AI. Many experts with godly wisdom are needed to monitor the latest developments. Human ethics, morality, and emotions must be maintained and preserved, and human intelligence must control AI, not the reverse.

The Human Genome

If you’ve read Roots of the Kingdom, you know that a battle to control human destiny has been an underlying theme for six millennia. It’s the Seed War between good and evil that continues even now. But God gave us a promise to keep humans in a winning position; it’s the First Promise.[xii] That’s not to say the war between good and evil is a cakewalk.

Roots of the Kingdom also shows the Genesis 6 rebellion which reveals a desire by dark forces to change the human genome from God’s original. In it all, humans have been severely mistreated. Another possible scenario of genetic deviancy exists today due to the desire for singularity.

In our current world, maybe fixing genes is not terrible. Some people may simply desire better health. Genetic testing and gene therapy can be legitimately life-giving. For instance, genes can be damaged, and DNA can be restored as God intended our genes to be, benefitting human life.[xiii]

But the goals of the kingdom of God and dark forces have always contrasted. Scripture reveals a new heaven and earth where we’ll have eternal life. Conversely, the singularity crowd wishes to create eternal life by manipulating human genes and integrating with AI, among other strategies.

Corruption of Human Flesh

All that said, the good and evil kingdoms are on a trajectory to clash eventually. Some have faith in God’s promises, and others don’t. Many have no issue with revising God’s imagers to Human 2.0, which is a different image than God made.[xiv] This is a big deal because that would make us unlike God. If humanity steps over the line and begins to alter the human genome, it may be the beginning of the end of humanity, similar to the days of Noah.

Matthew 24:22 And if those days had not been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

Matthew 24:37, 39 For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. And they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away;

Will belief or rejection of the supernatural view of creation set the stage for a standoff between two ideologies in the last days? How much alteration does it take to change a human into a nonhuman? How much of a genetic alteration is each human willing to make?[xv]

Remember, the Watchers were rebellious sons of God who mixed with human flesh and created giants called Nephilim. By the time the days of Noah came, they had corrupted all flesh. (Genesis 6:12) Humanity was on the verge of becoming extinct because of the increase of Nephilim hybrids.

God rejected them because they were not 100% human as Noah was.[xvi] That’s when God stepped in and saved humanity with a Flood so Human creation level 1.0 could populate the world again as the majority.

Do Good Amidst Evil

One factor is sure in the high-tech discussion. Technology (or other human gifts) can be used for good or evil. I’ll be giving some examples later in this series of blogs. In many instances, technology can almost seem supernatural in both good and evil ways. Let’s look at an example that had just a tiny influence on humankind.

Samuel F.B. Morse did a demonstration in 1838 with the first telegraph. To a dispatch, he answered, “What Hath God Wrought!” a quote from Numbers 23:23. Within about seven years, the telegraph connected most major American and European cities.

This was something the world had never seen. It seemed almost as if science was supernatural. Morse’s technology could increase communication, aid commerce, and bring families closer in relationships. But did our world also move minutely closer to a dystopian New World Order?

I appreciate the good that technology can do, but we can see that good and evil are not easily separated. Of course, people who are concerned can opt out of the latest technology and sit on the sidelines, refusing to participate.

But it’s a good thing Queen Esther didn’t quit. She became part of a monarchy at the right place and time to save the Jews from Haman’s evil plan. God didn’t take her out of the world. She listened to Mordecai and chose to be in the system and battle dark forces. (Esther 4:14)

The Lord needs responsible insiders like Esther, who can do good by uncovering and exposing evil strategies. It’s best to stay involved and keep a watchful eye on the tower overlooking technology. Be ready to blow the trumpet when the enemy is seen.

Jesus didn’t ask the Father to take us out of the world. Instead, He asked for God to keep us away from the evil one.

John 17:15 I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them away from the evil one.

I point out evil situations to encourage training and practice. It provides spiritual insight and keeps us away from the evil one.

Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil.

Jesus also said we must be as wise as serpents.

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

Granted, human activity will become increasingly technological in nature. Identifying evil and sifting out the good will become more complex as time and technology progress. Fortunately, we’ve been given Biblical wisdom from past saints on negotiating evil times.

And we have the Holy Spirit with us, whom Jesus characterized as the Spirit of Truth. Don’t forget the Holy Spirit can give us the ability to discern truth from error.

John 16:13a But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth;

Interrupting Gradualism

Humans will not need to manipulate their genes to gain eternal life as the singularity desires. If the choice of changing genetics presents itself, we must have faith to remain 100% human, like Noah was before the Flood.

Remember, the Nephilim had corrupted flesh. They were altered from God’s image and, therefore, could not gain eternal life and had to be destroyed.

I don’t claim to have all the answers. My purpose is to begin a conversation to expose the possibilities. Also, I point to God’s supernatural power. He will ignore the laws of physics and interrupt the evolutionist theory of gradualism. By supernatural power, He will create the New Heavens and Earth, likewise, when He introduces the New Jerusalem.

Yahweh brought our cosmos into existence with mere words. Creation happened from a series of supernatural acts over six days. The Bible says He will do it again for the Eternal kingdom after the Millennial Reign of Christ. If Yahweh is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

More About Our Elohim Family

True Christians are waiting to be changed into beings with heavenly bodies. Someday, we will be with our elohim family, living eternally in God’s presence. This truth is revealed throughout the Bible but is most apparent in the New Testament. We will judge angels.

1 Corinthians 6:2-3 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?

It’s true too, that angels will judge us as well.

Matthew 13:49 So it will be at the end of the age: the angels will come forth and remove the wicked from among the righteous,

We have not yet taken on our heavenly bodies, but those loyal to Yahweh have that destiny. Each person’s ultimate intention, good or evil, will be exposed someday. Those devoted to aligning their will with God’s will versus those who rebel against Him will become known.

New Bodies

The anxious longing of creation is for the human sons of God to be revealed. That’s when we’ll become like angels, similar to the Old Testament sons of God.

Romans 8:19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.

At this time in history, humanity is in a fallen state because Adam and Eve disobeyed God. There’s not enough space in this blog to adequately explain the human condition and the solution. But Roots of the Kingdom, chapters 13 through 15, thoroughly explains our situation.

Compellingly, Rabbinic literature from the first or second century A.D. holds that “Adam and Eve were first clothed in garments of light and then later clothed in garments of skin.”[xvii]

Since then, our bodies have undergone a change because of evil human acts God warned us not to do. However, because of God’s First Promise to us, He sent Jesus to live a life that shows God’s love and willingness to forgive our wrongdoings. If we admit our mistakes and ask forgiveness, we will be accepted in God’s beloved eternal family.

If we abide in God’s ways, we’ll become like gods in the next life and have a new body clothed with light. “We will be transformed and become elohim, imagers of God—gods with shining bodies that more closely resemble His body.”[xviii]

Douglas Hamp states that there “appears to be no difference between Adam in his pre-fall state and us in our heavenly state as far as the light emitting from our bodies is concerned.”[xix] And, “Adam in the Garden of Eden was attired in supernal raiment, of celestial radiancy.”[xx]

Yahweh wants us to understand these things and for His manifold wisdom to be known. This knowledge will be brought to light from a mystery hidden for eons.

Ephesians 3:9-10 And to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.

If we know the mystery the Apostle Paul referred to in the Bible, we’ll be changed in the twinkling of an eye when the last trumpet sounds.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

We are the sons of God, so when Jesus appears, we shall be like Him.

1 John 3:2 (KJV) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Dear Reader, here’s one last suggestion for your blessing. In whatever Bible you like, read Ephesians 1:3-14. It provides a complementary summary of this blog. It will encourage you.

I always enjoy hearing your thoughts. Feel free to email me at Glenn@GlennLMarx.com.

Until next time, all the best to you.

Glenn

[i] Glenn Marx, Roots of the Kingdom (Manasota Key, FL: Valley Warrior Publishing, 2022) pgs. 3, 54-56, 75, 148

[ii] It’s uncertain if the morning stars and sons of God are identical entities. See Roots of the Kingdom pgs. 63, 66-70, 75, 117, 148

[iii] Glenn Marx, Roots of the Kingdom, pgs. 57-58

[iv] Ibid., pgs. 59-61

[v] Ibid., p. 62

[vi] Ray Kurzweil, The Singularity is Near, When Humans Transcend Biology (New York, NY; Penquin Books, 2005) p. 7

[vii] Ibid., Back Cover

[viii] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenAI

[ix] Nick Ripatrazone, Common Good magazine, Summer 2023, Issue 12, Humans in the New Age of the Machine (Overland Park, KS, Made to Flourish), p. 47

[x] Nick Ripatrazone, Common Good magazine, Summer 2023, Issue 12, p. 48

[xi] Ibid.

[xii] Glenn Marx, Roots of the Kingdom, p. 5

[xiii] Mark Hyman, MD, Young Forever (New York, NY; Little, Brown Spark, 2023) p. 177

[xiv] Ray Kurzweil, The Singularity is Near, When Humans Transcend Biology, Chpt. 1

[xv] Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens (New York, NY, Harper Perennial, 2015) Chpt. 20

[xvi] Glenn Marx, Roots of the Kingdom, Chpt. 17, (The Seed War, Strange Flesh, transhumanism, and gene-editing.)

[xvii] Ibid., p. 70

[xviii] Ibid., p. 68

[xix] Douglas Hamp, Corrupting the Image (USA, Defender Publishing, 2011), p. 57

[xx] Douglas Hamp, Corrupting the Image, p. 49