Whatsayscripturesspiritism_08
PART VIII
TAKE A LESSON FROM THE IVY
The following beautiful verses, by Charles Mackay, well illustrate the fact that there can be no proper Christian growth in the darkness of sin, superstition and Satanic influence; - that the True Light and the inspired Word through which it reaches us are absolutely necessary to our proper development.
The Ivy in a dungeon grew,
Unfed by rain, uncheered by dew,
Its pallid leaflets only drank
Cave moisture foul, or odors dank.
But through the dungeon grating high
There fell a sunbeam from the sky,
It slept upon the grateful floor
In silent gladness evermore.
The Ivy felt a tremor shoot
Through all its fibres to the root,
It felt the light, it saw the ray,
It longed to blossom into day.
It grew, it crept, it pushed, it clomb,
Long had the darkness been its home;
For well it knew, though veiled in night,
The goodness and the joy of light.
It reached the beam, it thrilled, it curled,
It blessed the warmth that cheers the world;
It grew towards the dungeon bars,
It looked upon the moon and stars.
Upon that solitary place
Its verdure threw adorning grace,
The mating birds became its guests,
And sang its praises from their nests.
By rains and dews and sunshine fed,
Upon the outer wall it spread,
And in the day beam roaming free,
It grew into a stately tree.
Would'st know the moral of the rhyme?
Behold the heavenly light and climb
To every dungeon comes a ray
Of God's illimitable day.
THE SPIRITS IN PRISON:
"THOSE ANGELS WHICH KEPT NOT
THEIR FIRST ESTATE"
"The sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose....And they bare children to them; the same became mighty men, which were of old, men of renown." - Gen. 6:2,4
THE SCRIPTURES not only point us to the future ago and call the spiritual government of Christ which shall then exist a "new heavens," and earthly society and institutions then to be established a "new earth," but similarly the Scriptures represent the present spiritual rulership (under Satan, "the prince of this world"), with the earthly institutions under it, as "the present evil world," dispensation or epoch*(_____________*See Studies In The Scriptures, Vol. 1., Chap. 4) Moreover, we are informed that the present dominion of evil has not always existed, but that it was preceded by a still different dispensation or epoch, spoken of as "the world that was" before the flood, which also had a heavens, or spiritual ruling power, and an earth, or condition of men subject to that spiritual dominion.
The three "worlds" mentioned by Peter (2 Pet. 3:6,7,13) designate these three great epochs of time. In each God's plan with reference to men has a distinct and separate outline yet each is but a part of the one great plan which, when complete, will exhibit the divine wisdom, justice, love and power, to the wonder and admiration of all his creatures.
Since that first "world" (or order of things) passed away at the time of the flood, it follows that it must have been a different order from the present, and hence that the prince of this present evil world was not the prince of that epoch which preceded this, however widely Satan's influence was then exerted.
Several Scriptures throw light on God's dealings during that first dispensation, and give clearer insight into his plan as a whole. The thought suggested by these is that the first "world (the dispensation before the flood) was under the supervision and special ministration of certain holy angels who were permitted to do what they could and desired to do to rule and recover the fallen race which, because of sin, needed a government other than its own.
That angels were the rulers of that epoch is not only indicated by all references to that period, but may be reasonably inferred from the Apostle's remark when contrasting the present dispensation with the past one and the future one. He endeavors to show both the righteousness and the enduring character of the future rulership of the world, saying, "The world to come hath he not put in subjection to the angels." No, it is put under the control of our Lord Jesus and his joint-heirs, and hence it shall not only be more righteous than the present rule of Satan, but it shall be more successful than was the previous rule by the angels. - Heb. 2:2,5
In their original estate all the angels, it seems, possessed the ability to appear in earthly forms. Thus, Satan appeared to Eve as a serpent, or acting through a serpent. Other angels frequently appeared as men, thus performing their ministry, appearing or disappearing, as the work demanded.
It was at this time, it seems, that the fall of some of the angels occurred. It is a common supposition, tho we think without foundation, that the fall of Satan's associates, the fallen angels, occurred before man's creation. We are told that Satan was a murderer (man killer) from the beginning. (Jno. 8:44) Certainly not the beginning of his own existence, for every creation coming from God's hand is perfect; nor can we think any other beginning referred to than man's beginning, in Eden. But, so far as we are informed, he was then alone and had no followers or angels.
The ambition of Satan, one of the mighty angels, to become a ruler, seems to have developed as he beheld the first human pair with their procreative powers, and the grand possibilities of an extended dominion through their posterity. He probably reasoned that, if he could obtain the control of this man he would have the dominion over all his offspring, and be in power and influence above others - a rival of Jehovah himself; and his growing ambition said, "I will be like the Most High." - Isa. 14:14
Successful in contaminating the stream at its source, Satan gained a great influence over the race; but his power over them was limited because of the competition of the great company of angels who, as guardians, instructed and ruled mankind for a time in harmony with the will of God. But man's corruption was contagious, and eventually some of these angelic rulers fell victims to the plague of sin, and left their own habitation, or condition as spiritual beings, keeping not their first or original estate. They misused the powers which they possessed, of assuming a human form, and became of a reprobate and licentious mind, copying after degenerate man, and started a new race of men in the world, as our text affirms. - Gen. 6:2-4
[This Scripture is applied by some to two classes of men. One class, more righteous than the other, are supposed to be here called "sons of God." But such a position is untenable; for it is not a sin for one man to take for a wife another man's daughter. Marriage among men is never in the Scriptures condemned as sinful. On the contrary, it was ordained of God, and has always had his sanction. (Gen. 2:24; Heb. 13:4) Our lord attested his approval by his presence at the marriage in Cana. (Jno. 2:1-11) Neither is the propagation of the race, under proper conditions, condemned as sinful. God commanded it, that the earth might be filled with a race of beings generated from one pair, and in order that subsequently the redemption of the race might be secured by the obedience and sacrifice of one - Christ. (Gen. 1:28; Rom. 5:19) However, those to whom the Lord has granted a knowledge of his truth sometimes forego marriage, as thy deny themselves many other earthly rights and privileges "for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake" (Matt. 19:12), if they consider that thereby a more efficient service may be rendered to the Lord.
Again, if it were merely a union of two classes of the same race, why should the offspring be specially called "men of renown?" If the righteous and the wicked marry to-day, are their children therefore giants or mightier or more renowned men? Surely not!]
After a deterioration of several hundred years, mankind had lost much of the original vigor and perfection of mind and body; but with the angels it was different: their powers were still perfect and unimpaired. Hence it is clear that their children would partake of that vitality and much more resemble the first perfect man than those around them, among whom they would be giants both in physical and mental strength.
Those angels which kept not their first condition, but sought the level of sinful men, and left their own habitation, or spiritual condition, God placed in age-lasting chains. That is, God restrained or limited their powers, taking from them the power and privilege of appearing in an earthly form, human or other. Hence, tho we know that they did thus appear before the flood, there is not one instance recorded in which they have been able to free themselves from this restraint or chain since. On the contrary, the angels who left not their first estate are not so restrained, and have appeared frequently as men, as a flame of fire, as a pillar of cloud, etc., as recorded in both the Old and New Testament Scriptures.
Having become depraved in their tastes, and being given over to a reprobate mind, and debarred from all association with God and his works and plan, these fallen angels have no longer any pleasure in things on the spiritual plane, but crave association with depraved mankind and a participation with men in sin. How wise and kind the Almighty hand which has restrained their power and influence over men by preventing their personal intercourse! Now, they may indeed enter and act through any who invite their companionship, as spirit mediums, but no more can they do. Thus far shalt thou go, saith the Almighty, but no further. This is the explanation of what is known as Spiritism.
Some of this class, possessed by devils, our Lord and his disciples met in their ministry. Out of one he cast a legion of devils. (Mark 5:1-15) Anxious in some manner to become associated with humanity, yet unable to assume human form because restrained, when they found a man willing to have such company, a legion crowded into him, thereby making him a maniac. Even when they perceived that the Lord would release the man from their possession, they in despair requested as a favor that they might be permitted to inhabit and use the bodies of a herd of swine near by. But the swine were crazed thereby, and madly rushed into the sea.
Jude (6,7) gives conclusive evidence on the subject, and clearly shows the nature of the sin for which the fallen angels were condemned and restrained, when, after mentioning the angels who sinned, he says, "Even as Sodom and Gomorrah,...in like manner giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh." That God prohibits any mixture or blending of natures, and designs that each should keep its own original or first estate is clearly taught by this passage and also by Lev. 18:23; 20:15,16. And that our race as it exists to-day, coming through Noah, is purely Adamic stock, and contains no mixture, is shown by the expression - "These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generation," - i.e., not contaminated in the manner before described. - Gen. 6:9
Glancing back, then, we see the first epoch under angelic control, the inability of those angels to lift man out of his fallen condition, and the debasing influence of man's continued degradation upon some of those angels. The angels were utterly unable to accomplish the great work of man's recovery. Doubtless they were anxious to do it, for they sang and shouted for joy at his creation. God let them try it, and it was doubtless part of their education, trial and discipline, but they failed. Some joined the ranks of evil, while the reset stood by powerless to arrest the terrible course of sin. Later we find the good angels still interested, desiring to look into the plan which God has since been working out through Christ, and ever ready to do his bidding in our service. (l Pet. 1:12) Thus was proven to both men and angels the futility of angelic power to save men.
In the beginning of "this present evil world,: notwithstanding Noah's endeavor to serve God and to teach his posterity to follow his example, and the exhibition of God's judgment in the deluge, the tendency was still downward; and soon the wickedness of Sodom brought its destruction. Mankind were bent on an evil course, and God permitted them to take it. Then the ministration of angels, except to the few of God's children, was withdrawn; and now, instead of sending heavenly messengers to declare to us his will, he has given us his Word, "that the man of God may be thoroughly furnished [thereby] unto all good works." - 2 Tim. 3:16,17
Ever since the fall, God's plan has been gradually and quietly developing, and in due time will bear abundant fruit unto eternal life; and eventually it will be demonstrated to all his creatures that God's plan is the only one which could accomplish the great work. It selects and tests first of all, the "little flock," the Royal Priesthood, and then reaches out to lift up and restore all others willing to accept life everlasting upon God's conditions.
"THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE"
"The entrance of thy Word giveth light." - Psa. 119:130
IF WE knew that 'neath the snow-flakes,
O'er the wintry landscape strewn,
Joyous buds of Spring were swelling
To dispel the Winter's gloom,
Could the season's darksome shadows
That along our pathway lie
E'er obscure the beams of brightness
That betoken Summer's nigh?
If we knew that every shadow Heralds but the coming light,
That the sunshine seems the brighter
When compared with shades of night,
Would the troubles that oppress us,
Making mind and spirit sore,
Be as now so soul-distressing?
Could we not endure the more?
Tho to-day the soil be thirsty,
'Tis the morrow brings the rain;
And the showers so refreshing
Bid the flowers live again.
So it is with human sorrow,
Parched with trouble's fiercest glow;
Leading to - though hard the lesson -
Joys we else could never know.
Let us humbly learn the lesson
Taught by landscape, shower and tomb.
That tho skies be overshadowed,
Sunbeams may disperse the gloom;
For no matter what the sorrows
That may hide the sun to-day
Still behind the clouds, concealing,
Shines his warmest, brightest ray.
- A. J. Morris
PREACHING TO "SPIRITS IN PRISON"
"Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but quickened in the spirit. By which also [in addition to this work done for us] he preached to the spirits in prison; which sometime [before] were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah." - 1 Pet. 3:18-20 See Diaglott, footnote.
A SATISFACTORY interpretation of this Scripture has long been sought, and but few have found a solution perfectly consistent and satisfying even to themselves. But in view of the truth gleaned from the suggestions of the preceding article, the above statements of the Apostle Peter become luminous.
The two views of this passage commonly held we state first, and then give our own view of it.
The most common view is, that during the time that Jesus was entombed he was off on a missionary tour preaching to the antediluvian sinners who were suffering torture in a supposed place called hell.
If its advocates would consider it, they would find, that their interpretation favors a view of future probation for the antediluvians, a thing which they strenuously oppose. For if Christ preached to them it must have been for some purpose. Surely it was not merely to mock them. Consequently he must have preached a message of hope - a part of his blessed "good tidings of great joy." And if there is a future for the antediluvians, why not accept our position as correct - that in Christ "all the families of the earth shall be blessed?"
This is the objection which consistency would urge against this view, from the standpoint of those who hold it. But if we view it from the Scriptural standpoint, and with the correct idea of death and "hell," we must reason that if Jesus were really dead during those three days, as the Apostles declare, then he could do no declaiming; for "the dead know not anything" (Eccl. 9:5), and "there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave." (Eccl. 9:10) Second, If Jesus had been an exception to the rule, and could have preached, the antediluvians could not have heard; for certainly they have no wisdom, nor knowledge, in the grave. Hence this view is found generally unsatisfactory and as well unscriptural.* —————-*See "What Say the Scriptures About Hell?" - advertising page.
The second view, and the one which seemed most reasonable to us until the considerations of the preceding article threw light upon this scripture also, is to refer the preaching to that which Noah did under the direction of the spirit of God to the antediluvians, who at this time were imprisoned in the great prison-house, the tomb. The objection to this view is, that the preaching was not to men, nor to the spirits of men, but to "spirits," spirit beings; and the preaching was not done by Noah, nor by the spirit of God, nor before the flood, but after they had been chained. And the preaching, we hold, was in pantomime - by the death and resurrection of our Lord.
It seems very clear, therefore, that the spirits are those spirit beings who were disobedient during the days of Noah, and whom God therefore imprisoned or restrained from some of their former liberties and privileges, even "those angels who kept not their own principality, but left their own habitation [or normal condition]. He has kept them in perpetual chains [restraints], under thick darkness, for the judgment of the great day." - Jude 6, Diaglott
This interpretation seems to meet all the circumstances of the case thus far. Now we inquire, In what way could our Lord preach to those spirits during the time he was dead? We answer that it is not so stated. It was by the facts that he preached, as we sometimes say, "actions speak louder than words." It was by his sufferings, death and resurrection that the preaching was done. Thus, as Jesus went from step to step in his work, his course was preaching a good sermon to those angels who once had been placed in control of man, and had themselves fallen, instead of lifting up mankind. In Jesus they saw exemplified obedience even unto death, and its reward - resurrection to spiritual being of the divine nature. Such was the great text; and the lesson from it is stated by the Apostle (I Pet. 3:22), viz., that Jesus is now highly exalted and has been given a name (title) above every name; that he is "gone into heaven, and is at the right hand of God [the position of highest favor], angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him." They knew Jesus before he left the glory of the heavenly condition and became a man. They knew the object of his self-sacrifice as a man. They saw him obedient even unto death, and then that his high exaltation came as a reward. (Phil. 2:9) They must have felt keenly their loss through disobedience, being cut off from communion with God, restrained as unworthy of former liberty and communion with the purer minded of mankind, and their own future an unsolved mystery. We can but imagine that sorrow and chagrin filled their hearts, as they contrasted their course of disobedience and its unhappy results, with our Lord's obedient course and its grand results. We can fancy at least some of them saying, Would that we had realized before, as fully as we do now, the wide contrast between the results of obedience and disobedience. Would that we might have another trial: with our increased knowledge, our course would be very different.
A clear distinction should be borne in mind as between Satan and these angels. Satan evidently sinned against great light, so that infinite wisdom finds no place to do more for him, and his ;;ultimate destruction is clearly predicted. - Heb. 2:14
But did not the Lord, in Matt. 25:41, declare eternal torment to be the punishment awaiting these fallen spirit beings? No: this scripture cannot be used as an argument against a hope for a probation for the bound or imprisoned spirits; for though, by force of circumstances and restraint from any other service, they are now Satan's angels - messengers or servants - yet they may not always continue such, if an opportunity be granted them to return to God's service and be angels of God. This passage relates to the "lake of fire" or destruction (Rev. 20:10),*——-*See "What Say the Scriptures About Hell?"—-into which, at the close of the Millennial age, are to be cast all who are out of harmony with God. Satan will be of those cast into that everlasting destruction, and with him all who do unrighteousness or have pleasure therein; - all of whom, angelic spirits or men on his side, are reckoned to be his angels or messengers. All evil-doers shall be cut off from life. To cut off such, and such only, was God's plan from the beginning. The wilfully wicked and not the merely ignorant, mislead, blinded or deceived are meant when it is said, "All the wicked will God destroy."
THE PROBATION OF ANGELS
Will those "spirits in prison," "those angels which kept not their first estate," and who received such a powerful though silent testimony and lesson from the ministry, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus, ever have an opportunity to profit by those lessons? Will they ever have an opportunity to repent of their sin, leave Satan's service and return to loyalty to God?
If at first we thought the Scriptures were silent on the subject, we have found that to be a mistake; and when God speaks we may reasonably conclude there is something profitable for us to hear. Hence, let us give ear that we may learn whatever our Father deems expedient to communicate.
Jude (verse 6) informs us that those angels which committed fornication and went after strange flesh, "also," "in like manner," to the Sodomites (verse 7), God is keeping under restraint (as a penalty or punishment) "unto [or until] the judgment of the great day." The "great day" is the Millennial Day, and mankind is also waiting for this judgment (krisis - trial). The Apostle Peter's testimony is in harmony (2 Pet. 2:4); and St. Paul settles the matter that these fallen and now imprisoned spirit beings, as well as mankind, will have a trial under the reign of Christ and the Church, "the Kingdom of God" in exalted power. Speaking of the impropriety of the saints appealing to earthly Courts of Justice for adjustment of difficulties between themselves, he says, - "Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world?...Know ye not that we shall judge angels?" - I Cor. 6:1-4
The Greek word here rendered "judge," is krino, the same root as krisis, rendered "judgment" in Jude 7, and signifies to govern, to test; to mete out to each individual blessings or stripes, according to the merit of his course when brought fully into the light of the truth, and under all the blessings of the reign of Christ. Thus it is seen that it will be part of the work of the Christ to rule over and direct both human and angelic sinners - "to judge the world" of fallen men, now restrained in death, from which they have been redeemed, and also to judge fallen angels, spirits, restrained alive until this judgment or trial of the Great Millennial Day, when the Church under the headship of her Lord shall try their cause also, giving everlasting life and favor to those who shall then prove themselves worthy of it, and everlasting destruction to those proved under full light and opportunity to be unworthy.
Besides these references to the subject, we find frequent references to a work Christ is to do in subjecting heavenly, or spiritual, as well as human powers, after the Church has been selected and the work of judging and blessing is commenced. For instance, we read (Eph. 1:10) "In the dispensation of the fullness of times, to reestablish [under God's dominion and law] all things in Christ [the disordered things] that are in heaven [spiritual] and on earth [human] in him." - Douay translation. Again, "In him it hath well pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell, and through him to reconcile all things unto himself, making peace by the blood of his cross, both as to the things on earth, and the things in heaven" - earthly and spiritual transgressors. - Col. 1:20 - Douay
In Eph. 3:8-10, it is shown that the length and breadth of God's redemptive plan has been hidden by God until the Gospel age, when the apostles were commissioned to declare to men the conditions upon which they might become sharers with Christ in the execution of God's loving plan; and the intent is, ultimately, to have all the heavenly or spiritual beings know, through the instrumentality of the Church, the boundless wealth that is in God's great gift - his Son - and the different methods and steps his wisdom marked out for all his creatures. We quote the passage from the Diaglott translation: -
"To me, the very lowest of the saints, was this favor given - to announce among nations the glad tidings - the boundless wealth of the Anointed One: even to enlighten all as to what is the [method of] administration [or operation] of that secret [plan] which has been concealed from the ages by that God who created all things; in order that now [henceforth] may be made known to governments and the authorities in the heavenlies, through [the instrumentality of] the congregation [the Church] the much diversified wisdom of God, according to a plan of the ages,...which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
It would appear, then, that God's bountiful plan and diversified wisdom contain something of interest to the angels, and, if of interest to any, of special interest to those confined, or restrained, and awaiting a trial in the judgment of the great Millennial day. They see the saints and seek to look into things revealed by the Spirit and Word to these; but in no other way can they learn of their future, or what provision has been made for themselves in the boundless wealth and diversified wisdom of God, because, as here stated, it is to be "made known" "through the Church."
These condemned angels have been learning much since the first text and sermon; - not only the lesson of our Lord's obedience and exaltation (I Pet. 3:18-20; I Tim. 3:16), but also of his followers; for we read that "we are made a spectacle both to angels and to men." (I Cor. 4:9 - Diaglott.) The spectacle and lesson are to both men and angels for the reason that both men and angels will shortly be judged by the Church, and blessed by it, if found obedient and worthy of life. When the testimony in due time is given, all things, both in heaven (the spiritual condition) and on earth (the human), shall bow to Jehovah's Anointed and confess him their Lord and Ruler; and those who refuse obedience to his righteous authority shall be cut off from life, - destroyed as unworthy of life. - Isa. 45:23; Rom. 14:11; Acts 3:23
The angels that sinned in the days of Noah have had a bitter experience since: no doubt death would have been preferable in many respects. Cut off from association with good angels, and placed in companionship of each other and Satan, without God and having no hope, they must have had a terrible experience with sin's demoralizing effects, while their observation of mankind, dying on account of sin, would lead them to surmise that death might ultimately be their portion also. That such was the fear of these unclean spirits is evidenced by the protest of one whom the Lord cast out: "Art thou come to destroy us?" (Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34; Matt. 8:29) But this no more proves that their suppositions were correct, than the belief of millions of professed Christians, that nine-tenths of humanity will be everlastingly tormented, proves that to be so. The fact is, we find that Satan, who taught men thus to blaspheme God's character by his misrepresentation of the Divine plan, was the master and chief over these cast-down spirits; and evidently he has misrepresented Jehovah's plan to the imprisoned spirits as he has to men. He is the father of lies.
Neither can we forget the respectful conduct of the fallen spirits toward our Lord and his apostles and the message they delivered; far more respectful indeed than that of the strictest sect of the Jewish Church. While the latter scoffed and said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph?" (John 6:42), the fallen spirits exclaimed, "Thou art the Son of God." (Mark 3:11) While the former said, "Thou hast a devil and art mad," the latter said, "I know thee who thou art, the holy one of God." - Mark 1:24.
The "legion," which had crazed the Gadarene, worshiped Christ, acknowledging him to be the "Son of the Most High God." - Mark 5:6,7
While they respected the true, they opposed the false, saying to some who pretended to exorcise them - "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was, leaped on them and overcame them." - Acts 19:15
Both Jews and Gentiles beat and stoned the messengers of God, when they came among them with the glad tidings of salvation, but some of these fallen angels seemed desirous of spreading the glad tidings. One followed the Apostle Paul and Silas, saying, "These men are the servants of the Most High God, which show unto us [angels and men] the way of salvation." - Acts 16:17
THE BASIS OF HOPE FOR THE FALLEN ANGELS
But an important question now arises. The Scriptures show us that human hope centers in the fact that a ransom-price was given for Adam's sin; but what is the basis of hope for these fallen angels? On what ground can they now be granted a trial with a hope for everlasting life? Did our Lord Jesus die for them?
We are not so informed. The ransom-sacrifice was human, a ransom for men. "Verily," says Paul, "he took not on him the nature of angels," etc. (Heb. 2:16) Furthermore, the angels were not under condemnation to death, and hence have never lost their life in any measure, and need no ransom from death. It was because the sentence of death had passed upon men that a ransom was necessary in order that we might regain life. Those angels which kept not their first estate were condemned not to death, but to restraint and confinement, until the day of trial, when God will judge both men and angels in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained. (Acts 17:31) They are therefore undergoing their penalty as truly as man is suffering his penalty, tho the penalties be very different in kind, - "according to the much diversified wisdom of God."
And yet these fallen angels had a great interest in our Lord's sacrifice; for tho they were not being redeemed, bought, by the precious blood, as was man, and did not need to be, not being under condemnation to death, yet their hope centered in the power with which he should be rewarded by his exaltation to the divine nature, in consequence of his obedience even unto death. He is now Lord and judge of both the living and the dead; - the dead and dying world of mankind, and the living angels, never condemned to death. - Rom. 14:9
Again, if we have a correct view of the matter, that these angels were largely tempted and seduced by evil in men, which had become very great (Gen. 6:5), we may see how the reconciliation accomplished by the blood of the cross for man could apply to and cancel both direct and indirect guilt, if it resulted from the one man's disobedience. So that now we are assured in the words of the Apostle, "It pleased the Father,...having made peace [propitiation - satisfaction] through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile unto himself all things [out of harmony];...whether things in earth [human], or things in heaven [angelic]." - Col. 1:20
These things are written that ye "may be able to comprehend with all saints the lengths and the breadths, the heights and the depths, and to appreciate the love of Christ which passeth all understanding," and that believing ye may rejoice with joy unspeakable. "Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." - Eph. 3:17, 18; Rom. 11:33