Jude 6 - And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
I really enjoyed a thought just now, but in order to share it I suppose I need to declare my position on this verse in relation to who are these angels? This will also show where I stand in relation to Genesis 6's reference to the "sons of God."
The angels who kept not their first estate, or principality, are angels who fell at the time of the rebellion of Lucifer. They are presently reserved, or kept because they are guarded, in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. This does not mean that these demons who fell with Satan are currently making their abode in hell, but rather they are "chained" under darkness, that is under the authority of the one whom they chose to follow, Satan. The demons of Satan were rejected from marvelous light unto darkness.
So what makes angels of heaven so interested in the gospel, enough even to stoop down to look into (1 Peter 1:12)? Why are angels the special mention concerning rejoicing in heaven over once sinner who repents (Luke 15:10)? It is because they would have only been able to do the opposite, which they saw happen as their fallen former comrades experienced it.
The believer is "called out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). He was under the authority of darkness, which the demons are part of, and is now translated into the kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13). The grace of our God must be astounding to the angels, how it should be more astounding to us! Not only so but we are "preserved in Jesus Christ" (Jude 1) and "kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Peter 1:4). The demons are kept too, but they are reserved in everlasting chains of darkness. Let us marvel at the grace of God towards us.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Refrain
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Refrain
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Refrain
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
Refrain
- Julia H. Johnston
