Understanding the Sons of God and Daughters of Men

Genesis 6:1

1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

The sons of God in Genesis 6 are the noble descendants of Seth, while the daughters of men are the descendants of the wicked and ungodly race of CainST February 20, 1879, par. 14.

The Identity of the Sons of God

The descendants of Seth were known for their noble stature and their resemblance to Adam, particularly Seth himself, who resembled Adam more than any of his other brothersST February 20, 1879, par. 14. These individuals were designated as the children of God because they cherished the knowledge of His will and separated themselves from the wicked influences of the worldST February 20, 1879, par. 14+1. As children of the light, they possessed a calling and character that was meant to be distinct from the world, reflecting a life that was "dead to the world and alive unto God"PH155 2.1.

The Identity of the Daughters of Men

The daughters of men refer to the beautiful but idolatrous daughters belonging to the race of CainST February 20, 1879, par. 14. The ungodly descendants of Cain had no respect for God or His sacred commandmentsST February 20, 1879, par. 14. They represented the "children of darkness," whose lives were characterized by a lack of love for God and an assimilation to worldly pursuits and passionsPH155 2.1.

The Nature of Their Union

The Bible records that as men multiplied on the earth, the sons of God were enticed by the physical beauty of these women and took wives for themselves as they chose Genesis 6:1-2ST February 20, 1879, par. 14.

• A Departure from Duty: By marrying into the idolatrous race of Cain, the children of Seth departed from God and displeased HimST February 20, 1879, par. 14.

• Violation of Integrity: A young man who enters into relationships or marriages without regard for the plain and positive commands of God fails to manifest the nobility and integrity of soul that every child of God should possessCCh 118.3+2.

• Resulting Corruption: These marriages were not according to the word of God, as they confused the ideas of duty and led to a character that was unfaithful to marriage obligationsCCh 118.3+1.

Lessons for Today

The distinction between the children of light and the children of darkness remains decided and vitalPH155 2.1. Those who are truly converted and are the sons and daughters of God will not be filled with nonsense or a love for the world, but will instead seek a transformation of character through the grace of ChristST November 26, 1894, par. 1+1.

• "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God"YI December 8, 1892, par. 4.

• "As the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" Matthew 24:37COL 228.1.

• "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" Genesis 1:27.

Genesis 6:2-4

2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when 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.

Genesis 6:2-4 describes the spiritual and physical decline of the antediluvian world through the forbidden union of the righteous and the ungodly, resulting in a race that prioritized earthly prowess over divine characterAMS February 6, 1896, page 44.5+1.

The Union of the Sons of God and Daughters of Men

The "sons of God" were those who claimed kinship with the heavenly King and were responsible for representing His character on earthLYL 88.5+1. However, they allowed the love of the human to eclipse their love for the divine when they saw that the daughters of men were beautiful Genesis 6:21MCP 303.4.

• A Compromise of Faith: These unions were unequal yokes between believers and unbelievers, which God has always forbidden because light can have no communion with darknessFE 533.3+1.

• The Loss of Separation: By choosing companions who rejected God’s law, the descendants of Seth eventually became of the same mind and spirit as the worldlings they married1MCP 303.4+1.

• Grieving the Spirit: God declared that His Spirit would not always strive with man, for man is also flesh, yet He granted a probation of one hundred and twenty years for them to repent Genesis 6:3ST March 20, 1901, par. 7.

The Nature of the Giants (Nephilim)

The giants mentioned in the text were not only of great physical stature but were also noted for their rebellion and prowessAMS February 6, 1896, page 44.5+1.

• Physical Perfection without Piety: While the heathen nations and those who did not observe a weekly rest-day often possessed physical perfection and prowess, this did not equate to spiritual healthAMS February 6, 1896, page 44.5.

• Renowned for Wickedness: These "mighty men of old" and "men of renown" used their God-given reasoning powers and capabilities to progress in evil rather than being elevated and ennobled by the Holy Spirit Genesis 6:49LtMs, Ms 1, 1894, par. 11.

• The Land of Giants: History records that many ancient lands were accounted lands of giants where such individuals dwelt in old timesKJV — Deuteronomy 2:20. Examples of such physical giants include Goliath of Gath, Og the king of Bashan, and the AnakimAMS February 6, 1896, page 44.5.

The Divine Warning and Accountability

Every son and daughter of Adam is responsible for the light they receive and the choices they make regarding their associations19MR 330.1+1.

• Corrupt Imagination: When the mind is fascinated by impure thoughts and the imagination becomes corrupt through the reading of stories or romanticizing sin, the power to control the mind is lostT19 76.1.

• Character as the Standard: God’s people are to be a distinct, pure, and holy people, but when they practice sin in their daily life, their profession of being children of God has no value7LtMs, Lt 16e, 1892, par. 27.

• The Reward of Obedience: Only those who maintain their loyalty and separate themselves from "unclean things" are acknowledged as the sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty 2 Corinthians 6:17-18ARSH February 17, 1859, page 97.13+1.

The Final Judgment

Just as the world was judged in the days of Noah for its corruption and violence, a final separation is coming where the Lord will distinguish between those who serve Him and those who do notAMS July 22, 1897, page 456.1+1.

• The Great Day of Wrath: The precursors to the second advent, like the signs in the natural heavens, indicate that the great day of His wrath is near Revelation 6:12-17MBSG 2.2.

• Seeking Heavenly Things: Those who desire heaven will set their affections on things above, while those taken up with the excitement and pleasure of this world will have no love for God Colossians 3:1-216LtMs, Ms 143, 1901, par. 27.

• A Call to Come Out: In these last days, a solemn message is given to the mixed multitudes to "come out from among them and be separate" to avoid being partakers of the world's sins and plagues15LtMs, Lt 123, 1900, par. 11+1.