Choice – of Men and Angels

by Rex Rouis

God’s ultimate purpose is for all humans and heavenly beings who willingly choose to be with Him to coexist in a new eternal kingdom. Let me elaborate.

And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

You also know that the angels who did not keep within their proper domain (rule, first place of power) but abandoned their own place of residence (same word used in II Cor 5:2 for our new body), He has kept in eternal chains in utter darkness, locked up for the judgment of the great Day. Jude 1:6

Some argue that created beings lack free will and the capacity to make choices, viewing it as incompatible with God’s sovereignty. This is a discussion for another occasion. I hold a different perspective. The Bible contains a multitude of verses emphasizing free will agency.

Additionally, passages such as those in Jude highlight the ability of angelic beings to make choices as well. The gift of choice, bestowed by God, does not contradict His sovereignty but underscores it. However, this gift comes with a significant level of responsibility that should be exercised carefully.

We are given only glimpses into the heavenly realm. However, the Bible reveals that conflict originated in that celestial domain, not on earth. A heavenly being chose to exalt himself to the level of God, drawing others into the rebellion. This rebellion led to a celestial war, resulting in their expulsion (Rev 12:7, 8, 9).

Some beings were confined to chains awaiting judgment, while others were cast down to earth—why remains unknown; we only know that it occurred. Regrettably, we now have to deal with these consequences. One of these fallen entities tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden, and they fell for it. As a result, the entire human race fell into a state of separation from God, plunging the world into darkness and death.

So then, just as sin entered the world through one man and death through sin, so death spread to all people because all sinned Romans 5:12

Initially dwelling in a pristine heavenly realm, celestial beings opted for self-centered darkness. In contrast, we originated in a world marred by darkness and evil, yet possess the capacity to choose redemption through Christ.

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. Ephesians 2:1-3

Choice is a beautiful gift of God but also an incredible responsibility.

All of this unfolded according to God’s predetermined plan. He foresaw the disobedience and eventual fall of heavenly beings, as well as the subsequent fall of humanity. Anticipating these events, He had already devised a plan of redemption for us. This is why Jesus is referred to as the ‘Lamb that was slain before the foundation of the world.’

And they shall worship him, all who dwell upon the earth, everyone whose name does not stand written in the scroll of the life belonging to the Lamb who has been slain [in the mind and purpose of God] since the time when the foundations of the universe were laid, and who is looked upon [by God] as the slain Lamb at present. Revelation 13:8 Wuest

The fallen angels were not so fortunate. They remain eternally lost.

For surely, His concern is not for angels, but he is concerned (only) for Abrahamʼs descendants. Hebrews 2:16

So, what are we to make of this? Consider this: In heaven, God weeded out those heavenly beings who opted not to remain in their original holy state. On earth, God grafted in those earthly beings who chose Him over their original evil state. Both chose submission and obedience to God over autonomy and self-will.

God thus cleansed heaven and will eventually do the same for earth. His love acts as a magnetic, drawing all towards Him, yet He respects each individual’s response. The impact of such choices extends eternally. The Gospel, rather than aiming for justice in this world, serves as a means for selecting just people for the next world.

Therefore, those populating the Kingdom of God will be heavenly beings who chose to remain faithful to Him and humans who choose to be faithful to Him. All will be there by their own will and choice. Heavenly beings and earthly beings will live together forever in God’s presence.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Look! The residence of God is among human beings. He will live among them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist anymore – or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have ceased to exist.” Revelation 21:3, 4

This life isn’t about this life. It is about the next life. The next life is the important one because it lasts forever.

Choose wisely.