Half Human

Q: Can the Nephilim be saved? While demons had no excuse to deny God and were punished permanently, the Nephilim were half human and born into a broken world. Would it be remotely possible for the Nephilim to become God-fearing and be saved?

A: The assumption that the Nephilim were “half human” is a dangerous premise to set in regards to the scriptures. To presume that demons were able to procreate with humans in order to have offspring is not supported by the Scriptures and, if accepted, would call into question the very nature and validity of Jesus Christ. In fact, it was Jesus who said, "a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have (Luke 24:39)." If a demon, or spirit, had flesh and bones then the virgin conception of Mary, the mother of Jesus, could easily be said to have been an interaction with a demon. Thus, Jesus is no longer God in human flesh, but the offspring of a demon and human union. If that were the case we have basically destroyed the authenticity of the Bible and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Genesis 1 clearly states that all the living creations of God are designed to reproduce "according to their kinds." When it comes to mankind, specifically, this has to be the case otherwise God's plan for the redemption of mankind falls apart. "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man (1 Corinthians 15:21)." Adam sinned and the Spirit of God left him. Subsequently, all mankind is born spiritually dead to God in sin. If you interject a variable like demons and humans having children then you have to account for why mankind is held solely responsible for what demons would have played a part in. Furthermore, you then would have to ask why God said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them (Genesis 6:7)." If God sent the Flood to destroy mankind and what He had created then why didn't He mention fallen angels, demons, if they played a part in the wickedness on earth?

There are quite a few theories as to who the Nephilim were, including the one you have put forth in your question. However, I believe the best interpretation of who they were must be rooted in the belief that they were humans just like you and I. Just prior to the introduction of the Nephilim, God says, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal, his days will be a hundred and twenty years (Genesis 6:3)." It is pretty clear that the inhabitants of the world were mortal men, not anything other than that. If you continue to read, the Nephilim were described as "men of renown" in verse 4. And it is my understanding that the word Nephilim is Hebrew for "fallen ones." What better description for mankind then "fallen ones." It perfectly describes descendants of Adam who was responsible for the Fall of mankind in the first place. Because Adam fell all mankind fell because we are all born in his image. Without that consistency the redemption that has come through Jesus Christ would not be adequate.

This leads to the answer to your question. The Bible is clear that regardless of what time one lived on this earth salvation has always come by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. To prove this point the Apostle Paul pointed to Abraham as an example. "What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3)." Ultimately, we look to Jesus Christ as the substance that fulfills the types and shadows of the Old Testament (Hebrews 10:1). Jesus said, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms (Luke 24:44)." In fact, the reason the Jews celebrated Passover was to keep them focused on their Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was to come. "Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7)." The people in the time before Christ looked expectantly towards His coming, just as those of us alive today look back in thankfulness that He has come. Thank you for your question and I hope my answer helps.