Cosmic Laws

And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. – Jude 6

Up to this point we’ve examined various biblical passages demonstrating Yahweh created a spiritual kingdom including a spiritual family to inhabit it. Within His spiritual family, some He created are considered 'ĕlōhîm (gods). As we continue further into this topic, we’ll see that these spiritual beings were also created with free will (to the extent it compares/differs from ours I’m not sure).

With free will comes laws. Given we’re discussing the spiritual realm, we’ll refer to these laws as Cosmic Laws for the time being. Many biblical passages confirm these laws and shed light on activities within the spiritual realm. As we review these passages, consider what would happen to spirits who disobeyed Yahweh’s commands, especially given the fact they exist with Him in the spiritual realm.

Examples

Yahweh cursed the serpent for tempting Eve – Genesis 3:14-15

Satan could only torment Job to the extent Yahweh allowed- Job 1:12, 2:6

Psalm 82 (previously discussed)

It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord will punish on high the host of exalted ones, And on the earth the kings of the earth. They will be gathered together, As prisoners are gathered in the pit, And will be shut up in the prison; After many days they will be punished. - Isaiah 24:21-22

Do you not know that we [human saints of God] shall judge angels? - 1 Corinthians 6:3a (more on this later)

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell [tartaroō], putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; - 2 Peter 2:4

And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day. – Jude 6

After being made alive [in the spirit after his death on the cross], he [Jesus] went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. -1 Peter 3:19-20b

These are but a few of the passages throughout the Bible that hint at Cosmic Laws. Of greater importance is how we, as humans, operate within the cosmic bounds as intended by our Creator.

Modern Challenges

Many consider the account of Christ proclaiming the gospel to imprisoned spirits (1 Peter 3:18-22) as “some of the most difficult verses in the New Testament to interpret” - Steven J. Cole, 1992

Contrary to Cole’s findings and his desire that Paul would have written more plainly, to the original reader this passage was clear. What then has changed? I believe it is the disconnect from the cosmic perspective the original readers held. My hope is that by returning to the context the Bible was written in, we will not only better understand such passages, but will:

1) grow in our faith,

2) grow in our relationship with our Savior,

3) increase our effectiveness as His earthly ambassadors,

4) reverse the church’s loss of momentum and, once again, return to effective kingdom warfare.

We will unpack many of the above passages in the coming pages. In time and in context, you’ll be surprised how clearly understood these passages become.

Original Intent

Finally, as it relates to cosmic laws, we see that the Lake of Fire (more on this later) was originally intended for rebellious spirits:

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. – Matthew 25:41

Conclusion: Cosmic Law exists to govern the free will of spiritual beings. Violating these laws is not without consequence.