Supernatural
October 4, 2020 • Chris Reighley
Supernatural:
What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World—And Why It Matters
by Dr. Michael S. Heiser
Uncover the Supernatural in the Bible
Introduction: What Went Wrong?
God’s plan for Eden was majestic. His intention was for humanity to live with Him, steward creation, and expand His kingdom across the earth. It was heaven on earth. But it didn’t last. Something fractured in both the visible and invisible realms—and the Bible tells us it wasn’t just one rebellion.
Most Christians know about the fall—Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the garden. But that’s only the beginning. Dr. Michael Heiser reveals that three major divine rebellions derailed God’s original design, and they all happen in the opening chapters of Genesis.
Each rebellion involves not just human failure, but supernatural defection. From the serpent’s deception in Eden, to the sons of God corrupting humanity in Genesis 6, to the scattering at Babel (covered in Chapter 5), these events form the theological backbone of what theologians call spiritual warfare. These aren’t random stories—they’re deeply connected parts of a cosmic rebellion against God’s authority.
Understanding these divine rebellions isn’t just about ancient history—it’s about interpreting the battle we’re still in. The war between good and evil isn’t confined to myth or metaphor. It’s a real conflict fought across two realms—seen and unseen—and we’re part of it.
Chapter Outline: Divine Rebellions
I. Review: God’s Original Design for Creation
- Two realms: seen (physical) and unseen (spiritual).
- Two families: heavenly beings and human imagers.
- God shared governance with both realms (Genesis 1–2).
- Eden was not just paradise—it was sacred headquarters.
II. Rebellion #1: The Fall in EdenGenesis 3
A. The Serpent in the Garden
- A supernatural rebel appears in the form of a serpent.
- Identified with the divine rebel described in:
- Ezekiel 28 – the “guardian cherub” cast down.
- Isaiah 14 – “morning star” who desired to ascend.
B. Theological Implications
- The first rebellion isn’t just human disobedience—it’s divine betrayal.
- This event sparks spiritual warfare and explains the entrance of death into creation.
III. Rebellion #2: The Sons of God and the Daughters of Men Genesis 6:1–4
A. What Happened?
- “Sons of God” (bene ha’elohim) take human wives.
- Produces the Nephilim—hybrid giants.
- Corrupts humanity and triggers the flood.
B. Supporting Scriptures
- 2 Peter 2:4–6 – Angels who sinned are cast into chains.
- Jude 5–6 – They abandoned their proper domain.
- Numbers 13:32–33 – Nephilim linked with Anakim and Rephaim.
- Isaiah 14:9–11 – Judgment against divine pretenders.
C. Key Idea
- This rebellion introduces chaos, violence, and spiritual defilement.
- It’s a second wave of corruption after Eden.
IV. Preview: Rebellion #3 – The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11)
(Covered in Chapter 5)
V. Why This Matters
A. Foundation of Spiritual Warfare
- These rebellions form the spiritual backdrop for the rest of Scripture.
- They explain why evil has such a stronghold in both spiritual and earthly realms.
B. Understanding the Battle
- The “long war against God” is waged in:
- The seen realm: politics, nations, people.
- The unseen realm: fallen divine beings, cosmic forces.
C. Implications for Today
- We are part of this war.
- We must understand the origin of rebellion to engage rightly in the mission of restoration.
Reflection & Discussion Questions
- Why do you think most churches don’t teach the “three rebellions” framework?
- How does this perspective change the way you understand evil in the world?
- What are some practical ways believers can live with clarity in the midst of this unseen war?
Key Scriptures
- Genesis 3 – The Fall
- Ezekiel 28; Isaiah 14 – The serpent’s supernatural identity
- Genesis 6:1–4 – Sons of God and Nephilim
- 2 Peter 2:4–6; Jude 5–6 – Divine punishment
- Numbers 13; Isaiah 14 – Ongoing impact of the Nephilim and their spiritual legacy
Key Takeaway
- Evil didn’t begin with Adam. It began in heaven.
- Humanity was not the only rebel—some of God’s divine imagers joined the mutiny.
- Understanding the three divine rebellions helps us make sense of the war we are born into—and the victory Jesus came to secure.
This study was taught by Chris Reighley to the Sunday Night Bible Study at Rolling Hills Community Church in Lago Vista, Texas in 2020