Fundamental 8. 

Angels, Satan, and Demons

Are angels, the Devil, and demons the result of ignorant superstition, or are they objective realities?

So-called current popular views can affect Christians and non-Christians alike and entice us all, victimizing us with erroneous, even harmful ideas.  But again the Bible is our avenue for trustworthy answers about spiritual beings of any kind.

The commonest question asked is whether the “devil” is real?

Now if by the “Devil” we mean a power opposite to God, self-existent from all eternity, the answer is certainly No.  There is no uncreated being except God.  God has no opposite.   No being could attain “perfect badness” opposite to the perfect goodness of God; for when you have taken away every kind of good thing (intelligence, will, memory, energy, and existence itself) there would be none of him left.

A proper question would be whether we believe in devils.  If not, we should.

1. S. Lewis wrote, “I believe in angels, and I believe that some of these, by the abuse of their free will, have become enemies to God and, as a corollary, to us.”

Angels and demons are tricky, in more ways than one.  First, you can’t see them, yet you see them everywhere (TV, cartoons, greeting cards, bookstores, horror movies).  Second, they fascinate millions of people, yet millions don’t believe they exist.

But there is a very real spirit world, made up of God’s messengers, called angels, and God’s enemies, Satan and his demons (Eph. 6:12).

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Satan is also the enemy of the believer (1 Peter 5:8),

Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

And he blinds the mind of the unbeliever (2 Cor. 4:4).

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Satan and his allies are ultimately doomed to defeat (Revelation. 20:10).

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophets had been thrown.  They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. 

Angels are Messengers

There are more than 100 references to angels in the Old Testament and 165 references in the New Testament.

Jesus Himself referred to them many times.  The Greek term translated angel literally mean “messenger.

Angels are basically messengers or servants of God.  Their message is God’s might, power, and care:

(2 Thess. 1:7) … and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.  This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 

Demons are the agents of Satan, the chief demon, who has declared war on God.  Their main target in this war is us.  Especially those of us that are Christians.

Demons are mentioned more than 100 times in the Bible.

Jesus and every other author of the New Testament talk about Satan.

What the Old Testament says about these spirit beings:

• Satan tempted Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden to disobey God.  Genesis 3: 1-13

• Angels shared a meal with Abraham.  Genesis 18:1-8

• Jacob wrestled with an angel.  Genesis 32:24-32

• An angel protected three Hebrew men who were sentenced to death in a furnace.  Daniel 3:16-28

New Testament Accounts:

• An angel appeared and spoke to Mary about the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke 1: 26-37

• Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness.  Mark 1:13

• Jesus performed an exorcism on two men who were possessed by demons.  Matthew 8:28-32

• An angel released Christians from prison.  Acts 5:19-20

• Jesus Christ and the apostles wrote about the unseen spiritual warfare going on all around us.  Ephesians 6:12-13

The bottom line:

1. These spirits are active all around us throughout our lifetime.
2. Satan and his demons attempt to harm us and fool us into disobeying God.
3. God’s angels are at work to protect us from these attacks.
4. These spirits will be instrumental when the world (as we know it) comes to an end.

The Ultimate “Good Guys vs. Bad Guys”

The Bible teaches that these spirit beings are either good or evil now but were all originally created as angels.  When Satan rebelled against God, many of the angels followed him.  That ill-fated power play began the universal distinctions of good and evil, holiness contrasted with sin, and God versus Satan.

Angels:  These are the spirits that follow God.  They are loyal to Him and serve as His agents in the execution of His plan for the world.  Sometimes the Bible calls them “elect” angels or “holy” angels.

Demons:  These are the “bad guy” angels.  Satan, the leader, and all of his followers make up this group.  They are sometimes referred to as “unclean spirits” or “evil spirits” in the Bible.

What are These Spirits Like?

The Bible describes angels and demons as actual creatures—not just illusions, figments of the imagination, or symbols of good and evil.  They have a personal existence and possess qualities of persons, such as intelligence, emotions, and will.  But like God, they don’t have bodies. 

Based on the overall teaching of the Bible, scholars generally agree that:

• God created angelic life forms.

• When they were created, they were created exactly as angels.  They did not evolve from some other life form.  They are not super-spiritual humans.  And they are not, as some believe, the souls of dead humans.  People do not become angels after they die.  Contrary to a popular mythology, there is absolutely no scriptural warrant for this idea.

• Demons have “devolved,” you might say, because they started out as angels.

• Angels and demons do not procreate.  And there is no evidence that God is creating more of them.

• Angels and demons are immortal.  They do not die (although the demons will eventually suffer eternal punishment in separation from God).

In some ways, angels and demons are like God:

• They are immortal.

• They do not die.

• They have intellect, emotions and will, but they have no visible physical or material body.

But they are NOT gods:

• God created them.

• Their will is subject to God’s will.

• They lack other attributes of God (such) as omnipotence/all powerful, omniscience/knows everything, omnipresence/is everywhere.

In other ways, angels and demons share similarities with humans.  All of these beings are…

• Created by God

• Limited by time and space

• Subject to the control and dominion of God

But the Bible says that humans were created “lower” than angels.  For example:

• Angels (and demons) have greater intelligence and strength than humans (one angel slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night) 2 Kings 19:35

• Angels (and demons) can move about unencumbered by the laws of nature.

• Angels can be in the presence of God (while humans can only enjoy this privilege after death).

Angels:  God’s Messengers, Ministers, and Militia 

Angels are God’s servants.  They play the role of God’s messengers and are used to assist those who believe in God.   They are also engaged in a spiritual war with the demons.

The Bible is rather specific as it describes who they are and what they do.  But we don’t know exactly how many there are.  Lots, according to Revelation 5:11: “thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand.”

So, God organized them in almost a military fashion as they differ in rank and power.  For example:

1. The Archangel.  This is the highest-ranking angel.  His name is Michael and he is one of two angels whose name we know.  At the end of the world, he will lead the angelic armies of heaven against Satan and the demons.   The other is Gabriel.  He is renowned for blowing his horn. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 –For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 

Jude 9 – But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” 

1. Governmental Rulers.  Called “rulers,” “principalities,” “authorities,” and powers,” these angels will be involved in ruling the universe later in time.  1 Peter 3:22 –who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand – with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. 

1. Cherubim.  Satan was a cherubim before he rebelled against God.  The cherubim guard the holiness of God.  Genesis 3:24 – After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.

2. Seraphim.  This is a position of angels similar to the cherubim.  They are attendants to the throne of God.  Their role includes praising God.  They’re described in the Bible as being six-winged, humanlike creatures.  Isaiah 6: 2, 6 – Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.

Throughout history and into the future, angels have been active at God’s request in His service and in the affairs of humankind.

• They minister to God.  Their primary mission is to praise and worship God. Nehemiah 9:6 – You alone are the Lord.  You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them.  You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. 

Revelation 7:11 – All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures.  They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God. 

• They rejoice in His accomplishments. Luke 2:13-14 – Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

• They serve Him by carrying out His judgments and purposes. Psalm 103:20 – Praise the Lord you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 

Daniel 6:22 – My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.  They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight.  Nor have I done any wrong before you, Your Majesty. 

• They help Christians during their lifetime on earth. Matthew 18:10 – See that you do not despise one of these little ones.  For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. 

Hebrews 1:13-14 – To which of the angels did God ever say, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?”  Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? 

They have been present and participated in these major events:

• They praised God when He created the earth.  Job 38:7 – While the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy. 

• They were involved in giving of the Mosaic Law. Galatians 3:19 – Why, then, was the law given at all?  It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come.  The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. 

• They were participants in announcing the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:9-14.

• They were active during the establishments of the New Testament church. Acts 12:7-11; Acts 27:23-24.

• They will be engaged in the events of the second coming of Christ. Mathew 13:37-43; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8

While they do not have physical bodies, angels have taken on the appearance of human form on occasions when appearing to humans.  In these cases, they usually appear in male form.  Other times they are seen with angelic bodies, sometimes with wings.

These servants of God attended to Jesus Christ throughout His life on earth and will be involved in His second coming..

At His birth.  The angel Gabriel predicted the birth of Jesus.  A multitude of angles announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds.  Luke 2:9-14.

During His life.  An angel told Mary and Joseph to escape with the baby Jesus to Egypt to avoid the death warrant issued by the evil King Herod.  As an adult, angels ministered to Jesus after being in the wilderness for 40 days.  Jesus told His disciples that a legion of angels were standing ready at all times to come to His defense if He needed them.  Matthew 2:13; Mark 1:13; Matthew 26:53.

After His death and resurrection.  It was an angel that moved the stone away after Christ had already conquered death and left the tomb.  Angels announced His resurrection to the women at the tomb.  When Christ ascended to heaven angels were there.  Matthew 28:2-7; Acts 1:10-11.

At His second coming.  The voice of the archangel will announce the rapture of the church.  When Jesus returns, angels will accompany him.  Angels will be involved in judgment at Christ’s return. Matthew 16:27; 24:31; 25:31.

The “You” Connection

Angels are involved in our earthly lives, too.

He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalms 91:11-12. 

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalms 34:7. 

According to the Bible, their unseen role in our lives is even broader than protection and rescue:

• Angels can guide believers in decisions and circumstances. Matthew 2:13 – When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.  “Get up”, he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.  Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 

• Angels can be the agents God sends to encourage believers and answer prayers. Hebrews 1:14 –Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? 

• Angels watch us in our daily lives. 1 Corinthians 4:9 – For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena.  We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. 

• Angels rejoice when someone gets saved. Luke 15:10 – In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

• Angels will announce the coming of the Lord for His people.  1 Thessalonians 4:16 – For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

It is not known whether all of the activities performed by angels in the past continue in our present generation.  However, it seems apparent that angels have a far greater role in our lives than we realize.

Would You Rather be an Angel than a Human?

At first hand, we would probably answer “sure”! Being in the presence of God on a continual basis is unspeakably better than being on this pain-filled earth.

But angels don’t have the privilege of becoming Christians.  While humans are “lower” than the angels while on earth, if we become a Christian, we will become a “child of God.”  At that point, we will have a spiritual inheritance that is greater than anything the angels will ever enjoy.  Angels will always remain just a creation of God.  When Christ establishes His kingdom on earth, Christians will judge and rule over angels.

Angels are never mediators between people and God and we are not to worship them.

Angels are God’s messengers, but this in no way implies that God has no direct contact with men when He so chooses.  We approach God through no other way but Jesus Christ.  “There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom. 1 Timothy 2:5,6.

Demons

The greatest tactical ploy of Satan and his demons is to keep us uninformed and naïve about their existence.  They want us to think that they don’t exist, or that they are merely symbols of mischievousness, or that they are confined to hell

.

Not true.  The Bible says that we’re engaged in spiritual warfare with Satan and his demons.  They are the declared enemies of God, His followers, and everything that is moral, pure, and holy.  That’s why it’s wise to learn enough about these evil spirits so that we can, through God’s power, defend ourselves.

The apostle Paul said:

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 6:11,12. 

Satan:  Leader of the Pack

Satan was a created angel.  In fact, he was a high-ranking angel.  Because God is incapable of creating anything evil, we know that Satan was created without evil.  However, as with the other angels, and with humans, he was given a free will.

Lucifer’s fall from heaven:  As a high-ranking angel, Satan’s name was Lucifer, which means “lightbearer”.  While one of God’s angels, he was an “anointed cherub” who was “full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.”  He was considered perfect in the ways he was created.  But because of his beauty, he became arrogant and conceited.  He considered himself to be greater than God and plotted to overthrow the heavenly throne.  Here is a list of his intentions taken from Isaiah 14:12-14:

• I will raise my throne above the stars of God – He intended to rule over all that is in the heavens.

• I will ascend above the tops of the clouds – He desired the glory that belongs only to God

• I will make myself like the Most High – He wanted to occupy heaven as God’s equal.

As a result of his rebellion, Lucifer was cast out of heaven.  Along with him, God exiled from heaven all of the angels who plotted with him.

The names of Satan:  After his exile from heaven, Lucifer was called Satan.  But he is called by different names and descriptions in the Bible, and each give a clue to his character:

• Satan (“adversary”) 2 Corinthians 11:14 – And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

• Beelzebub (“chief of the demons”) Matthew 10:25 – It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters.  If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!

• Devil (“slanderer”) 1 Peter 5:8 – Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

• The evil one. Matthew 13:19 – When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart.  This is the seed sown along the path

• Liar. John 8:44 – You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires.  He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

• The father of lies. John 8:44

• Your enemy.  1 Peter 5:8

• The tempter. 1 Thessalonians 3:15- For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith.  I was afraid that in someway the tempter had tempted you and our labors might have been in vain.

• Prince of this world.  John 14:30- I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming.  He has no hold over me.

Satan’s character.  Satan is powerful, clever, and completely wicked.  We must never forget that.  He is the mighty enemy of God.  His names says it all:  He slanders and lies, he cheats and tempts, he murders, and he opposes all the good that God intends for His world and His people.

Since God IS in Control, Why does He Allow Evil and Satan?

Research reveals scholars have been wrestling with this question for centuries.

• God is neither good because He made angels or bad because He allows evil.  He exists apart from these realities 

• God is sovereign, that means nothing good or evil happens outside His control.  Satan runs free because God allows it, even if we don’t understand why.

• God is holy, and He will only put up with the rebellious Lucifer—and all rebellious creatures – for so long.  Ultimately, Satan is going down to defeat, along with everyone who refuses to accept the saving work of Christ. 

Where in the World is Satan:

Satan is not confined to hell.  Not yet. For now, he is alive and well on planet Earth.  Because God allowed Satan to occupy the realm of Earth, he is also called:

• “the god of this age,” who blinds the minds of unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 4:4.
• “the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient”.  Ephesians 2:2.

Satan and his world are portrayed and even glorified in popular culture today.  One of the major themes of books, TV, and movies is the occult and witchcraft.  Certain fashion styles seem to emphasize the dark side of life – black everything, metal spikes, and pain.  Some music groups sing songs that glorify death and hell.

But we must be warned:  When we mess with the kingdom of darkness, there’s always a victim – in this case, it’s thousands of people who are being led astray, blinded by the “god of this age” as Paul warned in 2 Corinthians 4:4.

Satan wants to look attractive – and he can.  He wants to be popular.  But he’s still the evil one, prowling around “like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” 1 Peter 5:8..

We need to stay away from anything that smells of Satan and the occult, whether it’s a movie, book, song, or Ouija board—no matter how trendy.  “Have nothing to do with fruitless deeds of darkness” Ephesians 5:11.

Remember, we belong to Someone else!

What in the World Are Satan and His Demons Doing?

Satan is quite a role model, and all of the other demons mimic him. They promote evil and immorality.  Like Satan, it is their goal to disrupt God’s plan and assail Christians.  With superior strength, intelligence, and powers, they attempt to thwart righteousness and morality.

Satan is hard at work trying to oppose God’s plan of salvation for mankind.  He and his demon henchmen are dedicated to such evil acts as:

1. Attacking Christians.  He will hinder them in any way that he can:  discouragement, sickness, calamities, etc.  Remember Paul’s statement:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but…against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm. Ephesians 6:12 

1. Attempting to prevent people from learning about God’s plan of salvation.  Satan will do everything in his power to prevent the preaching and teaching of the Bible.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4

1. Promoting false religions.  This keeps people occupied with counterfeit beliefs so that they will miss the truth.

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders. 2 Thessalonians 2:9. 

1. Tempting Christians to sin.  He takes particular pleasure in this.  While he may have “lost the war” when the person became a Christian, he wants to ”win the battle” by ensnaring that person in a life of sin.  If he can keep a Christian bogged down in sin, then the Christian is no threat to promote Christianity to others.

Satan rose up against Israel and incited David. 1 Chronicles 21:1 

1. Inflicting disease.  Not every sickness or disease can be attributed to Satan, but illness is a weapon in his arsenal.

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Job 2:7. 

1. Accusing the righteous.  In the grand celestial courtroom, Satan attempts to discredit Christians.

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. Zechariah 3:1. 

We must take Satan’s efforts very seriously.  But don’t forget, Satan is not the opposite of God.  He is not equal to God in power or influence.  With God on our side and living in obedience to Him, we can be on the winning side.

How to Win over Satan

Here are some biblical principles we can use in defending ourselves against the wiles of the devil:

1. Realize that he knows our weaknesses. 1 Peter 5:8,9 – While he is not omniscient he doesn’t know everything in advance he is an excellent historian.  He knows how we have sinned in the past.  He is likely to attack us at the point of our weakness.

2. Recognize that He is stronger than us. Acts 26:18 – We can’t conquer him in our own strength.  He’ll often try to get us alone—disbelieving God’s promise or isolated from other believers.  But rely on the supernatural power of the Lord.  Remember that God wants us to have victory over Satan.  Ask God for help and guidance.

3. Resist the Devil. James 4:7 – Don’t allow ourselves to get into situations where we are likely to be tempted to do wrong.  The apostle Paul’s advice was give the enemy no opportunity – 1 Timothy 5:14.

4. Use Prayer and the Bible. Ephesians 4:27; Ephesians 6:11.   When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert, He repeated Scripture back to Satan, saying, “It is written.”

5. Remember that Satan is doomed to defeat. 2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 20:10 – Satan and his demons are fighting a losing battle. Their destiny is already determined.   A “lake of fire and brimstone” is in store for them where they will be “tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

To Recap:

• The spirit world of angels and demons is real.

• Angels do God’s bidding and serve His people.

• Satan and his demons oppose God, His work, and His people.

• Christians should flee the devil and all demonic influences, choosing instead to live in God’s light.

• The final victory will be God’s.

When we run the Christian race for all we’re worth, we won’t have time for Satan and his world.  The writer of Hebrews tells us, “…Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1,2.

Then we can see angels and other spirit beings in their right perspective.

 

09 The Church – Summary Fundamental

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