Foundation Study 5
​Angels

What do these verses say about Angels? 

1. Acts 23:8

Angels exist. They are mentioned over 250 times in Scripture. Jesus affirmed their existence multiple times (Matthew 18:10, 26:53). Yet, there are incorrect viewpoints in the Bible about angels. Some do not believe in their existence (Acts 23:8), and others worship them (Colossians 2:18).

2. Psalm 103:20-21

Angels are messengers (Hebrews 1:7, 2:2). The term angel means messenger. Hence, they announce and carry out the will of God. They are especially obvious throughout the Old Testament, at the birth of Christ, and the end of the age. Their appearances seem reduced during the church age. Maybe to give prominence to the Holy Spirit. They are mentioned over seventy-five times in the book of Revelation, where they are often instruments of God's judgments (Revelation 7:1, 8:2).

3. Hebrews 1:14

Angels are unique beings. They are spirit beings that help believers, often in unseen ways, as they fight against the spiritual enemies of man. They have the following characteristics: 

• They are created (Psalm 148:5, Colossians 1:16).
• They do not die (Luke 20:36).
• They do not marry or procreate (Matthew 22:30).
• They are finite in number, but of such magnitude they cannot be counted (Hebrews 12:22, Revelation 5:11).
• They can have divine features such that they themselves become objects of worship (Revelation 19:10; Colossians 2:18).
• They are higher (Hebrews 2:7–9) and more powerful (2 Peter 2:11) than humans on Earth; however, they function as servants of the redeemed in Heaven (Revelation 19:10).
• They reside in Heaven, worshiping God while waiting to carry out His will (Revelation 5:11–12, 7:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Matthew 26:53; Psalm 89:6–7).
• They join with God in celebrating the salvation of individuals (Luke 15:10).

4. Daniel 12:1

Some angels are named and ranked. Michael, called an archangel, has the role of protecting Israel (Daniel 10:13, 21). Gabriel is involved in making special announcements about God's plans (Luke 1:19, 1:26; Daniel 8:16, 9:21). Seraphim are angels that attend to God on His throne (Isaiah 6:1–3). Cherubim guard the holiness of God (Genesis 3:22–24; cf. Romans 8:38, NIV).

Angels differ from each other. There are two main groups of angels; good angels, and evil angels. The good angels are called angels, and evil angels are called demons. The head of the demons is Satan.

5. Isaiah 14:12-16

Satan and demons are fallen angels. Satan was of the highest order of angels in heaven but was cast out due to pride (Ezekiel 28:14–17, Revelation 12:7-9). Demons are fallen angels that chose to follow Satan, and so were also cast out of heaven (Jude 6). Satan goes by many names in Scripture: the ruler of demons (Matthew 12:24), the devil (2 Corinthians 6:15), the evil one (1 John 5:19), the tempter (1 Thessalonians 3:5), the ruler of this world (John 12:31), the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4), the ruler of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), and the accuser (Revelation 12:10). He also masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

6. Job 2:6-7

Satan and demons are powerful but limited. While influential and deceptive (resulting in significant destruction and suffering), Satan and demons are under the authority of God (Job 1:12; Matthew 8:28–32). The resurrection of Jesus Christ defeated Satan (1 Corinthians 15:55–57; Colossians 2:15; John 16:11; Romans 8:38, 16:20; Hebrews 2:14).

7. Matthew 25:41

Satan and demons are doomed to eternal destruction (2 Peter 2:4). While permitted influence now, they are destined for eternal judgment (Revelation 20:10). Demons may possess (control) unbelievers (Acts 5:3) but only oppress (influence) disobedient believers (1 John 4:4). There are no instructions in the New Testament to cast a demon from a believer. Confession of sin is the most powerful way to deal with demonic influence (I John 1:9).

8. John 8:44

Satan is a liar and a murderer. This describes both his nature and strategy. His strategy is to first deceive by lying about God. He has been doing this since the beginning, in the Garden of Eden. He twists the truth of God in such a way as to tempt to disobedience (2 Corinthians 11:3). He then causes the people to engage in self-destructive behavior, often culminating in either suicide or homicide (Genesis 4:8, 1 John 3:12).

Satan isn't trying to get you to believe in him, he's trying to get you to believe in yourself." — Tone Benedict

9. Ephesians 6:12

Demons oppose belief in the gospel. Believers face three opposing forces: the flesh, the world, and demonic forces (Galatians 5:17; John 16:33; Ephesians 2:2–3). Demons influence those who refuse to believe (Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:4). Additionally, they disrupt the comprehension of the gospel (Matthew 13:18–19).

10. James 4:7

Demonic attacks can be resisted. Believers can overcome demonic influence through confession of sin (1 John 1:9) and putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13–18). The armor consists of knowing the truth, claiming righteousness, embracing peace, employing faith, clutching salvation, memorizing Scripture, and praying.

What has the most significant verse for you? Explain.