Foundation Study 5
​Angels

What do these verses say about Angels? 

1. Acts 23:8

Angels exist. They are mentioned over 275 times in the Scripture. Jesus affirmed their existence (Matthew 18:10, 26:53). Yet, there is controversy about angels. Some believe in their existence; some do not (Acts 23:8). Some who believe in their existence have a wrong viewpoint about them (Colossians 2:18).

2. Psalm 103:20

Angels are messengers (Hebrews 1:7, 2:2). The term angel means “messenger.” They announce and carry out the will of God. They are especially prominent throughout the Old Testament, at the birth of Christ, and at the end of the age. 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 3:14

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 (Colossians 1:16).
  
  
• They do not die (Luke 20:36).
  
  
• They do not marry nor reproduce (Matthew 22:30).
  
  
• They can have such divine features that they are sometimes incorrectly worshipped (Revelation 19:10; Colossians 2:18).
  
  
• They are higher in nature (Hebrews 2:7–9) and power (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).
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• They join with God in celebrating the salvation of individuals (Luke 15:10).

4. Revelation 12:7

Some angels are named and ranked. Michael, called an archangel, seems to have the role of protecting Israel (Daniel 10:12, 10:21). Gabriel seems to have been 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 are designated to 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 bad angels. Good angels are referred to as angels, and bad angels are referred to as 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). Demons are fallen angels that chose to follow Satan and so also, were 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 masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).

6. Job 2:6

Satan and demons are powerful but limited. While influential and deceptive (resulting in great destruction and suffering), Satan and demons are under the sovereign authority of God (Job 1:12; Matthew 8:28–32). Satan’s power of death was defeated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (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 a time of influence now, they are destined for eternal judgment (Revelation 20:10). Demons may possess (control) unbelievers (Acts 5:3) but only oppress (influence) wayward believers (1 John 4:4). Nowhere in the New Testament are there instructions 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 murderer. This describes both his nature and strategy. His strategy is to first deceive by causing unbelievers by lying about God. He has been doing this since the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, twisting the truth of God in such a way as to tempt to disobedience (2 Corinthians 11:3). He then causes the unbelievers to engage in self-destructive behavior, ideally culminating in 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 people and the spread of 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 resist 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, reciting Scripture, and praying.

What has the most significant verse for you? Explain.