Foundation Study
Angels
What do these verses say about Angels?
1. Acts 23:8
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People have different beliefs about angles. Angels exist. They are mentioned over 250 times in Scripture. Jesus affirmed their existence multiple times. (Matthew 18:10, 26:53) Yet, there are those in the Bible with inaccurate viewpoints about angels. Some do not believe in their existence (Acts 23:8), and others incorrectly worship them. (Colossians 2:18)
2. Revelation 22:8-9
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Angels are unique beings. They are spirit beings that worship God in heaven, and exercise his various commands on earth. They have the following characteristics:
- They are created; likely before creation. (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 such attractive features that they can become objects of worship. (Revelation 19:10) Often when they appear, their first words are, "Do not be afraid." (Luke 1:13, 30, 2:10; Matthew 28:5)
- They are higher and more powerful in nature than humans on earth. (Hebrews 2:7-9; 2 Peter 2:11) However, they are servants of humans in heaven. (Matthew 4: 10-11; Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 19:10)
- They reside in heaven, worshiping God, while they wait to carry out His will. (Revelation 5:11–12, 7:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Matthew 26:53; Psalm 89:6–7).
- Upon God's command, they are capable of delivering colossal judgments. (Isaiah 37:36; Revelation 8:5-12)
- They join with God in celebrating the salvation of every believer. (Luke 15:10)
3. Psalm 103:20-21
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Angels are messengers. (Hebrews 1:7, 2:2) The term angel means messenger. Angels announce and carry out the will of God. They are especially prevalent in the Old Testament, at the birth of Christ, and the end of the age. Their appearances seem reduced during the Church age. This might be 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 judgment. (Revelation 7:1, 8:2)
4. Daniel 12:1
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Some angels are named and ranked. Michael is called an archangel, and 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) The four living beings of Revelation are angels. (Revelation 4:6-8; Ezekiel 1:5-10, 10:20; Isaiah 6:2-3)
5. Romans 8:38
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The two main groups of angels are good angels, and evil angels. The good angels are called angels, and evil angels are called demons. Satan is the head of the demons.
6. Isaiah 14:12-17
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Satan and demons are fallen angels. Satan was of the highest order of angels in heaven but was cast out due to pride. (Ezekiel 28:11-19; 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)
7. Job 2:6-7
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Satan and demons are powerful, but limited. While Satan's deception and demonic influence result in significant destruction and suffering, they are under the authority of God. (Job 1:12; Matthew 8:28–32) The resurrection of Jesus Christ defeated the person and ultimate power of Satan; death. (1 Corinthians 15:55–57; Colossians 2:15; John 16:11; Romans 8:38, 16:20; Hebrews 2:14)
8. Matthew 25:41
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Satan and demons are doomed to eternal destruction. (2 Peter 2:4) They are permitted limited influence now. However, 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 is the most powerful way to remove demonic influence. (I John 1:9)
9. John 8:44
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Satan is a liar and a murderer. This describes both his nature and strategy. His strategy is first to deceive by lying about God. He has been doing this since the Garden of Eden. He twists the truth of God in such a way as to tempt to disobedience. (2 Corinthians 11:3; Genesis 3:1-7) He then causes the people to engage in self-destructive behavior, often culminating in suicide or homicide. (Luke 22:3; Matthew 27:5; Genesis 4:8, 1 John 3:12)
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The Devil isn't trying to get you to believe in him, he's trying to get you to believe in you. — Tone Benedict |
10. Ephesians 6:12
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Demons oppose gospel belief and work. Demons are one of three opposing forces that believers face. The other two are the flesh (Galatians 5:17), and the world. (John 15:18-19) Demons influence those who refuse to believe. (Ephesians 2:2-3; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They also disrupt the comprehension of the gospel. (Matthew 13:18–19) But believers are indwelt by a more powerful spirit; the Holy Spirit. (1 John 4:4)
11. James 4:7
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Demonic attacks can be resisted. Believers can overcome demonic influence by confessing sin (1 John 1:9), repenting of disobedience, (Revelation 2:5; James 4:8) and putting on the armor of God. The armor of God consists of knowing truth, claiming righteousness, embracing peace, exercising faith, clutching salvation, memorizing Scripture, and prayer. (Ephesians 6:13-18)
What was the most significant verse for you? Explain.