Foundation Study
Angels
What do these verses say about Angels?
1. Acts 23:8
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Angels exist. In Scripture, angels are mentioned over 250 times, with Jesus affirming their existence multiple times (Matthew 18:10, 26:53). However, the Bible also acknowledges differing viewpoints, including some who do not believe in angels (Acts 23:8) and others who incorrectly worship them (Colossians 2:18).
2. Psalm 103:20-21
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Angels are often referred to as messengers, as indicated in Hebrews 1:7 and 2:2. The term "angel" itself means messenger, and these celestial beings are tasked with announcing and carrying out the will of God. While angels are prominently featured in the Old Testament, at the birth of Christ, and in prophecies about the end of the age, their appearances appear to diminish during the Church age, perhaps to highlight the role of the Holy Spirit. Notably, angels play a significant role in the book of Revelation, mentioned over seventy-five times, often serving as instruments of God's judgment (Revelation 7:1, 8:2).
3. Revelation 22:8-9
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Angels possess distinct characteristics as spiritual beings. They worship God in heaven and carry out His commands on earth. Some key features include:
- Creation and Immortality: Angels are created beings, likely existing before the creation of the universe (Psalm 148:5, Colossians 1:16). They do not experience death (Luke 20:36).
- Marriage, and Procreation: Angels do not marry or procreate (Matthew 22:30).
- Endless Number and Magnitude: While finite in number, angels are of such magnitude that they cannot be counted (Hebrews 12:22, Revelation 5:11).
- Majestic in Appearance: Angels, with their magnificent presence, can become objects of worship (Revelation 19:10). When this occurs, they defer worship to God (Revelation 22:9), and often reassure with the words, "Do not be afraid" (Luke 1:13, 30, 2:10; Matthew 28:5).
- Higher Nature, Yet Servants: Angels are higher and more powerful than humans on earth (Hebrews 2:7-9; 2 Peter 2:11). However, they serve humans in heaven (Matthew 4:10-11; Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 19:10).
- Heavenly Residence: Angels reside in heaven, worshiping God, and await the fulfillment of His will (Revelation 5:11–12, 7:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Matthew 26:53; Psalm 89:6–7).
- Judgment and Salvation: On God's command, angels can deliver colossal judgments (Isaiah 37:36; Revelation 8:5-12). They join in celebrating the salvation of every believer (Luke 15:10).
- Unrecognized Presence: Extending care to unfamiliar individuals in need is driven, at least in part, by the possibility that they might be angels in disguise. Hebrews 13:2
4. Daniel 12:1
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Certain angels hold specific names and ranks in the celestial hierarchy:
- Michael the Archangel: Michael is identified as an archangel with the crucial role of protecting Israel (Daniel 10:13, 21).
- Gabriel: Gabriel is known for delivering special announcements regarding God's plans (Luke 1:19, 1:26; Daniel 8:16, 9:21).
- Seraphim: These angels attend to God on His throne, as described in Isaiah 6:1–3.
- Cherubim: With the task of guarding the holiness of God, Cherubim are mentioned in Genesis 3:22–24.
- Four Living Beings of Revelation: The four living beings in Revelation are identified as angels, and their descriptions are found in Revelation 4:6-8. Similar beings are also mentioned in Ezekiel 1:5-10, 10:20, and Isaiah 6:2-3.
5. Romans 8:38
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Angelic beings are categorized into two main groups: good angels and evil angels. The good angels are commonly referred to as angels, while the evil angels are known as demons. Satan is recognized as the leader or head of the demons. This dualistic understanding of angelic entities reflects the broader spiritual beliefs regarding benevolent and malevolent forces.
6. Isaiah 14:12-17
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Satan and demons are identified as fallen angels in Scripture. Satan, once among the highest order of angels in heaven, was cast out due to pride (Ezekiel 28:11-19; Revelation 12:7-9). Demons, having chosen to follow Satan, were also expelled from heaven (Jude 6). Throughout Scripture, Satan is referred to by various names, including 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). Additionally, he is known to masquerade as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
7. Job 2:6-7
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Satan and demons possess power, yet it is important to recognize that their power is limited. Despite the destructive influence and suffering caused by Satan's deception and demonic activities, they operate under the ultimate authority of God (Job 1:12; Matthew 8:28–32). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is pivotal, as it not only defeated Satan as an individual, but also overcame his ultimate power—death itself (1 Corinthians 15:55–57; Colossians 2:15; John 16:11; Romans 8:38, 16:20; Hebrews 2:14). This victory underscores the supremacy of God's authority and the triumph of light over darkness.
8. Matthew 25:41
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Satan and demons face an inevitable fate of eternal destruction (2 Peter 2:4), and although they currently have limited influence, their ultimate destiny is eternal judgment (Revelation 20:10). Demons may exercise possession (control) over unbelievers, as seen in Acts 5:3, but they can only oppress (influence) disobedient believers (1 John 4:4). Notably, the New Testament does not provide instructions to cast demons out of believers. Instead, confession is highlighted as a powerful means to remove demonic influence, as expressed in 1 John 1:9.
9. John 8:44
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Satan is characterized as a liar and a murderer, reflecting both his nature and strategic approach. His primary strategy involves deception through lies about God, a tactic employed since the Garden of Eden. Satan distorts God's truth in a way that tempts individuals towards disobedience (2 Corinthians 11:3; Genesis 3:1-7). Subsequently, he influences people to engage in self-destructive behavior, sometimes leading to severe consequences such as suicide or homicide (Luke 22:3; Matthew 27:5; Genesis 4:8; 1 John 3:12). This reveals a pattern of manipulation and destruction of Satan's methods.
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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 actively oppose belief in the gospel and impede the work associated with it. Believers contend with three opposing forces: demons, the flesh (Galatians 5:17), and the world (John 15:18-19). Demons exert influence, particularly on those who resist belief (Ephesians 2:2-3; 2 Corinthians 4:4) and disrupt the understanding of the gospel (Matthew 13:18–19). However, believers are strengthened by the indwelling of a more powerful spirit—the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:4). This emphasizes the spiritual battle faced by believers and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in overcoming these opposing forces.
11. James 4:7
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Believers have the ability to resist demonic attacks. Overcoming demonic influence involves key actions such as confessing sin (1 John 1:9), repenting of disobedience (Revelation 2:5; James 4:8), and putting on the armor of God. The spiritual armor includes elements such as knowing the truth, claiming righteousness, embracing peace, exercising faith, holding onto salvation, memorizing Scripture, and engaging in prayer (Ephesians 6:13-18). These practices serve as powerful tools for believers to stand firm against demonic assaults and maintain their spiritual strength.
What was the most significant verse for you? Explain.