Angelology: A Biblical study of Angels (Perfect and Fallen)

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

Introduction

-----The doctrine of angels logically follows the doctrine of God (Theology Proper) for the angels are primarily the ministers of God's providence.

Definition:

John Calvin wrote, ". . . angels are heavenly spirits, whose obedience and minstry God employs to execute all purposes which He has decreed, and hence their name as being a kind of intermediate messanger to manifest His wilto man." - Institutes of the Christian Religion, Vol 1, p 144.

Dr. John Miley expressed his understanding of angels by noting, " the original words usually rendered angel means primarily a messanger, and, more broadly, anything God emplos in the service of His providence. In a more specific sense they mean persoal beings of distinct and deinite order." - Systematic Theology, Wol 2, p 490.

-----The word "angel" implies "a messenger" ans as such may be used of men (Rev 2:1)*1* and of spirit beings who serve the Lord (Psalm 103:20; 104:4)*2&3*. The non-material part of a person may also be referred to as "angel" (Acts 12:15)*4*. God's angels minister to believers in both physical and spiritual areas of life (1 Kings 19:5; Psalm 34:7; Matt 2:13,19)*5,6,7, & 8*. They will one day return with christ and with believers at the Revelation following the Great Tribulation. They will participate in the judgement of Tribulation survivors (Matthew 13:49)*9*.

-----Though the Scriptures have much to say about angels, there is today a general belittling and rejection of this doctrine. Thirty-four of the sixty-six books of the Bible mention angels. The Old Testament refers to angels 108 times and the New Testament refers to them 165 times for a total of 273.

-----The Gnostic worship of angels (Col 2:18)*10*, thescholastic speculations of the middle ages and the exagerated conception of witchcraft in more recent times, have helped to bring about this reaction to the teaching of the Scriptures.

But the predictions of:
1. A revival of spiritualism in the latter days. (1 Tm 4:1)*11*
2. The actual practice of Spiritism in our day. (Dt 18:10-12; Is 8:18-20; 1 Chr 10:13-14)*12,13 & 14*
3. The worship of demons in heathen lands. (1 Cr 10:20,21; cf Rev 9:13-21, especially v 20)*15 & 16*
4. The opposition of evil spirits to Christian progress. (Eph 6:12)*17*
5. And the prediction that Satan will be cast down to the earth before his final judgement. (Rev 12:7-9)*18*
Show that the doctrine of angels is a most important one.

-----The doctrine of angels is a vital part of God's revelation, and it stands in sharp contrast with the strange ad conflicting views of the sirit world held by all false religions. Angels are spirit beings created with what may be understood as "infused knowledge", and the ability to gain knowledge. Angels are not glorified beings who were once men as taught by Swedenborg. It is foreign to Scripture to understand angels as having ethreal bodies - The Bible Specific reveals that they are spirit beings: Mt 8:16; 12:45; Luke 7:21; 8:2; 11:26; Acts 19:12; Eph 6:12; Heb 1:14. *19-26*

-----This body of doctrine is villy connected with god's dealing with man as seen from Scripture. Angels were involved with man's expulsion from the Garden of Eden. An angel conforted Hagar in Gen 16:10*27* and counselled braham and lot in Genesis 18 & 19. An angel stopped Abraham from taking Issac's life (Gen 22:11,15)*28,29*. An angel delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrian army in 2 Kings 19:5*30* and Isaiah 37:36*31*. Angel's announced the birth of the messiah (Luke 1:16-38; Matt 1:20; 2:13,19)*32-35*. They ministered to Jesus after His Wilderness temptations (Matt 4:11)*36*. Angels also had a minstry to the apostles (Acts 5:19; 8:26; 10:3, 30-32; 12:7-11; 27:23)*37-42*. They will eventually be judged by saints (1 Cor 6:3)*43*.

~~~~~

*1* Revelation 2:1 ¶ Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

*2* Psalm 103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

*3* Psalm 104:4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

*4* Acts 12:15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

*5* 1 Kings 19:5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

*6* Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

*7* Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

*8* Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

*9* Matthew 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

*10* Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

*11* 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

*12* Deuteronomy 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

*13* Isaiah 8:18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.
19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

*14* 1 Chronicles 10:13 So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;
14 And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

*15* 1 Corinthians 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

*16* Revelation 9:13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.
18 By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.
19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.
20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

*17* Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

*18* Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

*19* Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

*20* Matthew 12:45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

*21* Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

*22* Luke 8:2 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

*23* Luke 11:26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

*24* Acts 19:12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

*25 Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

*26* Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

*27* Genesis 16:10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

*28* Genesis 22:11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.

*29* Genesis 22:15 And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,

*30* 2 Kings 19:5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

*31* Isaiah 37:36 Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.

*32* Luke 1:16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.
20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.
22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,
25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

*33* Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

*34* Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

*35* Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

*36* Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

*37* Acts 5:19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

*38* Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

*39* Acts 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

*40* Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

*41* Acts 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

*42* Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

*43* 1 Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

I. THE ORIGIN OF THE ANGELS

-----that the angels do not exist from all eternity uis evident from the Scriptures which speak of thier creation. (Nh 9:6*1*; Ps 148:2,5*2*; Col 1:16*3*; compare with 1 Tm 6:16*4*.

-----The time of thier creation is nowhere definately indicated but it is most probably God created then immediately after He created the heavens and before He created the earth; for according to Job 38:4-7*5*, "the sons of God shouted for joy" when he laid the foundation of the earth. while the Scriptures give no definite figures, we are told the number of angels is very great. (Dan 7:10*6*; Mt 26:53*7*; Hb 12:22*8*)

-----Angels seem to be brought into existence by Divine Command.

-----The were created by Jesus (Col 1:16*3*)

~~~~~

*1* Nehemiah 9:6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.

*2* Psalm 148:2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
148:55 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.

*3* Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

*4* 1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

*5* Job 38:4 ¶ Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

*6* Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

*7* Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

*8* Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

II. THE NATURE OF ANGELS

"These intelligences are called "Spirits' to denote thier specific nature; they are called 'Angels to denote thier mission." - H. Orton wiley, Christian theology, Vol 1, p. 472.

---Accepting the facts of angels, we naturally inquire next into the nature of angels. this subject is a matter of revelation, not of philosophical speculation. The major reason for the creation of angels seems to be that they would bring glory to God. all things were created for Christ. Angels confess in Rev 4:8-11*1* that they and all things were designed for God's pleasure and to bring glory, honour and power to Him.

---They are called "Sons of God" - a tern which shows they are an act of God'screation directly. (Job 1:6*2*; 2:1*3*) Adam was a "son of god" as he was directly created by God. We are sons of God in that our new birth is direct from God.

A. They are not Glorified Human Beings

---Matt 22:30*4* declares that we shall be "like angels", but it does not say we shall be angels. In the coming age, believers are to judge angels (1 Cor 6:3*5*), which is different from saying that we shall be angels. The "innumerable company of angels" is distinguished from the "spirits of just men made perfect." (Hb 12:22,23*6*). It is unscriptural to sing, "I would be an angel and with the angels stand."

B. They are Incorporeal (non-material)

---Psalm 104:4*7*, who maketh His angels 'wind' (Margin) (Cf Heb 1:7,14*8*) This fact also seems clear from Eph 6:12 where Paul says that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against power, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Scripture does not attribute any material bodies to angels.

---Angels are spirit creatures which cannot be in all places at once. they are localized beings who must take time to move from place to place. although they are incorporal, they do have the features of personality, intellect, emotions, and will. Angelic attributes include indivisibility, immutability*a*, illocality*b*, invisibility and agility. It apears that God's angels are now incorruptible. Their will in that some choose to serve the Lord while some chose to follow the Devil. Because angels have spirit bodies, they are not subject to death. Angels are immortal. Angels may appear to peole in dreams or they may appear before man's natural eyes.

---Angels have often revealed themselves in bodily form (Gn 18:19*9*; Jdg 2:1*10*; 6:11-24*11*; Mt 1:20*12*; Lu 1:26*13*). Nevius says concerning evil spirits that one of thier most common characteristics in china is the "instinct of longing of the spirit for a body to posses . . . so in Scripture we have Spirits represented as wandering about to seek rest in bodies and asking permission to enter into swine. (Mt 12:43*14*; 8:31*15*)"

C. They are a Company not a Race

---Hebrews 12:22 says, but ye are come unto Mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. They niether marry nor are given in marriage, nor yet do they die. (Lu 20:34-46*16*). Several times they are called "sons of God" in the Old Testament (Job 1:6*17*; 2:1*18*; 38:7*19*); but never do we read of "sons of angels."

---There seems to be no sex among the angels, although the word "angel" in Scripture is always in the masculine gender. But this is also the gender used of beings in whom sexual distinctions do not exist. It is a remarkable fact that no provision has been made for the salvation of fallen angels. Hebrews 2:16 says, For verily he took not on to him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Since they are a company and not a race may be the reason why salvation was not provided for fallen angels - Christ could join Himself to humanity by taking the common nature of men but He couldnot join Himself to the angels.

D. They are Greater than Man in Knowledge though not Omnicient

---One observes their great knowledge in 2 Sm 14:20*20*; Lu 4:34*21*; 1 Tm 5:21*22*. However, the fact that they are not omnicient may be observed from 1 Pt 1:12*23*.

"Angels are also limited in intellect. Mighty as they are in wisdom, inherent and acquired, they do no compare with God and are in need of His revelation as concerns the hour of Christ's return (Matt 24:36*24*). They are amazed and seek to learn through investigation something of the marvels of salvation (1 Pet 1:11,12*25*)." - C. Fred Dickason, Angels, Elect & Evil, p 27.

E. They are Stronger than Men though not Omnipotent

---The Apostle Peter tells us that angels are great in might and power (2 Pt 2:11*26*) and the Psalms declare this also (Ps 103:20*27*). Illustrations of their power are seen in Acts 5:19*28*; 12:7,23*29*; and Mt 26:2*30*. Although they are stronger than men, they can become weary in their duties and may need assistance at times (Dan 10:13*31*; Rev 12:7*32*).

~~~~~

*a* They cannot become something else

*b* one place at one time

*1* Revelation 4:8 ¶ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

*2* Job 1:6 ¶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

*3* Job 2:1 ¶ Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

*4* Matthew 22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

*5* 1 Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

*6* Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

*7* Psalm 104:4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

*8* Hebrews 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

*9* Genesis 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

*10* Judges 2:1 ¶ And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.

*11* Judges 6:11 ¶ And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.
16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
19 And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
20 And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
21 Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.
23 And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

*12* Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

*13* Luke 1:26 ¶ And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

*14* Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.

*15* Matthew 8:13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

*16* Luke 20:34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:
35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
39 ¶ Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
40 And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
41 And he said unto them, How say they that Christ is David’s son?
42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
44 David therefore calleth him Lord, how is he then his son?
45 Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,
46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

*17* Job 1:6 ¶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

*18* Job 2:1 ¶ Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

*19* Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

*20* 2 Samuel 14:20 To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

*21* Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

*22* 1 Timothy 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

*23* 1 Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

*24* Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

*25* 1 Peter 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

*26* 2 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

*27* Psalm 103:20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

*28* Acts 5:19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

*29* Acts 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

*30* Matthew 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

*31* Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

*32* Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

III. THE FALL OF ANGELS

A. The Fact of their Fall

---Angels were perfect when originally created (Cf Genesis 1). This is corroborated in the language of Ezek. 28:15*1*. However, other Scripture represents some angels as evil. (Cf Ps. 78:49*2*; Mt 25:41*3*; Rv 9:11*4*, etc.). This is because theu left thir own habitations (Jude 6*5*), and sinned ( 2 Pt 2:4*6*). Satan, no doubt was their leader in the apostasy. Is 14:12*7* seems to speak of him as the "day star" and the "son of the morning" and to bewail his fall. Ezekiel 28:15-17*1* likewise sems to describe his fall. There can be no question, therefore, as to the fact that there was a definite fallon the part of some of the angels. Because God is loving, and because there is no salvation for the fallen angels, we may conclude they are unsalvable.

B. The Time of Their Fall

---Scripture is silent on this point; but it is clear that the fall of the angels occured before the fall of man, inasmuch as Satan entered the Garden of Eden in the form of a serpent and seduced Eve to sin. Angels may have been part of the creation of Gen 1:1*8*, or they may have been brought into existence earlier. They predate the creation of the earth because they shouted for joy when the earth was brought into being (Job 38:7*9*). It appears that Satan and his angels fell after the earth was created, somewhere Genesis 1 and 3.

C. The Cause of Thier Fall

"According to the Bible, sin originated in an act of free will in which the creature deliberately and responsibly and qith adequate understanding of the issues, chose to corrupt the holy character of godliness with which God endowed His creation." Dr. J. O. Buswell - A ssytematic Theology of the Christian Religion, Vol 1, p. 266.

---Since fallen angels and fallen man will share hell for eternity, there must be a similar nature to theri sin. Dr. H.O. Wiley wrote,

"Their fall was not due to the necessityfrom within, or any compulsion from within, but may be regarded as voluntary apostasy." - Christian Theology, Vol 1, p 476.

---The Scriptures give no philosophical explanation for sin. we may say that a being is given freedom to make certain choices and having chosen is responsible for the choice and its consequences. whatever happens may be said to be within the boundary of God's decree in some sense in which god is not the Author. When God created the angels and all that glorious beings that He created originally, there was no sin or evil, but between following the will of God and their own will. With Satan as their leader, we know that they did not follow God's will; but choose thier own will. The fallen angels co-operate with the devil and his plans (Mt 12:24-26*10*; 25:41*11*; 2 Pet 2:4*12*; Rev 12:7*13*). The expression "the iniquity of the traffic. . ." in Ezek 28:18*14* may have reference to the devil deceiving other angels to join his cause.

---Two words sum up the devil's attitude:

PRIDE - Instead of "the annointed cherub" finding hs chief delight in the contemplation of the devine excellencies, he became occupied with his own beauty. (Cf Ezek 28:17; Pr. 16:18*15*; 1 Tm 3:6*16*)

SELFISH AMBITION - Theroot of sin is selfishness and when Satan said, "I will ascend in to heaven . . . I will be like the Most High" (Is 14:12-14*17*) then Satan was guilty of treson and started a rebellion against the governemnt of God that will never cease until he and all his followers are cast into the lake of fire.

Is this true?: "What ought not to be, ought not to be permitted."




D. The Results of Their Fall

1. Some of the evil angels were cast down to hell and are there held in chains until the day of judgement (2 Pt 2:4*18*)

2. Some are free to definitely oppose good angels (Rv. 12:7-9*19*; Dn 10:12*20*)

3. All the evil angels lost their original holiness and became corrupt in nature and conduct. (Mt 10:1*21*; Eph 6:11,12*22*;Rv 12:9*19*)

4. There may have been an effect upon original creation. (Cf Gen 1:1, 2*23*; Is 45:18*24*)

5. They will, in a future day, be cast to the earth (Rv 12:8, 9*19*) and following their judgement (1 Cor 6:3*25*) will be cast into the lake of fire (Mt 25:41*26*; 2 Pt 2:4*18*; Jude 6*27*).

~~~~~

*1* Ezekiel 28:15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

*2* Psalm 78:49 He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.

*3* Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

*4* Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

*5* Jude 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

*6* 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

*7* Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

*8*Genesis 1:1 ¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

*9* Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

*10* Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

*11* Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

*12* 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

*13* Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

*14* Ezekiel 28:18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.

*15* Ezekiel 28:17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.

*16* Proverbs 16:18 ¶ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

*17* 1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

*18* Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

*19* 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

*20* Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

*21* Daniel 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.

*22* Matthew 10:1 ¶ And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

*23* Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

*24* Genesis 1:1 ¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the

*25* Isaiah 45:18 For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

*26* 1 Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

*27* Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

*28* Jude 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

IV. RANK AMONG THE ANGELS

A. Among the Good Angels

1. The Angel of the Lord.

---Scripture often refers to this character in such away that He can be no other than a preincarnate manifestation of Christ Himself. (Cf Gn 16:7-13*1*; 18:16-22*2*; Nm 22:22*3*; Jdg 6:11-22*4*). His appearances to the patriarchs are known as "Christophanies." Throughout the Old Testament references are made to the "angel of the Lord." By this designation He is identified with Jehovah Himself, recieved homage, and represents Divine Presence. this unique angel, then is the Divine Word, the image of the invisible God, God Himself manifested, who received as His due the worship that angels reject as mere creatures. His pre-incarnation appearances in the form of a man formed an anticipation of the incarnation, when He became God manifest in the flesh. (Jn 1:128,51*5*) This divine Person was not a mere angel, but GOD HIMSELF!

---That the "angel of the Lord" refers to the second Person of the God Head may be demonstrated by John 1:18. "God" in Jn 1:18 stands for God the Father as is seen in the second half of this verse. The same basic terminology may be noted in John 6:46*6* where "Father" is used instead of "God." See further John 16:27:28*7*

~~~~~

*1* Genesis 16:7 ¶ And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
9 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
10 ¶ And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

*2* Genesis 18:16 ¶ And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

*3* Numbers 22:22 ¶ And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.

*4* Judges 6:11 ¶ And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.
16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
19 And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
20 And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
21 Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the LORD, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! for because I have seen an angel of the LORD face to face.

*5* John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

*6* John 6:46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.

*7* John 16:27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
28 ¶ I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.



----------------------------------------


2. The Cherubim

---These are mentioned in Gen 3:23, 24*1*; 2 Kings 19:15*2*; Ezek 10:1-20 *3*; 20:14-16*4*. (Actually the cherubim are mentioned 85 times in the Bible.) The word cherubim means to cover and guard. The "cherubim of glory" mentioned in Hebrews 9:5*5* were not only protectors of God's glory but proclaimers of the grace of Christ.

The Cherubim are:
a. Closely associated with the glory of God.
b. Filled with adoration of God.
c. RElated to God's throne as defenders of His holy character. (Cf at the gate of Eden)

~~~~~

*1* Genesis 3:23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

*2* 2 Kings 19:15 And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

*3* Ezekile 10:11 ¶ Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.
2 And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.
3 Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.
4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’S glory.
5 And the sound of the cherubims’ wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.
6 And it came to pass, that when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels.
7 And one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that was between the cherubims, and took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen: who took it, and went out.
8 ¶ And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man’s hand under their wings.
9 And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone.
10 And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.
11 When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.
12 And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.
13 As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel.
14 And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
15 And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.
16 And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.
17 When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them.
18 Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.
19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD’S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
20 This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.

*4* Ezekiel 20:14 But I wrought for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.
15 Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;
16 Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.

*5* Hebrew 9:5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.


3. The Seraphim (means "burning ones")

---There are mentioned only by name in Is 6:2,6*1*. They seem to be concerned with holiness rather than justice.

The Seraphim are:
a. Closely associated with the glory of God
b. Filled with adoration of God
c. Agents of God for communication and cleansing of men
d. They perform a priestly type of service.

~~~~~

*1* Isaiah 6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:



-----------------------------

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

IV. RANK AMONG THE ANGELS

4. The Archangel

This term occures but twice in Scripture: (1 Thess 4:16*1*; Jude 9*2*) Micheal only is called an archangel. He appears to be the prince of the people of Israel. (Dan 10:13, 21*3*; 12:1*4*; Rv 12:7*5*)Gabriel is God's specail messenger of His kingdom program. (Dn 9:20-27*6*; Lu 1:5-19, 26-38*7*) See also Eph 1:21*8* and Col 1:16*9*.

~~~~~

*1* 1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

*2* Jude 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

*3* Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.

*4* Daniel 12:1 ¶ And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

*5* Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

*6* Daniel 9:20 ¶ And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;
21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.
22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.
23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

*7* Luke 1:5 ¶ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.
6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,
9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.
16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.
19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

26 ¶ And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

*8* Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

*9* Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:


5. The Ordinary Angels

---Evidently there are myriads of these. (Cf Dn 7:10*10*; Rv 5:11*11*; Ps 68:17*12*; Mt 26:53*13*)

~~~~~

*10* Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

*11* Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

*12* Psalm 68:17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.

*13* Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?



---------------------



B. Among the Evil Angels

---There certainly seems to be rank among the evil angels though it is more difficult to trace their realtionships very satisfactory. Evil angelswere once part of God's creation which He pronounced as being "very good." Dr. John Miley wrote that they had,

". . . a moral nature in harmony with thier moral relations and (that they were) spontaneously responsive to the requirements of moral duty." - Systematic Theology, Vol 2, p 496.

How such beings could become evil is difficult to understand, but we do know pride was a major factor in light of 1 Tm 3:6*1*.

1. Without question, the head of evil angels is: Satan

--The Scriptures assume the existence of Satan. i.e. Gen 3 and the book ogf Job, Zech 3. Satan is a real personality who possesses intelligence (2 Cor 11:3*2*), has emotions (Rv 12:17*3*) and has a will. (2 Tm 2:26*4*)

--Nineteen of the 27 New Testament books refer to Satan directly, and all the authors of the New Testament mention him, but not all the New Testament books refer to him directly. The Gospels refer to Satan 29 times. Jesus refers to Satan 25 times.

--The Scriptures reveal Satan as a person, not merely the personification f evil. That Satan is a person may be seen from the following:

a. He has the features of personality (2 Cor 11:3; Luke 4:1-12*5*; Is 14:12-17*6*; Rev 20:7-9*7*)
b. He is refered to with personal pronouns (Ezek 28:14*8*; 2 Cor 11:14,15*9*; James 4:7*10*)
c. He is credited with moral responsibility. This is not true of either animals nor mere forces. (Matt 25:41*11*; John 16:11*12*)

--He must be treated as a morally responsible person, not a thing. (Mt 25:41). Satan is a creature, not a creator. (Ezek 28:14). He is a spirit being (Eph 6:11,12*13*; Ezek 28:14). Apparently he was the highest created angel. (Ezek 28:12*14*) He still retains a great deal of power even in his fallen state. Note, he is called "The god of this age" (2 Cor 4:4*15*) and "the prince and power of the air" (Eph 2:2*16*). He is a continual antagonist of God and His people. ( 1 Pet 5:8*17*; Rv 12:10*18*.) In order to promote his opposition, Satan can appear like a wily serpent (Rv 12:9*19*), or a ferocious dragon (Rv 12:3*20*), or an attractive angel of light (2 Cor 11:14). These abilities obviously make him more deceptives in carrying out his program.

~~~~~

*1* 1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

*2* 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

*3* Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

*4* 2 Timothy 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

*5* Luke 4:1 ¶ And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
5 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:
10 For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee:
11 And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

*6* Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?

*7* Revelation 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

*8* Ezekiel 28:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

*9* 2 Corinthians 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

*10* James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

*11* Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

*12* John 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

*13* Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

*14* Ezekiel 28:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

*15* 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

*16* Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

*17* 1 Peter 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

*18* Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

*19* Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

*20* Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

IV. RANK AMONG THE ANGELS

a. Names of Satan Revealing His Positions:

(1) The Prince of This World (Jn 12:31*1*; 16:11*2*)
(2) The Annointed Cherub Who Covers (Ezek 28:14*3*)
(3) The Prince of the Power of the Air (Eph 2:2*4*)
(4) The God of This Age (2 Cor 4:4*5*)
(5) The Prince of Demons (Matt 12:24*6*; Luke 11:15*7*)

b. Names of Satan Revealing His Character:

(1) Lucifer (Is 14:12*8*)
(2) Satan (Zech 3:1*9*; Rev 12:9*10*)
(3) Devil (Lu 4:2*11*; Rev 12:9)
(4) Old Serpent (Rev 12:9)
(5) Great Dragon (Rev 12:3, 7, 19*12*)
(6) The Evil One (John 17:15*13*; Jn 5:18*14*)
(7) The Destroyer (Rev 9:11*15*)
(8) Belzebub (Matt 12:24*16* ("Dung god" or "Lord of the FLies"))
(9) The Deceiver (Rev 12:9; 20:3*17*)
(10) The Accuser of the Brethren (Rev 12:10*18*)
(11) The Spirit that now works in the chioldren of disobedience (Eph 2:2)

c. Satanic Activities

(1) He may ppear among the "sons of God" (Job 1:6*19*)
(2) He is an adversary to the people of God (Zech 3:1; 1 Pet 5:8*20*)
(3) He sows evil seed (Matt 13:39*21*)
(4) He slanders God to men (Gen 3:1, 4*22*)
(5) He slanders men to God (Job 1:9, 11*23*; Job 2:4, 5*24*; Rev 12:10)
(6) He will raise up the man of sin (2 Thess 2:3, 4, 9*25*)

~~~~~

*1* John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

*2* John 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

*3* Ezekiel 28:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

*4* Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

*5* 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

*6* Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

*7* Luke 11:15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.

*8* Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

*9* Zech 3:1 ¶ And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

*10* Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

*11* Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

*12* Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

*13* John 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

*14* 1 John 5:18 ¶ We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

*15* Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

*16* Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

*17* Revelation 20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

*18* Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

*19* Job 1:6 ¶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.

*20* 1 Peter 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

*21* Matthew 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

*22* Genesis 3:1 ¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

*23* Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

*24* Job 2:4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.

*25* 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ¶ Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,


----------------------


2. Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Powers

---While these terms sometimes refer to good angels, as for example, Col 1:16*1*, such passages as Eph 6:12*2*; Col 2:15*3*; and Rm 8:38*4* definely refer to evil angels only. Evidently when Satan fell he organized his followers into different classes with various responsibilities and graded authority. Principalities may refer to those who directly serve Satan; powers to those who are under the authority of those leaders; rulers may refer to those who are in authority over this world. Christians must remember that they fight against an organized system of evil.

3. Demons

---The origin of demons has been a matter of speculation for centuries, not only among Christian thinkers but also among the heathen. The Greeks said they were 'The souls of departed evil people.' Some have suggested that demons are 'the disembodied spirits of a pre-Adamic race.' Members of this pre-Adamic race were supposed to have been invovled in the rebellion and in the ensuing catastrophe, lost their material bodies. There is absolutely no biblical confirmation for this . . . Some have suggested that demons are the unnatural offspring of angels and the antediluvian women. Again Scripture is silent concerning this theory.

---The simplest explaination and the most biblical one is that the demons are unconfined fallen angels. they are free to roam the heavens under thier leader called "Beelzebub, prince of the demons" (Satan). (Mt 12:24*5*; 25:41*6*). In Satan's kingdom and under his rule, demons are subjects and helpers. (Mt 12:26*7*) Scripture presents demons as "the devil's angels" in Mt 25:41.

a. What are Demons Like?

(1) They are spiritual beings (Mt 8:16*8*; Lu 10:17-20*9*)
(2) They possoss super human knowledge, nevertheless perverted. This is why they attempot to frustrate God's plans and purposes.
(3) Morally, they are utterly depraved. This is seen in the word "unclean" (Mt 10:1*10*) They set forth "doctrines of demons" (1 Tm 4:1*11*) and "destructive heresies" (2 Pt 2:1*12*) See further 2 Tim 3:6*13*; 2 Pet 2:2*14*. they stimulate violence Mk 5:5*15* and self destruction Mt 17:14-20*16*.

~~~~~

*1* Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

*2* Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

*3* Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

*4* Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

*5* Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

*6* Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

*7* Matthew 12:26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

*8* Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

*9* Luke 10:17 ¶ And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

*10* Matthew 10: 1 ¶ And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

*11* 1 Timothy 4:1 ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

*12* 2 Peter 2:1 ¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

*13* 2 Timothy 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

*14* 2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

*15* Matthew 17:14 ¶ And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,
15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.
19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.



-----------------------



b. Is there Such a thing as Demon Possession?

Definition of Demon Possession -

"Demon possession is a condition in which one or more evil spirits or demons inhabit the body of a human being and can take complete control of their victim at will." - C. Fred Dickason, Angels, Elect & Evil, p 182

---Matthew 15:22 uses the phrase, "vexedwith a devil" is literally saying the girl in question was "demonized." Jesus recognized that the human body can house one or more demons.

--- Our Lord clearly distinguished between normal physical illness and cases of demon possession (Mt 10:8*1*; Mk 6:13*2*). demon possession seems to mean that a demon or demons reside within a person, exerting direct control on that person's mind and/or body. Distinction should be made between demon possession and demon activity or influence. In Demon possesion, the base of a demon's operation is within the person possessed, while demonic influence is from outside the person's being. However the symptoms or characteristics may very well be the same whether the demon is operating from within or without. If asked, can a Christian be demon possessed, the answer is "no", simply because the indwelling Holy Spirit would forbid a rival power like a demon also possessing him at the same time. However, a Christian can be affected seriously by a demon working from without. Sometimes physical disease is the result of demon activity (Mt 9:32-33*3*) and sometimes mental derangement is due to demon activity (Mt 17:115*4*) but not always (Dan 4:28-37*5*). christians should never forget that because of the Crosswork of Christ, believers have been liberated from satanic authority. (Col 1:12,13*6*; 1 Jn 4:4*7*; Heb 2:14*8*).

Characteristics of Demon Possession (Mark 5)

a. unusual physical power (Mk 5:3,4*9*)
b. great flashes of rage (Mk 5:4)
c. seeking help, yet resisting it (Mk 5:6,7*10*)
d. a desire to be absent from spiritual people (Mk 5:7)
e. unusaul perception such as becoming clairvoyant (Mk 5:7)
f. a change of the usaul manner of speaking
g. an evident change in personality
h. self-estructive thought and/or/actions
i. moral impurity

Christians and Demonic Opposition:

---Our greatest protection from demonic opposition is to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18*11*). we are to "Walk in the Spirit" (Gal 5:16*12*) i.e. to live under control of the Spirit of God. A life which is filled with the Holy Spirit will be unattractive to the devil and his agents.

~~~~~

*1* Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

*2* Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

*3* Matthew 9:32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

*4* Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

*5* Daniel 4:28 ¶ All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar.
29 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee.
32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws.
34 ¶ And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?
36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

*6* Colossians 1:12 ¶ Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

*7* 1 John 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

*8* Hebrews 2:14 ¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

*9* Mark 5:3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

*10* Mark 5:6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

*11* Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

*12* Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

V. THE WORK OF ANGELS

---Angels are a considerable part of God's rvelation to man. The Scriptures refer to angels 273 times.

A. The Work of Good Angels

1. Their Work in Connection with the Ministry of Christ

a. They announced the coming of Christ (Mt 1:20*1*)
b. They announced the birth of Christ (Lu 2:9-14*2*)
c. They ministered to Christ after the temptation and in the Garden (Mt 4:11*3*; Lu 22:43*4*)
d. They ministered at the resurrection (Mt 28:2-7*5*)
e. They accompanied Him at the ascension (Acts 1:11*6*)
f. They will return with Him at His coming (Mt 25:31*7*)

2. Good angels work in general

a. They stand in God's presensce and worship Him (Mt 10:18*8*)
b. They have part in the affairs of nations (Acts 12:23*9*)
c. They assist, protect and deliver God's people. (Gn 19:11*10*; Dn 6:22*11*; Acts 12:7-9*12*; 27:23,24*13*)

<hr>
<center>How Should a Believer Respond to the Truth of Good angels? </center>

--Balance is the key to this question. Historically, some have ignored the fact of angels, while others have gone to the extreme of giving worship to angels . . . a practicewhich is forbidden (Exod 20:1-6*14*)

1. We May respect angels:
Whenever men of God have encountered angels fear and respect have been shown (Dn 8:16,17*15*; 10:1-8*16*). Their power, nature, wisdom and holiness demand respect.

2. We may Value the Ministry of Angels to Us.
Angels are sometimes God's messengers or ministers to us (Heb 1:14*17*). No doubt, theri ministry is often unnoticed, and often attributed to "chance" or "luck."

3. We may notice Their Example
Angels are presented in Scripture as being commited to the will and work of God. they are often seen engaged in worship and praise.

---During the millenium we will live and reign with Christ and will be co-labourers with angels. we will eventually judge and reign over angesl. (1 Cor 6:3*18*)

<hr>

~~~~~

*1* Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

*2* Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

*3* Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

*4* Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

*5* Matthew 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

*6* Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

*7* Matthew 25:31 ¶ When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

*8* Matthew 10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

*9* Acts 12:23 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

*10* Genesis 19:11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

*11* Daniel 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

*12* Acts 12:7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
9 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

*13* Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

*14* Exodus 20:1 ¶ And God spake all these words, saying,
2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

*15* Daniel 8:16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.
17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.

*16* Daniel 10:1 ¶ In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.
3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;
5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.
8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

*17* Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

*18* 1 Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?



-------------------


B. The Work of Evil Angels

1. The Work of Satan

---Satan's various names indicate his evil work:

a. Satan - "Adversary" (2 Cor 2:11; 1 Pt 5:81,2*) He is the adversary to both God and man
b. Devil - "slanderer, acccuser" (Eph 6:11; Jm 4:7*3,4*) He slanders God to man (Gen 3:1-7*5*) and man to God (Job 1:9*6*)
c. Tempter - (Mt 4:3; 1 Thess 3:5*7,8*) Induces man to sin. Attractive motives to sin!
d. Wicked One - Satan is wicked both in character and conduct. (Mt 13:19; Eph 6:16*9,10*)
e. Beelzebub - "lord of the flies" (Mt 12:24-27*11*) Here he is considered prince of the demons.
f. Prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2*12*) Indication of his position over the hosts of evil spirits.
g. Dragon - (Is 51:9; Rv 12:3, 7*13,14*)Great monster with tremendous power.
h. Serpent - (Gn 23:1; Rv 12:9*15,16*)His crookedness and decietfulness seen in this term.
i. Belial - "worthless, reckless, lawless" (2 Thess 2:7; 2 Cor 6:15*17,18*)
j. Lucifer - (Is 14:12; Ezek 28:12*19,20*) "shining one" indicating the postion from which he fell.
k. Prince of this world - (Jn 12:31*21*) Pointing to the influence over the governments of this world
l. God of this world - (2 Cor 4:4*22*) This associates him with the false religions of this world. Note: ministers (2 Cor 11:15*23*) "doctrines" (1 Tim 4:1*24*), sacrifices (1 Cor 10:20*25*), synagogue (Rv 2:9*26*).

2. The Work of Other Evil Angels

---It is clear that they observe God's people in their worship (1 Cor 11:10*27*) and service (1 Cor 4:9*28*). They trouble them (Ps 78:49*29*) and seek to seperate them from Christ (Rom 8:38*30*). They oppose good angels in their work (Dan 10:13,20*31*). In general they cooperate with the devil in carrying out his purposes. (Mt 25:41*32*)

~~~~~

*1* 2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

*2* 1 Peter 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

*3* Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

*4* James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

*5* Genesis 3:1 ¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6 ¶ And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

*6* Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?

*7* Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

*8* 1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

*9* Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

*10* Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

*11* Matthew 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.

*12* Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

*13* Isaiah 51:9 ¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?

*14* Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

*15* Genesis 23:1 ¶ And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah.

*16* Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

*17* 2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

*18* 2 Corinthians 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

*19* Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

*20* Ezekiel 28:12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

*21* John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

*22* 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

*23* 2 Corinthians 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

*24* 1 Timothy 4:1 ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

*25* 1 Corinthians 10:20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

*26* Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

*27* 1 Corinthians 11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

*28* 1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

*29* Psalm 78:49 He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.

*30* Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

*31* Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

*32* Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:


--------------------


3. The Work of Demons

a. They inflict disease (Mt 9:33*1*)
b. They cause mental disorders (Mk 5:4, 5*2*)
c. Demons induce moral impurity (Mt 10:1*3*)
d. They propagate false doctrine (1 Kings 22:21-23; 1 tim 4:1*4,5*)
e. They oppose God's children (Eph 6:12*6*)
f. Nevertheless, they are often used by God to carry out His purposes. (Jdg 9:23; 1 Sm 16:14*7,8*)

---Three other types of demonology should be mentioned:

(1) Fortune telling

---On the lowest plane, this may be nothing more than a measure of foresight of crass superstition. Persons attempting to read the future by divine afflatus (impulse) are in reality doing so by demon assitance (Acts 16:16*9*)

(2) Worship of Demons and Demon Possession

---Apostate Israel sacrificed to demons. (Dt 32:17; Ps 106:37*10,11*) Demon possession is prevelant today and during the Tribulation Period there will be open worship of demons (Rev 13:4*12*)

(3) Spiritualism or Spiritism

---This is a system of belief that teaches that the spirits of dead men communicate with and manifest their presense to living people. God's Word proounces judgement upon all who have familar spirits (Lv 20:27*13*) and warns believers against consulting such spirits (Is 8:19, 20*14*). The following come under this catergory: the witch of Endor (1 Sm 28:3, 14*15*), Simon Magus the Sorcerer (Ac 8:9-24*16*), Elymas the sorcerer (Ac 13:6-12*17*), the Forutune Telling damsel (Ac 16:16-18*18*). The Bible speaks of Spiritism as sorcery (Ex 7:11; Nah 3:4*19,20*) We are called upon to "try the spirits." (1 Jn 4:1*21*)

~~~~~

*1* Matthew 9:33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

*2* Mark 5:4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

*3* Matthew 10:1 ¶ And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

*4* 1 Kings 22:21 And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him.
22 And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.
23 Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.

*5* 1 Timothy 4:1 ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

*6* Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

*7* Judges 9:23 Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:

*8* 1 Samuel 16:14 ¶ But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.

*9* Acts 16:16 ¶ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:

*10* Deuteronomy 32:17 They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.

*11* Psalm 106:37 Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,

*12* Revelation 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

*13* Leviticus 20:27 A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.

*14* Isaiah 8:19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

*15* 1 Samuel 28:3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

*16* Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14 ¶ Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.

*17* Acts 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

*18* Acts 16:16 ¶ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

*19* Exodus 7:11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

*20* Nahum 3:4 Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the wellfavoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her witchcrafts.

*21* 1 John 4:1 ¶ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

VI. THE DESTINY OF ANGELS

---There is every reason to believe that the good angels will continue to serve the Lord throughout all eternity. But as for the evil angels, we are informed that they will have thier part in the lake of fire. (Mt 25:41*1*). It appears that at the coming of Christ, believers will have a part in judging evil angels. (1 Cor 6:3*2*)

---We may briefly trace the history of satan from the beginning to the end, remembering that the history of Satan is als0 the history of the fallen angels, except those which are confined in chains until the day of judgement. (2 Pt 2:4*3*)

A. In Heaven (Lu 10:12; Is 14:12; Ezek 28:14*4,5,6*)

--No one can tell how long Satan lived in the enjoyment of God's favour; but there came a time when he and many other angels with him fell.

B. In the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:1-15; Ezek 28:13*7,8*)

--Here he became an agent in the fall of man. He appeared in the form of a serpent.

C. In the Air (Job 1:6, 7; 2:1, 2; Eph 2:2*9,10,11*)

-- Access to both heaven and earth. this seems to have been his headquarters ever since the fall of man.

D. Cast to the Earth (Rv 9:1; 12:9, 10, 12, 13*12,13*

--This will take place during the coming Tribulation period. His presence on earth will be "short".

E. Cast in the Abyss (Rv 20:1-3*14*)

--This will take place when Christ comes back to set up His reign on earth. Satan will be bound and confined in the abyss for a thousand years.

F. Loosed for a Little Season (Rv 20:3, 7-10*15*)

--Again Satan attempts to frustrate the purpose of God on the earth. But his pans will be thwartd. fire will come down out of heaven and destroy the armies which he has marshalled, and he himself will be cast into the late of fire. (Rv 20:7-10)

G. Cast into Hell Forever (Mt 25:41)

--Satan and his angels will be cast into hell where they will be tormented for ever and ever.

~~~~~

*1* Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

*2* 1 Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

*3* 2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

*4* Luke 10:12 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

*5* Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

*6* Ezekiel 28:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

*7* Genesis 3:1 ¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6 ¶ And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
9 ¶ And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
11 ¶ And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
12 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
13 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
14 ¶ And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

*8* Ezekiel 28:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

*9* Job 1:6 ¶ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

*10* Job 2:1 ¶ Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.
2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.

*11* Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

*12* Revelation 9:1 ¶ And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

*13* Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
12 ¶ Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

*14* Revelation 20:1 ¶ And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

*15* Revelation 20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

~~~~~

<center>SATAN'S CARERR IN GRAPH</center>

 

[Black_Bird]

Just out of curiousity, Todd, have you ever worked with angels? Ever had to deal with a demon? It might give you a bit of a new perspective if you had...

 

[peterpan]

Thanks Todd'o

It looks like a great reference, although I admit I skimmed it only.

What was it's original source or, alternatively, what drove you to compile it?

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

Just out of curiousity, Todd, have you ever worked with angels? Ever had to deal with a demon? It might give you a bit of a new perspective if you had...

deal with demons yes, worked with angels unawares

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

Thanks Todd'o

It looks like a great reference, although I admit I skimmed it only.

What was it's original source or, alternatively, what drove you to compile it?

Your welcome,

Sourve, the bible, the inner and outer reaches of my mind and the sources so quoted within each section.

Drove me?, the desire to lock down ans understand my beliefs

 

[Starblayde]

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman....

I've recommended it before for another reason but as the two main characters are Aziraphale, an angel (the actual cherubim with the flaming sword that turned every way placed at the east of the garden of eden) and Crawley, the actual serpent. Best friends, trying to stop armageddon and the antichrist

Damn funny and quite informative. The kind of stuff you read on these forums compressed into a big humourous book

 

[Black_Bird]

deal with demons yes, worked with angels unawares

What were your experiences?

I have seen and worked with angels... Evocation renaissance-style. I've banished darkest of demons, played their sick mind games and seen through their illusions. I'm a ritualist in the tradition of Uncle Al and Little Johnny Dee; not a great one, but I've had some success.

From what I can tell, Angels conform to some preconceptions, while challenge others. Michael, for instance, cuts straight to the chase... he can be more then a little intimidating. I don't think it's as easy classifying angels as you are making it out to be: there is much more to it then men can even begin to comprehend...

 

[kotori]

All the Angels

All the Angels Want to Wear my Red Shoes
Elvis Costello and the Attractions
(Greatest living Elvis)

 

[peterpan]

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman....

I understand that Neil Gaiman's background was something to do with the study of theology.

Angels interest me because they seem to point to a dark underside that is always glossed over.. as though there is politics in heaven that humans don't get to hear about.

I have often thought how horrible it would be if we ever discovered a way of listening back in time, and voices really did come out of nowhere instructing leaders to perform genocide on this or that race.

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

peterpan,

your curiousity is sort of the reason why i tried to present this from a biblical perspective, well not just you specifically, but for people who are into the angel thing, there seems to be a growing inerest in agnels again.

As with all my studies, these are my personal beliefs, I do not expect anyone else to share or to agree with them. i present them merely as a presentation for people to read, discuss, agree or disagree with them as they see fit.

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

What were your experiences?

I have seen and worked with angels... Evocation renaissance-style. I've banished darkest of demons, played their sick mind games and seen through their illusions. I'm a ritualist in the tradition of Uncle Al and Little Johnny Dee; not a great one, but I've had some success.

From what I can tell, Angels conform to some preconceptions, while challenge others. Michael, for instance, cuts straight to the chase... he can be more then a little intimidating. I don't think it's as easy classifying angels as you are making it out to be: there is much more to it then men can even begin to comprehend...

I watched a demon vaporize the flesh from a dog leaving nothing but bone. I watched a china set melt in the hutch. I watched hand prints complete with finger prints melt into a car. This was all one location. I left and never went back, the family moved shortly thereafter. I never heard what happened with that place nor do I want to know.

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

As for the good angels I really don't believe they would make thier presence to overly well know as they are not into self glorification.

And as to my personaly experince with them, as I said if it has it has been unawares.

there are situation i look back now ans speculate that those who have been physically there in odd places, in odd situations, at odd times that came to my aid may have actually been angels but it is pure speculation. 2-3 incidents come to mind, but its all speculation at present to whether they were real people or angels to help me.

 

[Ice Cold]

I'll go with Miltons Idea.

"Better to rule in hell, than serve in heaven."

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

I'll go with Miltons Idea.

"Better to rule in hell, than serve in heaven."

If it's worth anything, in the bible, that statements fulfillment is actually reversed. The believer will rule in heaven and earth with jesus and the sinner will serve hard time in the lake of fire. but like i said to anyone other than me it probably aint worth much

 

[Black_Bird]

I watched a demon vaporize the flesh from a dog leaving nothing but bone. I watched a china set melt in the hutch. I watched hand prints complete with finger prints melt into a car. This was all one location. I left and never went back, the family moved shortly thereafter. I never heard what happened with that place nor do I want to know.

But... have you ever banished one?

 

[Black_Bird]

As for the good angels I really don't believe they would make thier presence to overly well know as they are not into self glorification.

No they don't... although if you ask right, they will speak openly with you. Angels tend not to fufill prayers; it's not their place... Rather each serves as the voice of a particular function in the universe. Each angel can, and will, provide you with the knowledge and wisdom you need to complete particular tasks... and serve as intermediates between you and the universe.

An angel is like God's phone number; one phone number might be for when God is at work, another phone number might be for when he's at the grocery store. You don't call the one for work when you want God to pick you up a gallon of milk - he has no time for that at work. How do you know which angel fufills which task? You ask. Especially with Enochian Pir.

Have you ever spoken with those buggers? Would you like to try? It isn't like "Touched by an Angel," that I'll assure you.

 

[Todd-'o'-Vision]

Have you ever spoken with those buggers? Would you like to try? It isn't like "Touched by an Angel," that I'll assure you.

Can't say I have.

Can't say I want to.

I prefer the direct line, I always hated secretaries and interns, they always screw up the message. thats one of my major peeves with the Catholic church and the confessional thing