What Does the Bible Say About . . . Angels and Demons?

Scriptural Way Broadcast

What Does the Bible Say About . . . Angels and Demons? INTRODUCTION. A.

There have been many philosophers and scholars speculate regarding angels and demons. There are many myths and stories regarding these spiritual beings. Down through the years, many artists have attempted to illustrate or suggest the appearances of these spiritual beings.

B.

With this lesson, we will take a general look at the subject of angels and demons. There will be some questions which we will not be able to answer. There may even be some questions you have which we will not address. However, it is our intention to keep our study limited to what the Bible teaches regarding angels and demons.

I.

THE ORIGINS OF ANGELS AND DEMONS. A.

At some point in eternity, God created angels. 1.

Consider the inspired words of the Psalmist. (Psalms 148:2-5)

2.

The angels, with all of creation, were to praise the name of the Lord. (vs 5)

3.

The question of when God created the angels remains unanswered.

B.

At some point some angels rebelled against God. (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6)

C.

While the Bible does not give specific details regarding the origin of demons, one very likely theory holds that demons are those angels who rebelled against God. Compare the end reserved for the rebellious angels and the end reserved for the devil. 1.

These rebellious angels will be cast “down to hell” and delivered into “chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment.”

2.

The same judgment awaits the devil and “angels.” (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10-15)

3.

The demons fear and tremble, knowing the power and authority of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 8:29; James 2:19)

4.

Consider the outcome for the demons and the rebellious angels, as well as Jesus reference to the “devil and his angels,” it may be reasonable to assume demons are the same as those angels who rebelled. However, it is only an educated guess.

5.

Either way, like angels, demons are spiritual beings, created by God, who likewise rebelled against God.

What Does The Bible Say About Angels and Demons?

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II.

THE ACTIONS OF ANGELS AND DEMONS. A.

Angels serve as messengers of God, serving Him and His will in various capacities. 1.

Consider the following instances of angels carrying forth God’s message. a.

An angel named Gabriel told Zacharias that his wife, Elizabeth, would have a child. (Luke 1:8-19)

b.

An angel named Gabriel told Mary she would conceive a son. (Luke 1:26-38)

c.

An angel told Joseph to take Mary to be his wife. (Matthew 1:20)

d.

An angel told the shepherds about the birth of the Savior. (Luke 2:812)

e.

An angel told Philip to “go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (Acts 8:26)

f.

An angel told the apostle Paul he would be delivered before Caesar. (Acts 27:23-24)

2.

Angels serve God in other capacities. a.

Angels were the agents used in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 19)

b.

An angel destroyed the Assyrian army. (2 Kings 19:35)

c.

An angel of the Lord rolled back the stone from the door of Jesus' grave. (Matthew 28:2)

B.

d.

Two angels were present at Jesus’ ascension. (Acts 1:10)

e.

Angels comforted Jesus. (Matthew 4:11)

Demons always stand in opposition to God’s will. 1.

Demons are evil. (Luke 7:21)

2.

During the first century, demons were allowed to enter into people, taking control of their bodies. a.

The two men from the country of Gergesenes. (Matthew 8:28-34)

b.

The daughter severely possessed. (Matthew 15:22-29).

c.

Such possessions were allowed by God to demonstrate the power of God and to authenticate the word preached. (cf. Mark 16:15-20)

3.

Because of their opposition to God’s will, demons will suffer eternal condemnation. (cf. Matthew 8:29; James 2:19)

III.

GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING ANGELS. A.

While angels are spiritual in nature, they have appeared in the appearance of men.


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Consider the angels who appeared to Abraham and Lot. (Genesis 18:1-22; 19:1) B.

There appears to be a measure of rank among the angels. 1.

Paul refers to the “voice of an archangel.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 1:9 – “Michael the archangel”) The term “archangel” is likely a reference to rank.

2.

There are references to cherubims (Genesis 3:24) and seraphims (Isaiah 6:23). The cherubims may be high ranking angels. They are presented as having wings (Exodus 25:20).

3.

Throughout the Old Testament, we see appearances of the “angel of the Lord.” a.

Three appearances to consider: 1)

The angel of the Lord told Abraham not to kill Isaac. (Genesis 22:11-12)

2)

The angel of the Lord and the burning bush. (Exodus 3:2-6)

3)

The angel of the Lord told Manoah and his wife about the birth of Samson. (Judges 13:21-23)

b.

There are different views regarding the “angel of the Lord.” 1)

Some view this angel as an angel, but of the highest rank. This angel appears to have been authorized to speak on God’s behalf, or speaking for God.

2)

Some view the “angel of the Lord” to have been Jesus’ role during the Old Testament time period. The apostle Paul teaches that Jesus was present during the Old Testament wandering of the Israelites. (1 Corinthians 10:4) a)

We must take not to say Jesus was formerly the highest ranking of angels.

b)

The Hebrew rules out the possibility of Jesus having been angel before coming to die on the cross for our sins. (Hebrews 1:13)

C.

While angels are currently superior to man, they are not subject to our inheritance in Christ. 1.

Regarding angels, Peter describes them as being “greater in power and might.” (2 Peter 2:11)

2. D.

The things we are taught, angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:12)

Angels may play a helpful role immediately after our death, carrying the spirit over to


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the realm of the dead. (Luke 16:22) E.

Angels appear to have an interest in the spiritual well-being of Christians. 1.

Angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.” (Hebrews 1:13-14) How angels minister we do not know. We can only speculate.

2.

The angels of “these little ones” behold “the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10) Is Jesus saying that there is an angel for every child, maybe a guardian angel? Again, we do not know.

3.

We must take care not to be swept away by man’s dreams and speculations on this matter.

F.

Angels are not to be worshipped. (Colossians 2:18)

G.

Angels will accompany Jesus in the judgment. (Matthew 13:41-43; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8)

CONCLUSION. A.

What can we take away from this lesson? 1.

The lesson we learn from what the Bible says about demons is this: No one will escape the wrath and judgment of God.

2.

The lesson we learn from the Bible’s teachings on angels is this: Angels are servants of God, not to be worshiped, not to be envied, but to be understand by only that truth found within God’s word.

B.

God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. Neither the angels nor the demons have every paid such a price. As the Hebrew writer wrote, “But to which of the angels has He ever said: ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool’”? (Hebrews 1:13)


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