Faith Bible Institute: Angels Elective

The Nature of Angels: Angels are apparently sexless. (Mt. 22:28-30)

1. According to this passage, angels do not marry or reproduce and thus do not seem to possess what we think of as the human concept of gender. 2. They are, however, always spoken of in the masculine gender. We should recognize though that the spirit nature of angels is far beyond our mere human concepts of maleness or femaleness.

The Nature of Angels: Angels are persons with distinct and individual personalities.

1. Angels are not mindless drones or automatons who robotically obey God's commands without thought or emotion. Each angel is a distinct personality. 2. Angels are not mere manifestations of the power of God. Angels are clearly described in Scripture as having the three key attributes of personhood.

The Nature of Angels: Angels as finite beings are inferior to the infinite God.

1. Angels are not omnipotent. (Dan. 10:13; Jude 1:9) a. The angel who came to answer Daniel's prayer was hindered by Satanic opposition and required another angel to come to his aid. Even Michael the archangel deferred to the greater power and authority of the Lord. Both of these examples indicate that angels are not all powerful beings. 2. Angels are not omnipresent. (Dan. 10:12) a. The angel in this account had to be sent from Heaven to answer Daniel's prayer on earth. His need to travel from one place to another indicates that angels are not all present beings. 3. Angels are not omniscient. (Mt. 24:36; Mark 13:32) a. The angels of heaven do not know the time of Christ's return. They also desire to learn of the things concerning our salvation and the grace of God. These facts indicate that angels are not all knowing beings.

The Ministry of Angels: The Role of Angels of Earth: The Role of Angels with nation of Israel

1. Angels battle to defend Israel. (Jdg. 5:20) 2. Angels gave the Law to Israel. (Deut. 33:2; Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:2) 3. Angels will seal the 144,000 Israelites missionaries in the future Tribulation. (Rev. 7:1-3) 4. Angels will gather saved Israel at the end of the future Tribulation. (Mt. 24:31)

The Ministry of Angels: The Role of Angels of Earth: The role of angels with the people of God. (Heb. 1:14; Rev. 22:16)

1. Angels help provide for the needs of believers. (1 Kings 19:8; Gen. 21:17-20; Ps. 78:23-25) 2. Angels guard God's children from harm. (Ps. 34:7; 91:11; 2 Kings 6:15-17) 3. Angels deliver. (Acts. 5:19; 12:7) 4. Angels comfort. (1 Kings 19:5; Acts 27:24) 5. Angels appears to God's people at death and transport them into the presence of God. (Lk. 16:22) 6. Angels help provide answers to our prayers. (Dan. 9:20-24; 10:10-12; Acts 12:1-17) 7. Angels strengthen and encourage. (Mt. 4:11; Lk. 22:43; Acts 5:19-20; Jdg. 6:12-14; 1 Kings 19:2-8)

Angels Mentioned in the Bible

1. Angels mentioned in 34 of the 66 books of the Bible 2. Angels mentioned by the authors of 55 books - including all but 1 New Testament book.

The Moral Nature of Angels

1. Angels were created by God in a state of perfection without sin. At this time, all angels were able not to sin. 2. Angels dwelling in the glorious presence of God Himself were given a temporary period of time in which they were given the free will choice to love and be loyal to God or to reject and rebel against God. 3. The angels that were loyal to and loved God became not able to sin. 4. Then angels that rebelled against God become not able to not to sin. 5. False theories of the origin of demons. a. That they are spirits of the departed wicked dead. The Bible teaches that the lost are in Hell. (Lk. 16:19-26) b. That they are spirits of the pre-Adamic race. 6. The true origin of demons: They are the fallen angels who rebelled with Satan. a. We must add that God no more created demons in their present state than He created Satan in His present state, as this would make God the author of sin. Demons are fallen creatures who become corrupt because of their own free will choice to rebel against God.

The future of the angels

1. Angels will spend eternity in the New Jerusalem with Christ and the church. (Heb. 12:21-23; cf. Rev. 21:10-12) 2. To learn throughout eternity of God's grace as exhibited by the church. (Eph. 2:4-7; 3:10-11)

The Nature of Angels: Angels are supernatural spirit beings. (Psalm 104:4; Heb. 1:7, 14)

1. As spirit beings, they are non-corporeal and do not possess physical bodies of flesh and bone. (Lk. 24:39) 2. However, 1 Corinthians 15:40 suggests that Angels do possess some type of spirit bodies. a. Angels possess the ability to assume at least the appearance of human bodies. (Gen. 18:1-2; Heb. 13:2)

Nature of Angels

1. Directly created by God in their present mature state. 2. They are not eternal. 3. The number of angels is fixed. a. God does not create more. b. They cannot reproduce or die.

The Appearance of Demonic Spirits

1. Fallen angels were once Holy angels and we thus can safely assume some aspects of similarity in, although perhaps corrupted, appearance. a. We are especially warned against their most dangerous appearance, that of an "Angel of Light". (2 Cor. 11:13-15)

The Judgement of Demonic Spirits

1. Fallen angels will be judged by God and by the saved. (1 Cor. 6:3) 2. Fallen angels will spend eternity suffering in the torments of Hell, which was prepared by God for them and not for mankind. (Mt. 25:4; 2 Pt. 2:4; Jude 6; cf. Rev. 20:11)

Gabriel: His mission

1. Gabriel is God's special messenger angel. He is sent with a message in every passage where he is name. This has led many to identify him with the appearances of "The Angel [Messenger] of the Lord [Kurios]" in the New Testament (as distinct from "the Angel of the LORD [Jehovah]" of the Old Testament). 2. He is the revealer of God's Messianic Program. 3. He is the revealer of God's Millennial (Kingdom) Program. 4. While Gabriel is not specifically referred to as an archangel (unless he is in mind in 1 Thessalonians 4:16), his probably identify as "the angel of the Lord" in the New Testament (combined with his prominent role) leads most Bible students to so classify him.

Why God Created the Angels

1. God created the Angels to glorify Christ. (Rev. 4:11) 2. God created the Angels to serve Christ. (Psalm 104:4) 3. God created the Angels to worship Christ. (Hebrews 1:6) 4. God created the Angels to please Christ. (Col. 1:16) 5. God created the Angels to love Christ. 6. God created the Angels to minister to Man for Christ. Angels are therefore an expression of the love of God for mankind. (Heb. 1:14)

The Nature of Angels: Angels are innumerable. (Heb. 12:22)

1. God obviously knows that exact number of angels, but they are presented as "an innumerable company of angels" (Heb. 12:22), indicating a number so vast as to be beyond human comprehension. 2. Note these many indications of their vast number. a. They are often compared with the stars, indicating that there are vastly more than untold trillions of these heavenly beings. Both Scripture and science state that the stars are innumerable. b. The fact that heaven's angels outnumber hellish angels by 2 to 1 should also be a great encouragement to us when it comes to the subject of spiritual warfare. (Rev. 12:3-4)

The Nature of Angels: Angels are invisible beings. (Col. 1:16; 2:18; 2 Kings 6:17)

1. However, angels are apparently able to appear in visible form at will [with God's permission]. a. They may appear in obvious angelic form. (Mt. 28:2-4) b. They may appear indistinguishable from men. (Judges 6:21-22; Heb. 13:2)

Fallen Angel: We must study this doctrine carefully - recognizing the two opposite dangers concerning demons.

1. Ignorance. We are to be aware of our enemy's devices in order to more effectively battle against him, "lest Satan should get an advantage of us" (2 Cor. 2:11). One should indeed be aware of a lion seeking to devour him and respond by spiritual alertness. (1 Pt. 5:8) 2. Interest. One of their devices is to draw our attention away from God and toward them, even if that focus is on battling against them (Lk. 10:20). Remember, the secret to victory over Satan and his demons is to begin the battle by focusing on God (not them) by submitting and drawing near to Him. (Jm. 4:7-10)

Fallen Angel: We must study this doctrine confidently.

1. Knowing that when we submit and resist, Satan "will flee from you." (James 4:7) 2. Knowing that "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 Jn. 4:4) 3. Knowing that fear is one of Satan's devices. 4. Knowing that the Biblical accounts of demons never inspire fear in us. Instead, the Scriptural accounts only inspire confidence as demons cower, cringe and beg before Jesus. a. Only Satan's distorted accounts of demons in movies and the occult (where demonic power is exaggerated, distorted, and presented as more powerful than the power of God) inspire fear. b. We must recognize that the real danger from demons is not being attacked in the dark by some imagined hideous creature, but rather their ability to temp us to sin and to draw us away from Christ. Their desire is to distract us from the real dangers with fear of imagined dangers. 5. Knowing that the Devil and his angels must ask permission of God before they can do anything to us. (Job 1-2)

Michael: His ministry

1. Michael is the angelic defender of Israel. a. Both elect and evil angels are associated with specific nations in Scripture. (cf. Dan. 10:13, 20) b. Michael is referred to as "the great prince which standeth for the children of they people [Israel]" (Dan. 12:1) and "Michael your [Israel's] prince" (Dan. 10:21). 2. Michael is the angelic defender against Satan. (Dan. 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9; Rev. 12:7)

Methods of Possession or Demonization

1. Over invitation - where demons are given direct authority to enter. 2. Occult involvement - through which demons are knowingly or unknowingly given authority to enter. (1 Cor. 10:20) 3. Ongoing iniquity - through which jurisdiction ("place" Eph. 4:26-27) over certain areas of one's life are willingly although not necessarily consciously, surrendered to Satan. 4. Occult inheritance - through which, by occult involvement, parents entrusted with the spiritual protection of descendants willingly give authority over to demonic forces. (cf. 1 Cor. 7:14) 5. Opening ignorantly - through which one willingly, albeit unknowingly, gives authority to demonic forces. 6. Notice the common factor of all these is a willful offering of authority, control, and jurisdiction to Satanic powers. (Rom. 6:16) 7. Demons cannot possess anyone until given authority to do so.

The Current Location of Demonic Spirits

1. Some demonic spirits are unchained and therefore free to tempt and torment mankind. (Ps. 78:49; Eph. 6:12; Rev. 12:7-9) 2. Some demonic spirits are chained.

Cherubim: The Responsibilities of the Cherubim

1. The guard the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden after the fall of mankind. (Gen. 3:24) 2. To remain in the immediate presence of and guard the holiness of God as pictures on the Ark of the Covenant. (Ex. 25:18-22) 3. They appeared to Ezekiel carrying God's Throne Chariot. (Ez. 1; 10)

Living Creatures: Their Appearance

1. They are full of eyes before, behind, and within (Rev. 4:6, 8). This represents God's omniscience. 2. They have 6 wings [Similar to seraphim]. (Rev. 4:8) 3. Each Living Creature has a single distinct face.

Cherubim : The Appearance of the Cherubims. (Ez. 1:4-28; 10:1-22; cf. 28:11-19)

1. They have 4 faces. (Ez. 1:10) a. The face of a man in front - picturing Jesus as the Perfect Man as portrayed in the Gospel of Luke. b. The face of a lion on the right - picturing Jesus as the King of Kings as He is portrayed in the Gospel of Matthew. c. The face of an ox on the left - picturing Jesus as the meek and lowly Servant as He is portrayed in the Gospel of Mark. d. The face of the eagle in the rear - picturing Jesus as the Mighty God, as He is portrayed in the Gospel of John. 2. Each cherub has 2 pairs of wings. (Ez. 1:11) 3. Each cherub has the legs of men, but cloven feet like calves which shine like brass. (Ez. 1:7) 4. Each cherub has 4 hands as of a man. (Ez. 1:8) 5. They are covered with fire and lightning. (Ez. 1:13) 6. They are covered with eyes on their entire bodies, their backs, hands, and wings. (Ez. 10:12) 7. They are covered with precious jewels. (Ez. 28:13a) 8. They have musical instruments as part of their bodies. (Ez. 28:13b)

Fallen Angels Oppose Believers: Things demons definitely can do to believers (when permitted). In light of the following, their ministry should not be taken too lightly by believers.

1. They wrestle against believers. (Eph. 6:12) 2. They tempt believers (1 Cor. 7:5). They do this when we are drawn away by our own desires (Jm. 1:14), when we provide opportunity through neglect (1 Cor 7:5) or when we make provision for the flesh (Rom. 13:14) 3. They may buffet us with thorns in the flesh (physical sickness?). (2 Cor. 12:7) 4. They can get an advantage of us - through unforgiveness, offense, or bitterness (2 Cor. 2:10-11). In fact, Jesus warned that those whom God had forgiven, but who refused to forgive others would be delivered over to demonic tormenters. (Mt. 18:21-35). 5. They can take jurisdiction over any "place' given to them, for example, through anger. (Eph. 4:26-27) 6. They can lure us away from pure devotion to Christ (2 Cor. 11:3) 7. They plant doubts and discouragement. 8. They may "devour" us (seek to destroy our lives, testimonies, families, etc.). (1 Pt. 5:8) 9. They spread divisions in the church.

Note these characteristics of demonic influence of possession: As demonstrated by the Gadarean Demoniac. (Mt. 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-29)

1. Total or near nakedness. (Lk. 8:27) 2. Obsession with violence. (Mt. 8:28) 3. Obsession with death. (Mk. 5:3) 4. Obsession with and hypersensitivity to the spiritual realm, the occult or false religions, but antagonism toward the true Jesus Christ. 5. Sadistic behavior, cruelty, enjoyment in causing other pain. (Mt. 8:28) 6. Self-destructive behavior (masochism, drug or alcohol abuse, obsessive sexual behaviors, suicide). (Mt. 5:5) 7. Mental problems. (Mk. 5:5) 8. Constant depression. (Mk. 5:5) 9. Unusual physical strength. (Mk. 5:3-4) 10. Withdrawal and isolation. (Lk. 8:27) 11. Uncontrollable rebellion. (Mk. 5:4) 12. Uncontrollable anger. (Mk. 5:3-4) 13. Overt manifestation such as demons speaking. (Mk. 5:9) 14. Multiple or confused personalities (Mk. 5:6-7 - he ran to Jesus for help yet cried out in fear).

Our present relationship with angels

1. We must be careful not to worship angels - the overt danger. (Ex. 20:3; Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; 22:9) 2. We must not allow a focus on angels to distract us from our focus on Christ - the subtle danger. For Christ is far better than the angels! (Heb. 1:4-9)

When God Created the Angels

Angels were created on day 1 of creation at the time of the creation of the heavens in Genesis 1:1a and before the creation of the earth in Genesis 1:1b. 1. The creation of Angels undoubtedly took place prior to the creation of the earth, for the angels rejoiced as they watched God lay the foundations of the Earth. (Job 38:1, 4, 7) a. This passage, however, proves nothing about angels being created before the creation of the heavens in Genesis 1:1a, as is assumed by those holding the view that angels were created in Eternity Past. 2. The creation of Angels took place during the 6 days of creation. This is indicated by Exodus 20:11: a. "For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth...and all that in them is." Angels would clearly be included in all that is in the heaven.' b. General statements, like this one, that the six day creation included all that is in the heavens (cf. Genesis 2:1 - "the heavens...and all the host of them"), render useless the argument that the silence of Genesis chapters 1 and 2 concerning the creation of the angels indicates that they were already in existence prior to Genesis 1:1. 3. Since the heavens and the earth were created on day 1 of creation (Genesis 1:1-5) and since angels watched the creation of the earth (Job 38:1, 4, 7), then apparently heaven and the Angels were created first, and then the earth, all on the same day. The first act of the angels was then to worship God and rejoice at His creative acts and power.

Origin of Demons

Are fallen angels.

Demonization Influence and Attack

Demonization must be clearly distinguished from demon influence or attack, which is experienced universally, although in greatly varying degrees. Distinction 1. Demon influence consists of external promptings, not internal control, as in demonization. 2. Demon influence is just that, influence, not control or domination. This influence may be mild or sever, but it is still only influence.

Fallen Angel: Title

Demonology

Departed Saints

Do not become angels.

Departed Lost

Do not become demons.

Fallen Angel: The ages of Possession

Does demon possession take place in the present age? The answer is indisputably yes. 1. There is not one verse of Scripture which gives any indication that demonization was limited to any certain age or that it would cease. 2. In fact, Scripture clearly indicates that demonic activity will increase in the last days. (1 Tim. 4:1)

Seraphim: The appearance of the Seraphims. (Is. 6:2)

Each Seraphim has 6 wings. 1. A pair of their wings covers their face. 2. A pair of their wings covers their feet. 3. A pair of their wings are used to fly.

Gabriel: Church

Gabriel primarily deals with the church.

Gabriel: His name

Literally, "The Mighty One of God" revealing his chief character trait of strength.

The Nature of Angels: Angels have a nature that is superior to humanity.

Man was created in the very image of God and was therefore given great glory, but man's nature was corrupted by the Fall of mankind into sin. (Ps. 8:4-5; Heb. 2:6-9)

Michael: Archangel

Michael is the only angel specifically referred to as a archangel. However, since he is referred to as "one of the chief princes" (Dan. 10:13), it seems probable that he is not alone in this rank.

Michael: Nation

Michael primarily deals with Israel.

The Ministry of Angels: The Role of Angels of Earth: Judgement

One-word summary of angels with the unsaved enemies of God.

Fallen Angel: We must study the doctrine of fallen angels prayerfully

Our method of battle in spiritual warfare is to first, submit and draw near to God and then to "resist the devil." (James 4:7-8)

Can angel appear visibly today?

Principle #1 - We should not be seeking angels, we should be seeking Jesus. Principle # 2 - This is the age of "faith" not sight and we receive greater blessing from believing without seeing. (2 Cor. 5:7; John 20:29) Principle # 3 - The primary reason for the appearance of the angels (Messengers) of God in Scripture was to deliver revealed messages. With the completion of Scriptures, the age of revelation has ceased (1 Cor. 13:9-10; Heb. 1;1-2; Jude 1:3). Angels therefore do not appear today to give revelations from God to man. Principle #4 - Angels have always done the vast majority of their work unseen and are presently very active in our lives this way. Principle #5 - Appearances of angels have always been rare due to the fact that their appearance often create the temptation to worship or focus on them, not God. Principle #6 - Scripture, however, never explicitly states that angels may or may not appear today. This is entirely up to the Sovereign will of God. Principle #7 - If angels do appear visibly today, it is only under extraordinary circumstances and in connection with their non-revelatory ministries such as: a. Divine protection. Even then, these appearances would normally be unawares (cf. Heb. 13:2) b. Ministering to the believer at the moment of death.

Cherubim

The Cherubim. These amazing creatures are associated with the presence of God throughout Scripture. [The plural of cherub can take the form of cherubs, cherubim, or cherubims (KJV).] (Ez. 1:4-28; 10:1-22; Gen. 3:24; Ex. 25:18-20)

Angels: Title

The study of the Biblical doctrine of Angels is entitled "Angelology".

Fallen Angel: Study

The sub-study of the Biblical doctrine of fallen angels is entitles "Demonology". 1. This is taken from the Greek word for "daimon", translated demon or devil and meaning "to distribute fortunes". 2. Demons or Devils - Greek "daimon". (Mat. 8:13; Mk. 5:12; Lk. 8:29; Rev. 16:14; 18:2) a. It means "to distribute fortunes or destinies", thus to foretell the future. All attempts to supernaturally predict the future apart from God are demonic. 3. It also means to divide, disrupt, or cause division. This is always a favorite demonic tactic.

Angels Most Prominent Feature of the Appearance of Angels

Their brightness - one actually lights up the earth.

Seraphim: Name

Their name means "burning ones" and probably speaks of both their appearance and their all consuming devotions to God.

Fallen Angels Oppose Believers: What demons definitely cannot do to believers.

They cannot: 1. Separate us from Christ, our position in Him, His love for us, or our salvation. (Rom. 8:35-39) 2. Break the seal of the Spirit. (Eph. 4:30; 1:13-14) 3. Remove us from God's/Christ's hand. (Jn. 10:28-29) 4. Touch us without God's permission. (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6) 5. Control us without our permission. (Rom. 6:16) 6. Cause us to sin - until we are drawn away by our own sinful desires. (Jm. 1:14) 7. Remain when we submit and draw nigh to God and resist the devil. (Jm. 4:4) 8. Overrule our will (unless we surrender it to him). (Rom. 6:16)

The Activities of Demonic Spirits

They oppose all of God's plans, programs, and people. (Dan. 10:10-14; Eph. 6:12) 1. They attempt to prevent answers to prayers. (Dan. 10:10-14) 2. They attempt to hinder our understanding of God's truth and His divine plan. (Dan. 10:10-14) 3. They engage us in spiritual warfare with the goal of having us fall. (Eph. 6:11-14)

Michael: His name

This angel's name means, "Who is like God".

Angels: Angelology

This title is taken from the Greek word for angels, "aggelos". This word is pronounced ang-el-os, is transliterated "angel", and is translated "messenger".

Guardian Angels. (Mt. 18:10; Heb. 1:14)

Two specific groups are singled out as having special angelic ministries: 1. Children. (Mt. 18:10) 2. Christians. (Heb. 1:14)

Horse and Chariot Angels

Whatever the exact nature of these angelic horsemen and horses, they are involved in the following ministries: 1. They may transport believers to heaven. (2 Kings 2:11) 2. They protect the servants of God. (2 Kings 6:17) 3. They patrol the whole earth, but especially watch over Israel. (Zech. 1:8-12) 4. They participate in the judgements and battles of the Lord. (Rev. 19:14)