Angels and Demons: Debunking the Myths

Lesson 4Holy Angels: Part 1

Angel Demon

This lesson is the first of two lessons on the study of the angels. Typically, when we use the term "angel", we are referring to the "good angels", or the "holy angels", as some might define them. Of course, at the moment they were created, all angels were good; however, afterwards some fell from grace. These are referred to as the "fallen angels", or demons, including Satan. Over these next two lessons, we will be examining the angels who remained holy and who continue to serve God today.

As we begin, consider that there are three kinds of distinct beings: (1) God—the Godhead or Triune being of God, (2) the angels—whose current estate is held above fallen man, and (3) human beings—mankind. All three are distinct; one cannot (and does not) go from being one type of being to another. Angels were created as angels, and human beings as human beings; that is how we shall remain, whether here on earth, or whether in heaven living in our new resurrected bodies with God in the new heaven and earth.

Angels are mentioned 165 times in the New Testament and 108 times in the Old Testament. Their name means messenger—whether they serve God or Satan. To be consistent, we’re going to stick to scripture—not conjecture—when studying about angels and demons. Arguing about how many angels can fit on the head of a pin or at what point in God’s creation activity angels were created and when specifically Lucifer fell is meaningless and provides no meaningful insight. Rather, let’s focus on that which is known, or can be known, from God’s Holy Word—and leave the speculation for another day.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HOLY ANGELS AND DEMONS

  1. We know for certainty there are real differences between God’s Holy Angels and the evil angels/demons. Compare and contrast the two verses below and note what each reveals.
    1. Hebrews 1: 14
    2. Ephesians 6:12

SPECIFIC FACTS ABOUT ANGELS

  1. What do the following verses tell us regarding "angelic spheres", or hierarchy?
    1. Colossians 1:16 and 1 Peter 3:22
    2. Jude 1:6
    3. They are gathered or organized into groups known as:
      1. _________________
      2. _________________
      3. _________________
      4. _________________
  2. The Reality of the Angels: What is their reality? Read the following and note what each scripture tells us about them.
    1. The Judgment of Angels:
      1. Ezekiel 28:16-17
      2. Matthew 25:41
    2. Dependency of Angels on God:
      1. Jude 1:9
  3. Relative Importance of Angels and Men: What do the following scriptures tell us?
    1. Psalm 8:4-5 and Hebrews 2:6-7
    2. In what ways are our physical bodies different than that of angels, based on the verses below? (OBSERVATION: God’s intention was not to punish man by putting him in a physical body—sin brought the punishment.)
      1. Romans 8:29 and Genesis 1:26-27
      2. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Hebrews 4:12
      3. Genesis 2:7 and 1 Corinthians 15:45
  4. The Personality of the Angels: Summarize what the following verses tell us about the personality of angels: Psalm 148:2, Matthew 18:10, Matthew 24:36, and Hebrews 1:4-14
  5. The Creation and Mode of Existence of the Angels. Note below what each scripture tells us about this.
    1. Colossians 1:16-17
    2. Matthew 22:28-30, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, and Matthew 13:41-43
  6. The Bodies of Angels—yes, they have a defined body. What do the following verses say about their bodies?
    1. Luke 24:37-39
    2. John 5:37, 1 Corinthians 15:39-40 and 15:44 Exodus 33:18-23, Ezekiel 1:1-28 and Psalm 104:1-2
    3. Daniel 9:21
  7. The Abode of the Angels:
    1. Where do they live, based on the following verses: Mark 13:22, Genesis 1:8, and Ephesians 3:15?

Just because we can’t physically see something doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist or have a shape or form. For example, night vision goggles enable us to see things that our normal vision does not allow. So it is with angels and the spirit world: we can only "see" that world when God gives us a picture or vision of it, and opens our eyes so to speak.

In the next lesson, we will conclude our study of the Holy Angels by looking at their number, their power, and their classifications. We will also be looking at individual angels mentioned in the Bible, as well as an examination of the ministries of the angels and their roles as spectators.

May God continue to bless you as you study with us.

In Christ,

Wes

[2012]

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