Angels

ANGELS

Despite the fact that the bible makes mention of the presence of Angels all throughout the scriptures, there are still many “BELIEVERS” who still tend to doubt that they were (and are still) present. These are just a handful of scriptures that I hope will give one clarity and understanding on exactly what the Bible has to say about Angels, and that the one reading this will come to a scripturally sound conclusion.

We know that the word “Angel” means “messenger.” We also know from the many scriptures that show us what Angels do, that they appear to hold different positions and have a variety of duties and tasks to perform.

Their Appearing

1. At the creation of the world. – Job 38:7
2. Their own creation. – Psalm 148:2,5
3. Came down to earth and consorted with the daughters of men; thus bringing about the need for the great flood: 

“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.”  Genesis 6:1-4* 

*It has been taught that these “Sons of God” were actually the sons of Seth. The popular belief is that these are some of those “rebellious” angels who came down to earth.

“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.”  

2 Peter 2:4

“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.”  Jude 6

1. A number of them met Jacob at Mahanaim, and wrestled with him at Peniel. – Genesis 32:1-2
2. Appeared to Moses in the burning bush. – Exodus 3:1-3

• Uniqueness’ and Attributes

There are a number of things that Angels do, or certain attributes that Angels have that make them unique. These are just a few of them:

1. Jesus could have called over twelve legions of them come to “PROTECT” Him. – Matthew 26:53
2. There are many of them. – 2 Kings 6:14; Psalm 68:17; Daniel 7:9-10; Hebrews 12:22
3. They will be judged by the Saints. – 1 Corinthians 6:3
4. They are not to be worshiped. – Colossians 2:18
5. They watch over human affairs. – Hebrews 1:13-14
6. They get to hear a confession of Christ’s. – Luke 12:8
7. They marvel and get joyful over sinners who repent. – Luke 15:10; 1 Corinthians 4:9; Ephesians 3:7-12; 1 Peter 1:6-12
8. They have been delegated power to become visible and to even take on human form. –Genesis 19: 1,5; Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 1:13-14
9. Their power is incomprehensible – 2 Kings 19:35; Psalm 103:20; Revelation 18: 1,21
10. They cannot die. – Luke 20:34-36

Many people also believe that there are many Angels still existing. However, there appear to be only several Divisions of Angels named. There are three Types of Angels named. There are four Kinds of Angels who rebelled with Satan against God, and out of all the Angels referred to in the scriptures; only three Angels have been Named.

• Types of Angels*

1. 1. *Angel – Genesis 16:7-13; 22:11-12, 15-18           

*The word “Angel” alone sometimes refers to a Pre- incarnation of Christ in the Old Testament (THEOPHANIC). In other words, a presence of Deity in angelic form.

1. Watchers – Daniel 4:13, 17, 23
2. Seraphim – Isaiah 6:1-7
3. Cherubim – Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 1:5-28; 8:1-4; 10:1-22
4. Archangels or Chief Angels – Colossians 1:15-18; 1Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9

• Demons 

I must make mention of demons because I don’t want anyone to be confused when they talk about angels and demons. Demons are not to be confused with the types and kinds of angels mentioned in our outline. Demons are “a type of fallen angelic being.” They do what they do above the natural realm; they do not have physical bodies, and they are invisible. The bible makes mention of a number of other attributes that they possess:

1. They are spiritual beings. – Matthew 12:43-45. But they are also real; the scriptures confirm this fact because they answer the Lord when He speaks to them, and they cause a reaction to their actions.  Matthew 8:29-32
2. There are many of them. – Mark 5:8-13
3. They can control men. – Mark 5:2-5
4. They are can be violent, cause people to be violent, and are considered to Sons of God – Genesis 6:2

 We do not find the word “demon” itself in the Bible, but the meaning of the word implies the presence of evil spirit(s) or devil(s). Now the word “Devil” also has the meanings: SLANDERER, ADVERSARY, FALSE ACCUSER, ONE WHO THROWS DOWN (All terms used to describe Satan as well as some men who fit this profile). We find scriptures pertaining to these evil spirits and devils, as well as FAMILIAR SPIRITS – UNCLEAN SPIRITS – EVIL SPIRITS – and SEDUCING SPIRITS, all throughout the Bible (Leviticus 20:6; Mark 1:27; Luke 7:21; 1 Timothy4:1).

 Even though the scriptures do not tell us what these demons original sin was, many Theologians believe that they conspired with Lucifer and the other rebellious angels  when they rebelled and revolted against the LORD. What we do know is that not only are they evil and seducing spirits, but. . .

• Believers are to have no dealings with them – Leviticus 19:31; 20:6; 

Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Acts 16:16; 2 Peter 2:1-3

• The terms demon and spirit are often used interchangeably in the New Testament

(Luke 10:17, 20; Mark 7:25, 29; 9:20-26)

• They can be unclean. – Matthew 8:28
• They angelic beings who have intelligence and wisdom. – 1 Kings 22:22-24;

Acts 16:16

• They know exactly who Jesus is; they also fear and submit to the Lord’s authority. – Mark 1:23 -24; Acts 19: 13, 15; James 2:19

• They know what eternal damnation awaits them. – Matthew 8:29; Mark 1:24-25
  • They are in constant conflict and battle with Believers.  – Ephesians 6:12; 1 Timothy 4:1
  • They can manipulate Believers who are disobedient to the way and will of the Lord. Ephesians 2: 1-3 
  • They are also disembodied evil spirits. – Judges 9:23; Revelation 16:13-16
  • They are not human, but they seek to possess humans. – Mark 16:17
  • They have feelings, are knowledgeable, but they are not omniscient. – Matthew 8:29; Luke 4:41; Acts 19:15
  • They have their own doctrines. – 1 Timothy 4:1
  • They will have miraculous powers during the Tribulation period. – Revelation 16:13-16
  • They are the source of lusts. – John 8:44; Ephesians 2:13; 1 John 2:15-17
  • They commit errors, lies, witchcraft, heresies, false teachings, and prophecies. – 1 Kings 22:21-24; 2 Chronicles 33:6; 1 Samuel 18:8-10; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 1 John 4:1-6; 
  • They can have thousands possess one person. – Matthew 12:43-45; Mark 5: 1-18

They can attack people with ailments such as . . .

• Blindness – Matthew 12: 22
• Insanity  – Luke 8: 26-36; Matthew 17: 15-18
• Muteness (Dumb) – Matthew 9:32-33
• Suicidal tendencies – Mark 9:17-22

What can Believers do about demons?

• Realize that demons have to be tested, discerned, resisted, and rejected by Believers – Matthew 12:22; 17:15-18; 1 Corinthians 12:10; Ephesians 4:27; 6:10-18; 1 Timothy 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:10-12
• Realize that they can be made to be subject to them just as they are made to subject to Christ. – Matthew 8:16-17; 12:28; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; Acts 19:15
• Realize that Believers must always WATCH, PRAY, and APPLY the whole arsenal that the Lord has provided for us to use against Satan and his minions. –  Ephesians 6:10-18

• Four Kinds of the *Rebellious Angels

1. 1. Principalities (Chief rulers; those of the highest rank in the satanic kingdom) – Romans 8:38; Ephesians 3:10; 6:12; Colossians 1:16; 2:10; 2:15; Titus 3:1
   2. Authorities(their power comes from Satan and they execute his will) –

Colossians 2:10; 1 Peter 3:22

1. Rulers of Darkness (spirit world rulers who help Satan in his plans) – Daniel 10:13-21; Ephesians 1:17-21; 6:12; Colossians 1:12-13; 16
2. Spiritually Wicked spirits (they operate from the heavenlies) – Ephesians 1:21; Colossians 1:16

*These descriptions are often mistakenly interpreted as earthly rulers or leaders.

• Named Angels

1. 1. 1. Michael (Archangel who is also referred to as one of the Chief Princes and the Prince of Israel) – Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9; Revelation 12:7-9
      2. Gabriel (Stands before God, is the only Angel referred to as “The Archangel,” and he also announced Christ’s birth) – Daniel 8:15-27; 9:21-22; Luke 1:19, 26-33
      3. Lucifer (Who would become Satan) – Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 2:2

• Responsibilities

Some people choose to identify Angels by what they do when the scriptures show us that Angels do have different responsibilities, but it is not uncommon to find a particular type or kind of Angel having more than one responsibility. Look at the responsibilities given to some of the Angels:

1. They do the Lord’s will, and they do what the Lord commands. – Psalm 103:20-21
2. They fight in heaven and earth (Physically). – Revelation 12:7-17
3. They help execute the Lord’s plan – 1 Peter 1:12
4. They drive spirit horses. – 2 Kings 2:12; 6:13-17; Zechariah 1:7-15; 6:1-6
5. They guard gates. – Genesis 3:24; Revelation 21:12
6. They execute the Lord’s judgments – Genesis 19; 2 Samuel 24; 2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chronicles 32:21; Psalm 78:49; Revelation 8; 9; 10; 11:1,15;15; 16; 17; 19:17-18; 20:1-3; 21:9-10; 22
7. They minister to the Saints. – 1 Kings 19: 5-7; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 4:11; Acts 10:3-7; Hebrews 1:13-14.
8. They rule nations. – Daniel 10:13-21; 12:1
9. They are concerned for the little ones. – Matthew 18:10
10. They sing, praise, and worship the Lord. – Psalm 103:20; 148:2; Luke 2:13; Revelation 5:11-12
11. They ministered to Jesus in His times of trial. – Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43
12. They lead sinners to ministers of the gospel. – Acts 10:3-8; 17-48
13. They direct preachers. – Acts 8:26
14. They appear in dreams. – Matthew 1:20-24; 2:13-21
15. They minister in the presence of God. – Revelation 8:2; 14:15-19
16. They bind Satan and guard the bottomless pit where he was casts – Revelation9:1; 20:1-3
17. They will regather God’s elect. – Matthew 24:31
18. They give protection to the saints. – Psalm 34:7; 91:11; Acts 12:7-12
19. They separate the good from the bad. – Matthew 13:19-42
20. They shall accompany Jesus to earth. – Matthew 16:27; 25:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
21. They witness confessions. – Luke 15:7-11
22. They carry away departed spirits. – Luke 16:22
23. They reveal laws and revelations. – 2 Kings 1:15; Daniel 8:19; 9:21-23; 10:10-21; Acts 7:33; Hebrews 2:2-3
24. They bring answers to prayer. – Daniel 9:21-23; Acts 10
25. They can be found in the church. – 1 Corinthians 11:10; 1 Timothy 5:21

I hope that this data is found to be informative, inspiring, and enlightening to everyone who reads it. 

Thank you,

Henry S. Cotton, Jr.