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Basic Bible Doctrines Chapter 6 The Study of Angels and Demons

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John Fok

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Nov 12, 1997, 3:00:00 AM11/12/97

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Basic Bible Doctrines Chapter 6 The Study of Angels and Demons

Hello,

The same passage can be found at:
http://home.hkstar.com/~johnfok1/BasicBibleDoctrines/TableOfContents.htm

CHAPTER 6: THE STUDY OF ANGELS AND DEMONS

1. NAMES OF ANGELS

The word "angel” itself simply means "messenger,”in both the Old and New
Testaments. God created the angels. Paul told us that "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” (Colossians 1:16).

We know that God created all angels before He created the heavens and the
earth or man, since the angels were there at the creation (see Job 38:7).
Angels do not reproduce as humans do (see Mark 12:25).

Angels are called "Spirits” (Hebrews 1:7, 14), and good angels are called
"Holy” (Mark 8:38). They do not have corporeal bodies and are usually
invisible to men. "Spirit has not flesh and bones” (Luke 24:39). Sometimes,
however, angels have appeared to men in human form to do God's will (Genesis
19:1, 5; Hebrews 13:2). Angels are "Greater in power and might” than man.
In rank man was made a little lower than the angels (Psalm 8:5). From
Hebrews 2:9 it appears that angels are immortal, that is, they cannot die as
men can. Angels are personal spirits created sinless by God for the purpose
of serving Him.

2. CATEGORIES OF ANGELS

Various words are used for categories of angels. The archangel or chief
angel is named Michael (Daniel 10:21; Jude 9; Revelation 12:7). His ministry
was especially to Israel. The only other good angel who is named in
Scripture is Gabriel (Daniel 8:16; Luke 1:19, 26). The seraphim or "burning
ones” are mentioned only in Isaiah 6, where they are seen as guardians of
the Holy Throne of God. The cherubim are first mentioned in Genesis 3:24,
guarding the way to the tree of life. Their work is thus particularly
associated with the righteousness of God. Images of cherubim are seen in the
tabernacle (Exodus 25:!8), the temple of Solomon (1 Kings 6:23) and the
temple of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 41:18). Neither the seraphim nor the cherubim are
specifically called angels, but they are generally taken to be such.

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF ANGELS

The good angels are the ministers (servants) of God and His people. Like
men, angels have intellect (2 Samuel 14:20; compare 1 Peter 1:12 and Exodus
25:22), sensibility (Mark 8:38; Luke 15:10) and will (Isaiah 14:13, 14).
Because of these characteristics, and also their strength (Psalm 103:20) and
great number (Matthew 18:10; Revelation 5:11, 12) they are able to help men
as God directs.

4. MINISTRY OF ANGELS TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

With reference to Christ, the angels have had a widespread ministry. At the
creation they praised Christ (compare Job 38:4-7 and John 1:3). They
predicted Christ's forerunner (Luke 1:17) and the birth of the Savior
Himself (Luke 1:30-38) and announced Christ's birth to the shepherds (Luke
2:10-12). At the temptation they ministered to our Lord (Matthew 4:11; Mark
1:13), and in Gethsemane they strengthened Him (Luke 22:43) and were ready
to defend Him (Matthew 26:53). At the resurrection they rolled away the
stone to let the witnesses enter the empty tomb (Matthew 28:2-4). The
guarded the evidence of the resurrection (John 20:12, 13) and announced the
resurrection (Luke 24:4-7) to Jesus' followers. In Acts 1:10, 11, angels
predicted the second coming in similar fashion to the going of Christ by
ascension. Now, during Christ's present session at God's right hand, the
good angels take an interest in the gospel and rejoice in the salvation of
sinners (1 Peter 1:12; Luke 15:10). They will be prominent at Christ's
coming to reign and judge (Matthew 13:39, 41, 42, 49, 50; 2 Thessalonians
1:7-10; various chapters in Revelation).

5. MINISTRY OF ANGELS TO MEN AND NATIONS

Beside worshipping and serving God, angels also mininster to men and
nations. Michael is the special defender of Israel (Daniel 12:1) and will
regather that nation at the second coming (Matthew 24:31). Daniel is a book
with interesting facts of angel activity, especially as relating to the
nations. The book of Acts has many instances of angels revealing, delivering
and guiding the early Christians (Acts 1:9-11; 5:19, 20; 8:26-29; 10:3-6;
12:7-10). Today, according to Hebrews 1:14, they are ministering spirits for
the saved. They desire to look on the godly order of the local church (1
Corinthians 11:10; 1 Timothy 5:21) and are the guardians of children
(Matthew 18:10).

6. CHRISTIANS' ATTITUDE REGARDING THE ANGELS

Christians should speal respectfully of them and to take their existence
seriously. Neither the extreme of worshipping angels (Colossians 2:18;
Revelation 22:8-9) nor a flippant joking or unbelieving attitude regarding
these servants of God should characterize an informed believer.

7. THE ORIGIN OF DEMONS

Demons or evil spirits were fallen angels loose on earth. Many angels,
perhaps a third of them (Revelation 12:4), sided with Satan, shared in his
sin and fell with him (Revelation 12:4, 9). As the devil (i.e. Satan) is not
omniscient, omnipotent, or omnipresent, it is necessary for the Devil to use
his fallen followers to gain his desired ends.

8. THE ROLE OF DEMONS IN AGAINST THE GOD'S PEOPLE

Some of those who fell with Satan are already bound in chains, awaiting
their judgment (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). Others, however, are free to serve
Satan𠏋 cause, possess men, cause sickness and torment men.

The demons, or unclean spirits, were especially active during our Lord's
ministry on earth. Whoever denies the reality of these evil spirits denies
the credibility of the Gospel accounts and the teachings of Christ. Mark 5
is a classic passage on demon possession. The fact that demons may cause
mental derangement, desire to inhabit bodies of men and even animals, and
have rational and personal characteristics is made clear here.

It should be noted that the unclean spirits are not "Devils.”There is just
one devil (i.e. Satan), where there are many demons. Demons may possess
super-human power and give it to evil men (Deuteronomy 13:1-3; Matthew
24:24; Revelation 13:13-15). The gods of the heathen world, that is the evil
spirits that work behind the idols, were and are demons in many cases (1
Corinthians 10:20).

9. DEMONS ARE NOT UNREAL

Christ cast out demons and gave His disciples power to cast them out
(Matthew 4:24; 10:1; Acts 19:12). There is never any hint that these demons
are unreal or were merely psychological fixations of those possessed. Actual
conversations are recorded between Christ and the demons. Missionaries in
certain parts of the world have reported well-authenticated cases of
demon-possession today. "Civilized” nations are not free from this baneful
influence either.

10. NO REDEMPTION FOR FALLEN ANGELS

There is no redemption for fallen angels, as there is for fallen man. It is
likely that the angels knew what chances they were taking when they followed
Lucifer, and they sinned in the face of greater light and privilege.

11. DEMONS WILL BE PUNISHED BY THE GOD FOREVER

The devil (i.e. Satan) himself will be cast out of heaven from access to
God's presence to accuse the brethren (i.e. Christians) and will wreak havoc
on earth during the Great Tribulation, especially aganist Israel (Revelation
12:13-17). During the millennium, Satan will be bound in the Abyss
(Revelation 20:1-3). After the millennium he will lead a brief but frantic
rebellion against the King's government and His people (Revelation 20:7-9),
and will finally be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation
20:10). Here he will be tormented "day and night for ever and ever.”

The angels that rebelled against a holy and righteous God along with the
proud Lucifer will be judged and cast into the lake of fire that was
prepared for the devil and his angels. There, along with all who rejected
Christ and were followers of Satan (whether decent, religious, or immoral
followers), they will suffer eternal punishment for their dreadful sin and
guilt (Matthew 25:41).

12. GOD PROVIDED REDEMPTION FOR FALLEN MAN

It is a solemn and frightful future that no human being need face if he will
only put his trust in Christ alone as his Redeemer. Truly, we should be
thankful that God provided redemption for fallen man that we might have
eternal life through faith in His Son!

13. BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR FURTHER STUDY

1.. Gaebelein, A.C.-The Angels of God (New York: Our Hope).
2.. Unger, Merrill F.-Biblical Demonology (Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture
Press).
3.. Harlow-Basic Bible Doctrines (Emmaus Bible College).
4.. Kenneth C. Fleming-None Dare Say No-An Introduction to Missions
(Emmaus Bible College).
Please tell your friends to visit the following Bible study web sites
regularly:
網上聖經課程 Bible Studies On the Internet http://home.hkstar.com/~johnfok1/
香港以馬忤斯聖經函授學校 http://home.hkstar.com/~emmaushk
Week End Web Page http://www.patriot.net/users/premil/weekend.html

God bless you!

Yours in Christ,
John K.C. Fok
Hong Kong
12 Nov 1997

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<DIV>
<DIV>
<FONT=20
size=3D3>Basic Bible Doctrines Chapter 6 The Study of Angels and=20
Demons
<FONT=20
size=3D3>Hello,<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"> 
<FONT=20
size=3D3>The same passage=20
can be found at: <A=20
href=3D"http://home.hkstar.com/~johnfok1/BasicBibleDoctrines/TableOfConte=
nts.htm">http://home.hkstar.com/~johnfok1/BasicBibleDoctrines/TableOfCont=
ents.htm</A>
 
CHAPTER 6: THE =
STUDY OF=20
ANGELS AND DEMONS
=A1@
1. NAMES OF =
ANGELS
The word "angel” =
<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">itself simply means =
"messenger,”<FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">in both the Old and New Testaments. God created =
the=20
angels. Paul told us that "by him were all things created, that are =
in=20
heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be =
thrones,=20
or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by =
him, and=20
for him” (Colossians =
1:16).
We know that God created all angels =
before He=20
created the heavens and the earth or man, since the angels were there at =
the=20
creation (see Job 38:7). Angels do not reproduce as humans do (see Mark =
12:25).=20

Angels are called =
"Spirits”=20
(Hebrews 1:7, 14), and good angels are =
called=20
"Holy” (Mark 8:38). =
They do not=20
have corporeal bodies and are usually invisible to men. "Spirit has =
not=20
flesh and bones” (Luke =
24:39).=20
Sometimes, however, angels have appeared to men in human form to do =
God's=20
will (Genesis 19:1, 5; Hebrews 13:2). =
Angels are=20
"Greater in power and might” than=20
man. In rank man was made a little lower than the angels (Psalm 8:5). =
From=20
Hebrews 2:9 it appears that angels are immortal, that is, they cannot =
die as men=20
can. Angels are personal spirits created sinless by God for the purpose =
of=20
serving Him.
=A1@
2. CATEGORIES OF=20
ANGELS
Various words are used for categories =
of angels.=20
The archangel or chief angel is named Michael (Daniel 10:21; Jude 9; =
Revelation=20
12:7). His ministry was especially to Israel. The only other good angel =
who is=20
named in Scripture is Gabriel (Daniel 8:16; Luke 1:19, 26). The seraphim =
or=20
"burning ones” are =
mentioned only=20
in Isaiah 6, where they are seen as guardians of the Holy Throne of God. =
The=20
cherubim are first mentioned in Genesis 3:24, guarding the way to the =
tree of=20
life. Their work is thus particularly associated with the righteousness =
of God.=20
Images of cherubim are seen in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:!8), the temple =
of=20
Solomon (1 Kings 6:23) and the temple of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 41:18). =
Neither the=20
seraphim nor the cherubim are specifically called angels, but they are =
generally=20
taken to be such.
=A1@
3. CHARACTERISTICS OF=20
ANGELS
The good angels are the ministers =
(servants) of=20
God and His people. Like men, angels have intellect (2 Samuel 14:20; =
compare 1=20
Peter 1:12 and Exodus 25:22), sensibility (Mark 8:38; Luke 15:10) and =
will=20
(Isaiah 14:13, 14). Because of these characteristics, and also their =
strength=20
(Psalm 103:20) and great number (Matthew 18:10; Revelation 5:11, 12) =
they are=20
able to help men as God directs.
=A1@
4. MINISTRY OF ANGELS TO THE =
LORD JESUS=20
CHRIST
With reference to Christ, the angels =
have had a=20
widespread ministry. At the creation they praised Christ (compare Job =
38:4-7 and=20
John 1:3). They predicted Christ's <FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">forerunner (Luke 1:17) and the birth of the =
Savior=20
Himself (Luke 1:30-38) and announced Christ's <FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">birth to the shepherds (Luke 2:10-12). At the =
temptation=20
they ministered to our Lord (Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13), and in Gethsemane =
they=20
strengthened Him (Luke 22:43) and were ready to defend Him (Matthew =
26:53). At=20
the resurrection they rolled away the stone to let the witnesses enter =
the empty=20
tomb (Matthew 28:2-4). The guarded the evidence of the resurrection =
(John 20:12,=20
13) and announced the resurrection (Luke 24:4-7) to Jesus' <FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">followers. In Acts 1:10, 11, angels predicted =
the second=20
coming in similar fashion to the going of Christ by ascension. Now, =
during=20
Christ's present session at =
God's=20
right hand, the good angels take an =
interest in the=20
gospel and rejoice in the salvation of sinners (1 Peter 1:12; Luke =
15:10). They=20
will be prominent at Christ's coming to=20
reign and judge (Matthew 13:39, 41, 42, 49, 50; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; =
various=20
chapters in Revelation).
=A1@
5. MINISTRY OF ANGELS TO MEN =
AND=20
NATIONS
Beside worshipping and serving God, =
angels also=20
mininster to men and nations. Michael is the special defender of Israel =
(Daniel=20
12:1) and will regather that nation at the second coming (Matthew =
24:31). Daniel=20
is a book with interesting facts of angel activity, especially as =
relating to=20
the nations. The book of Acts has many instances of angels revealing, =
delivering=20
and guiding the early Christians (Acts 1:9-11; 5:19, 20; 8:26-29; =
10:3-6;=20
12:7-10). Today, according to Hebrews 1:14, they are ministering spirits =
for the=20
saved. They desire to look on the godly order of the local church (1 =
Corinthians=20
11:10; 1 Timothy 5:21) and are the guardians of children (Matthew=20
18:10).
=A1@
6. CHRISTIANS' ATTITUDE =
REGARDING THE=20
ANGELS 
Christians should speal respectfully =
of them and=20
to take their existence seriously. Neither the extreme of worshipping =
angels=20
(Colossians 2:18; Revelation 22:8-9) nor a flippant joking or =
unbelieving=20
attitude regarding these servants of God should characterize an informed =

believer. 
=A1@
7. THE ORIGIN OF=20
DEMONS
Demons or evil spirits were fallen =
angels loose=20
on earth. Many angels, perhaps a third of them (Revelation 12:4), sided =
with=20
Satan, shared in his sin and fell with him (Revelation 12:4, 9). As the =
devil=20
(i.e. Satan) is not omniscient, omnipotent, or omnipresent, it is =
necessary for=20
the Devil to use his fallen followers to gain his desired =
ends.
=A1@
8. THE ROLE OF DEMONS IN =
AGAINST THE=20
GOD'S <FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">PEOPLE
Some of those who fell with Satan are =
already=20
bound in chains, awaiting their judgment (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). Others, =
however,=20
are free to serve Satan=92s cause, =
possess men,=20
cause sickness and torment men.
The demons, or unclean spirits, were =
especially=20
active during our Lord's ministry =
on earth.=20
Whoever denies the reality of these evil spirits denies the credibility =
of the=20
Gospel accounts and the teachings of Christ. Mark 5 is a classic passage =
on=20
demon possession. The fact that demons may cause mental derangement, =
desire to=20
inhabit bodies of men and even animals, and have rational and personal=20
characteristics is made clear here.
It should be noted that the unclean =
spirits are=20
not "Devils.”There is =
just one=20
devil (i.e. Satan), where there are many demons. Demons may possess =
super-human=20
power and give it to evil men (Deuteronomy 13:1-3; Matthew 24:24; =
Revelation=20
13:13-15). The gods of the heathen world, that is the evil spirits that =
work=20
behind the idols, were and are demons in many cases (1 Corinthians=20
10:20).
=A1@
9. DEMONS ARE NOT=20
UNREAL
Christ cast out demons and gave His =
disciples=20
power to cast them out (Matthew 4:24; 10:1; Acts 19:12). There is never =
any hint=20
that these demons are unreal or were merely psychological fixations of =
those=20
possessed. Actual conversations are recorded between Christ and the =
demons.=20
Missionaries in certain parts of the world have reported =
well-authenticated=20
cases of demon-possession today. "Civilized” <FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman">nations are not free from this baneful =
influence=20
either.
=A1@
10. NO REDEMPTION FOR FALLEN=20
ANGELS
There is no redemption for fallen =
angels, as=20
there is for fallen man. It is likely that the angels knew what chances =
they=20
were taking when they followed Lucifer, and they sinned in the face of =
greater=20
light and privilege.
=A1@
11. DEMONS WILL BE PUNISHED BY =
THE GOD=20
FOREVER
The devil (i.e. Satan) himself will be =
cast out=20
of heaven from access to God's presence to=20
accuse the brethren (i.e. Christians) and will wreak havoc on earth =
during the=20
Great Tribulation, especially aganist Israel (Revelation 12:13-17). =
During the=20
millennium, Satan will be bound in the Abyss (Revelation 20:1-3). After =
the=20
millennium he will lead a brief but frantic rebellion against the =
King's=20
government and His people (Revelation =
20:7-9), and=20
will finally be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation =
20:10).=20
Here he will be tormented "day and night for ever and=20
ever.”
The angels that rebelled against a =
holy and=20
righteous God along with the proud Lucifer will be judged and cast into =
the lake=20
of fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels. There, along =
with all=20
who rejected Christ and were followers of Satan (whether decent, =
religious, or=20
immoral followers), they will suffer eternal punishment for their =
dreadful sin=20
and guilt (Matthew 25:41).
=A1@
12. GOD PROVIDED REDEMPTION =
FOR FALLEN=20
MAN
It is a solemn and frightful future =
that no=20
human being need face if he will only put his trust in Christ alone as =
his=20
Redeemer. Truly, we should be thankful that God provided redemption for =
fallen=20
man that we might have eternal life through faith in His Son!
=A1@
13. BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR FURTHER=20
STUDY
<OL>
<LI>Gaebelein, A.C.-The Angels of God =
(New=20
York: Our Hope).=20
<LI>Unger, Merrill F.-Biblical =
Demonology=20
(Wheaton, Illinois: Scripture Press).=20
<LI>Harlow-Basic Bible Doctrines =
(Emmaus Bible=20
College).=20
<LI>Kenneth C. Fleming-None Dare Say =
No-An=20
Introduction to Missions (Emmaus Bible College). =
</LI></OL><FONT=20
size=3D3><FONT=20
size=3D3><FONT=20
size=3D3>
<DIV>Please tell =
your friends=20
to visit the following Bible study web sites regularly: <A=20
name=3D=BA=F4=A4W=B8t=B8g=BD=D2=B5{><TT>=BA=F4=A4W=B8t=B8g=BD=D2=B5{</A> </TT>Bible=20
Studies On the Internet <A=20
href=3D"http://home.hkstar.com/~johnfok1/">http://home.hkstar.com/~johnfo=
k1/</A> <FONT=20
face=3D"" =
size=3D3>=AD=BB=B4=E4=A5H=B0=A8=CA=DE=B4=B5=B8t=B8g=A8=E7=B1=C2=BE=C7=AE=D5=
<A=20
href=3D"http://home.hkstar.com/~emmaushk">http://home.hkstar.com/~emmaush=
k</A> Week=20
End Web Page <A=20
href=3D"http://www.patriot.net/users/premil/weekend.html">http://www.patr=
iot.net/users/premil/weekend.html</A><FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></DIV>
<DIV> <FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></DIV>
<DIV>God bless=20
you!</DIV>
<DIV> <FONT=20
face=3D"Times New Roman"></DIV>
<DIV>Yours in Christ, John =
K.C.=20
Fok Hong Kong 12 Nov=20
1997 </DIV></F=
ONT></DIV></DIV></BODY></HTML>

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