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Bible Basics
For Smart People
Who Do Not Want To Be Dummies
About God and the Bible
(Parts I, II, III)
By J. George Cover
Lesson 11 - What About Angels? Cont'd.(Text Version)
Who Are the Angels? (Cont'd.)
The fallen angels (the devil's angels) are those who followed Lucifer (Satan, the devil, that old dragon Revelation 12:9) in his rebellion against God (Revelation 12:4). Angels seem to be referred to as stars. Lucifer was called "son of the morning!" (Isaiah 14:12). He said, "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God" (Isaiah 14:13). It would seem from this that one-third of the angels followed Satan (the adversary). In the New Testament these are called devils or evil spirits.
Devils (demons) under the leadership of Satan seek to oppose God's purposes and to hinder man's welfare. Paul wrote (I Timothy 4:1-2), "now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron." Not only in the occult but also in some churches this is happening. People who go to fortune tellers, palm readers, etc., actually get doctrines (teachings) of devils and get deceived and even are brought into the control of demons to where it is very difficult for them to get right with God and free from that influence and power.
People think that what they are believing is of God when it is not and when it is contrary to the Word of God. II Corinthians 11:13-15 reads: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (Galatians 1:8). "Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."
There is much more we could teach concerning these fallen angels but we, in this lesson want to concentrate on what we should know about the angels of God.
The Angels of God
- There are nearly 300 references to angels in the Scriptures.
- The angels of God have a more important place in the Bible than the devil and his demons. Thank God because to those who live for God, Satan is on a leash. Under God's control he can only go so far or do what God permits. As godly people, we are not to be fearful, distressed, deceived nor intimidated. We are, however, to be on guard, alert, calm and not ignorant of his cunning devices, even when he "goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Corinthians 2:11). We should not allow our minds to be diverted away from the help that God has for us through His holy angels and His Holy Spirit. Satan's BB's are no match for God's artillery.
- Some people seem to put the devil on a par with God. He is called "the god of this world" and "the prince of this world", but remember Satan is a fallen angel whom mankind has chosen to serve when they live in sin. He is not Almighty. In Revelation 20:1-3, we read that just one angel will lay hold on him and put him in the prison of the bottomless pit and shut him up for one thousand years.
- One angel, "the angel of the Lord went out and smote in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred eighty-five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold they were all dead corpses.
- One angel was sent to destroy Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 21:15).
- There are many accounts of the visits of God's angels and their supernatural protection or guidance in our times. Thousands of people can testify to their unseen presence and protection.
- The angels of God are vast in number. Hebrews 12:2 says that they are innumerable. Jesus said he could have presently called 12 legions (72,000) of angels to His rescue before His crucifixion. We can be sure that would only be a small fraction of those still in Heaven and at His bidding in the universe.
How Are Angels Organized?
Categories, ranks or positions of angels mentioned in Scripture are:
Archangel (ruling angel) Authorities
Angels Powers
Seraphim Thrones
Cherubim Might
Principalities Dominions
"Please tell me more."
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