SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
Essential Doctrines of Christianity
Essential Doctrines of Christianity
The Bible God Works of God Angels Humans Sin Salvation Christ Holy Spirit Church End Times Afterlife
ANGELS:
good angels
GOOD ANGELS – Both the Hebrew and Greek words for “angel” mean messenger. They serve God, obeying his voice and carrying out his word (Ps 103:19-21). They give constant worship to him (Is 6:3; Rev 5:11-12; Luke 2:14).- Angels are mentioned over 250 times in Scripture.
- Angels are created spiritual beings (Neh 9:6; Ps. 148:2,5; Col 1:16; John 1:3).
- Angels were present when the earth was created (Job 38:7), and Satan was present when mankind fell (Gen 3).
- Some angels sinned and fell (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; see Satan and Demons below).
- Angels are finite beings who travel and can only be in one place at a time (Luke 1:26).
- Angels do not marry (Matt 22:30).
- There are a large number of angels (Rev 5:11; Deut 33:2; Ps. 68:17; Heb 12:22). It seems to be the case that there are twice as many angels as fallen angels (Rev 12:4, 7-9).
- Angels are great in knowledge (Matt 24:36; 1 Peter 1:12) and power (Ps 103:20; Matt 28:2).
- An angel holds the keys to the abyss and will bind Satan during the millennium (Rev 20: 1-10).
- Only two angels are listed by name: Gabriel a messenger who brings information and understanding (Daniel 8:16, 9:20; Luke 1:19, 26), and Michael a warrior and archangel (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Rev 12:7 cf. 1 Thess 4:16).
- In contrast to humans, angels are complete without physical bodies (Ps 104:4 cf. Heb 1:7, 14; Eph 6:12). When man dies, the spirit leaves the body, yet the human spirit is meant to have a body, and so will one day be reunited with a resurrected body (Acts 24:15). Angels can occasionally take on physical bodily form (Gen 18, 19). They can also have the appearance of physical form to people whose eyes are ‘opened’ to be able to perceive the spirit world (2 Kings 6:15-19). Sometimes it is unclear whether an appearance of an angel is a physical form or whether it is a case of the viewer’s eyes being opened to the spiritual world (e.g. John 20:12).
- Humans and angels are distinct. Humans do not become angels (Mt 22:30; Heb 12:22-24).
- Some humans have entertained angels unawares (Heb 13:2; cf. Gen 18:2-5; 19:1-3).
- In some way man will one day, apparently, judge angels (1 Cor 6:3).
- Angels rejoice when a sinner repents and turns to Christ (Luke 15:10).
- Angels observe humans (1 Cor 4:9; Eph 3:10; 1 Tim 5:21).
- Angels minister and render service to believers (Heb 1:14). Angels deliver information and insight from God (Luke 1:11-20; Acts 10:1-23; 27:23-24; Dan 9:21-22), including helping with evangelism (Acts 8:26). Angels deliver people from difficulty (Gen 19:1-17; 2 Kings 6:15-17; Dan 3:28; 6:19-21; Acts 5:17-21; 27:23-27), sometimes after prayer (Acts 12:7-11). Angels can deliver food and water (1 Kings 19:5-8). Angels will gather together believers at Christ’s return (Matt 24:31). Angels can act as guides upon a person’s death (Luke 16:22).
- In relation to non-believers, angels announce judgment (Gen 19:12-13; Rev 14:6-11; 19:17-18), gather those to be judged (Matt 13:37-43), and execute judgment (Acts 12:23; Rev 16:1; Jude 1:14-15).
- Angels are created spiritual beings (Neh 9:6; Ps. 148:2,5; Col 1:16; John 1:3).
- Angels were present when the earth was created (Job 38:7), and Satan was present when mankind fell (Gen 3).
- Some angels sinned and fell (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; see Satan and Demons below).
- Angels are finite beings who travel and can only be in one place at a time (Luke 1:26).
- Angels do not marry (Matt 22:30).
- There are a large number of angels (Rev 5:11; Deut 33:2; Ps. 68:17; Heb 12:22). It seems to be the case that there are twice as many angels as fallen angels (Rev 12:4, 7-9).
- Angels are great in knowledge (Matt 24:36; 1 Peter 1:12) and power (Ps 103:20; Matt 28:2).
- An angel holds the keys to the abyss and will bind Satan during the millennium (Rev 20: 1-10).
- Only two angels are listed by name: Gabriel a messenger who brings information and understanding (Daniel 8:16, 9:20; Luke 1:19, 26), and Michael a warrior and archangel (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 1:9; Rev 12:7 cf. 1 Thess 4:16).
- In contrast to humans, angels are complete without physical bodies (Ps 104:4 cf. Heb 1:7, 14; Eph 6:12). When man dies, the spirit leaves the body, yet the human spirit is meant to have a body, and so will one day be reunited with a resurrected body (Acts 24:15). Angels can occasionally take on physical bodily form (Gen 18, 19). They can also have the appearance of physical form to people whose eyes are ‘opened’ to be able to perceive the spirit world (2 Kings 6:15-19). Sometimes it is unclear whether an appearance of an angel is a physical form or whether it is a case of the viewer’s eyes being opened to the spiritual world (e.g. John 20:12).
- Humans and angels are distinct. Humans do not become angels (Mt 22:30; Heb 12:22-24).
- Some humans have entertained angels unawares (Heb 13:2; cf. Gen 18:2-5; 19:1-3).
- In some way man will one day, apparently, judge angels (1 Cor 6:3).
- Angels rejoice when a sinner repents and turns to Christ (Luke 15:10).
- Angels observe humans (1 Cor 4:9; Eph 3:10; 1 Tim 5:21).
- Angels minister and render service to believers (Heb 1:14). Angels deliver information and insight from God (Luke 1:11-20; Acts 10:1-23; 27:23-24; Dan 9:21-22), including helping with evangelism (Acts 8:26). Angels deliver people from difficulty (Gen 19:1-17; 2 Kings 6:15-17; Dan 3:28; 6:19-21; Acts 5:17-21; 27:23-27), sometimes after prayer (Acts 12:7-11). Angels can deliver food and water (1 Kings 19:5-8). Angels will gather together believers at Christ’s return (Matt 24:31). Angels can act as guides upon a person’s death (Luke 16:22).
- In relation to non-believers, angels announce judgment (Gen 19:12-13; Rev 14:6-11; 19:17-18), gather those to be judged (Matt 13:37-43), and execute judgment (Acts 12:23; Rev 16:1; Jude 1:14-15).
WHO IS THE ANGEL OF THE LORD?
- The angel of the Lord as apposed to an angel seems to be the Lord himself, the second Person of the Trinity (Gen 16:10-13; 22:12-15; 31:11-13; Ex 3:2-6).
- At times The Angel seems distinct from God (2 Sam 24:16; Ps 34:7; Zech 1:11-13). This may be an implication that the Second Person of the Trinity (the Son of God) is fully God and yet also distinct from the First Person of the Trinity (God the Father) and the Third Person of the Trinity (the Holy Spirit).
- At times The Angel seems distinct from God (2 Sam 24:16; Ps 34:7; Zech 1:11-13). This may be an implication that the Second Person of the Trinity (the Son of God) is fully God and yet also distinct from the First Person of the Trinity (God the Father) and the Third Person of the Trinity (the Holy Spirit).
fallen angels: Satan
FALLEN ANGELS: SATAN – He was created as a beautiful blameless cherub, but became proud and blasphemous and corrupted his wisdom and was cast from heaven and thrown to the earth (Ez 28:12-17; Is 14:12-15).
- Satan is the originator of sin. He tempted Adam and Eve and others (Gen 3:1-6; Matt 4:1-11 cf. 1 John 3:8). He incited David to number Israel (1 Chron 21:1). He is a liar, and the father of lies (John 8:44). He’s an accuser (Zech 3:1; Job 1:6; 2:7). He tempts (Gen 3:1-6; Matt 4:1-11). He murders (Ps 106:37; John 8:44). He blinds unbelievers (2 Cor 4:4). He makes accusations, and tries to separate man from God (Rev 12:10). Satan means ‘adversary’ in Hebrew (Job 1:6-2:7). He distorts Scripture (Matt 4:6), and counterfeits certain joys of God’s creation, like sex (1 Cor 7:5). Satan prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8), and he has the world under his power (1 John 5:19; Rev 12:9).
- Satan is limited by what God will allow him to do (Job 1:11; 2:6; Luke 22:31-32; Matt 12:28-29), and also by his own nature. Satan like all demons is a finite being who cannot be everywhere at once, read minds, perfectly know the future, or do any number of things that are possible only by the eternal infinite God.
- Satan’s time is limited (Rev 12:12). He will be imprisoned for a thousand years then released for a short time (Rev 20:3). He will end up in the lake of fire, not as a ruler, but rather as a captive (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10).
- Satan is the originator of sin. He tempted Adam and Eve and others (Gen 3:1-6; Matt 4:1-11 cf. 1 John 3:8). He incited David to number Israel (1 Chron 21:1). He is a liar, and the father of lies (John 8:44). He’s an accuser (Zech 3:1; Job 1:6; 2:7). He tempts (Gen 3:1-6; Matt 4:1-11). He murders (Ps 106:37; John 8:44). He blinds unbelievers (2 Cor 4:4). He makes accusations, and tries to separate man from God (Rev 12:10). Satan means ‘adversary’ in Hebrew (Job 1:6-2:7). He distorts Scripture (Matt 4:6), and counterfeits certain joys of God’s creation, like sex (1 Cor 7:5). Satan prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8), and he has the world under his power (1 John 5:19; Rev 12:9).
- Satan is limited by what God will allow him to do (Job 1:11; 2:6; Luke 22:31-32; Matt 12:28-29), and also by his own nature. Satan like all demons is a finite being who cannot be everywhere at once, read minds, perfectly know the future, or do any number of things that are possible only by the eternal infinite God.
- Satan’s time is limited (Rev 12:12). He will be imprisoned for a thousand years then released for a short time (Rev 20:3). He will end up in the lake of fire, not as a ruler, but rather as a captive (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10).
HOW SHOULD BELIEVERS DEAL WITH SATAN?
- The Son of God appeared to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). We are called to flee evil desires (2 Tim 2:22-26), not to let anger fester (Eph 4:26-27), take the shield of faith (Eph 6:16), and submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7).
WHY WOULD GOD LET EVIL CONTINUE TO EXIST?
Usually when people hear the term ‘evil,’ they think of things like Satan and murder and they understandably want those things to cease to exist. But where is the cutoff line for things that God should not allow to continue? Should God immediately destroy someone who steals, or what about someone who lies? Every sin is horrible to God who is perfect in holiness. For God to do away with all imperfection immediately would mean that each one of us would be destroyed before we took two breaths and certainly before we ever had an opportunity for salvation.
WHY DID GOD ALLOW SATAN TO TEMPT ADAM AND EVE IN THE GARDEN?
Only God knows in his infinite wisdom why he has allowed certain things to be a part of his sovereign plan. It is fairly clear, however, that Adam and Eve did not need Satan in order to fall. It seems that the only way that God could guarantee sin stayed out of the garden would be for him to keep free will out of the garden. As soon as he created human beings distinct from himself, they had the opportunity to choose self over God. It is possible that Satan hastened their decision to choose themselves, but it seems unlikely that they would have remained sinless even without the appearance of Satan.
fallen angels: demons
FALLEN ANGELS: DEMONS - Some angels followed Satan in his rebellion and became demons that were cast down to earth and hell (Rev 12:7-9; 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6 cf. Luke 8:31).
- Demons deceive just like Satan (1 Tim 4:1). They can be the cause of evil and self-destructive behavior (Mark 9:22; Ps 106:35-37 cf. 1 Kings 18:28; Hos 4:14). They can be the cause of physical ailments like muteness (Luke 11:14), blindness (Matt 12:22), being crippled (Luke 13:10-17), having boils (Job 2:7), insanity (Luke 8:35), and seizure-like behaviors (Mark 9:17-27; Luke 9:42). [NOTE that not all sickness and seizures were attributed to demons (Matt 4:24).] Demons can perform signs (Rev 16:14), and can be the cause of supernatural strength or violence in possessed humans (Luke 8:29). False gods and idols are, at least sometimes, actually demons (Lev 17:7; Deut 32:17; Ps 106:37; 1 Cor 10:20; Rev 9:20).
- Demons are limited in what they can do, as we also saw with Satan. Demons must obey Jesus (Mark 1:27; 5:12-13; Luke 4:41; 8:31). Casting out demons demonstrated Jesus’ authority (Luke 4:36; Mark 1:27), showing the nearness of the kingdom of God (Matt 10:7-8; 12:28). It was a large part of his earthly ministry (Matt 8:16; Mark 1:34). Jesus gave this authority to his followers (Matt 10:8; Luke 10:17-20).
- Some demons are currently free (Job 1:6; 2:1; Eph 6:12; Rev 12:7-9) while others are already imprisoned and awaiting judgment (2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6). Once demons chose to follow Satan, their fate was sealed. They do not have the opportunity to escape judgment (2 Peter 2:4; Heb 2:16; Matt 25:41). They will all be eternally punished (Matt 8:29; 25:41; Rev 20:10).
- Demons deceive just like Satan (1 Tim 4:1). They can be the cause of evil and self-destructive behavior (Mark 9:22; Ps 106:35-37 cf. 1 Kings 18:28; Hos 4:14). They can be the cause of physical ailments like muteness (Luke 11:14), blindness (Matt 12:22), being crippled (Luke 13:10-17), having boils (Job 2:7), insanity (Luke 8:35), and seizure-like behaviors (Mark 9:17-27; Luke 9:42). [NOTE that not all sickness and seizures were attributed to demons (Matt 4:24).] Demons can perform signs (Rev 16:14), and can be the cause of supernatural strength or violence in possessed humans (Luke 8:29). False gods and idols are, at least sometimes, actually demons (Lev 17:7; Deut 32:17; Ps 106:37; 1 Cor 10:20; Rev 9:20).
- Demons are limited in what they can do, as we also saw with Satan. Demons must obey Jesus (Mark 1:27; 5:12-13; Luke 4:41; 8:31). Casting out demons demonstrated Jesus’ authority (Luke 4:36; Mark 1:27), showing the nearness of the kingdom of God (Matt 10:7-8; 12:28). It was a large part of his earthly ministry (Matt 8:16; Mark 1:34). Jesus gave this authority to his followers (Matt 10:8; Luke 10:17-20).
- Some demons are currently free (Job 1:6; 2:1; Eph 6:12; Rev 12:7-9) while others are already imprisoned and awaiting judgment (2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6). Once demons chose to follow Satan, their fate was sealed. They do not have the opportunity to escape judgment (2 Peter 2:4; Heb 2:16; Matt 25:41). They will all be eternally punished (Matt 8:29; 25:41; Rev 20:10).
HOW SHOULD BELIEVERS DEAL WITH DEMONS?
- Believers are in a spiritual battle (Eph 6:11-13).
- Demons are subject to followers of Jesus (Matt 10:1; Luke 10:17-20; Acts 8:7; 16:18). There is no need to have a long and embattled ‘exorcism’ of demons. Believers can simply command the demon to be gone in the name of Jesus (Matt 8:16). This is about authority as God’s servants, not casting out with a magical word (Acts 19:13-20, however see also Luke 9:49). The disciples did have occasional problems with casting out demons (Matt 17:18-20; Mark 9:29), and there can be danger in removing an evil spirit from a person with no other changes (Matt 12:43).
- Demonic and occult activities are not games. Believers should avoid activities such as divination, witchcraft, interpreting omens, sorcery, casting spells, calling on the dead, and mediums (Deut 18:9-14). Certain modern day iterations such as psychic readings, tarot cards, palm reading, hypnosis, and ouija boards, are often portrayed as being harmless fun but can be very dangerous and demonic and should be avoided.
- Demons are subject to followers of Jesus (Matt 10:1; Luke 10:17-20; Acts 8:7; 16:18). There is no need to have a long and embattled ‘exorcism’ of demons. Believers can simply command the demon to be gone in the name of Jesus (Matt 8:16). This is about authority as God’s servants, not casting out with a magical word (Acts 19:13-20, however see also Luke 9:49). The disciples did have occasional problems with casting out demons (Matt 17:18-20; Mark 9:29), and there can be danger in removing an evil spirit from a person with no other changes (Matt 12:43).
- Demonic and occult activities are not games. Believers should avoid activities such as divination, witchcraft, interpreting omens, sorcery, casting spells, calling on the dead, and mediums (Deut 18:9-14). Certain modern day iterations such as psychic readings, tarot cards, palm reading, hypnosis, and ouija boards, are often portrayed as being harmless fun but can be very dangerous and demonic and should be avoided.
WHAT IS THE DANGERS OF BEING TOO FOCUSED ON DEMONS?
- Attributing everything to demons can remove personal responsibility. It can also lead to ignoring natural problems such as physical illness, which are acknowledged in the Bible as the cause of problems (Matt 4:24). It is also possible to get drawn into an unhealthy obsession with the spirit world. When we arm ourselves for spiritual battle, we do so by focusing on God and his Word, not on the evil spirits (Eph 6:13-17; Luke 10:19-20).
WHAT IS THE DANGERS OF DISMISSING THE POSSIBILITY OF EVIL SPIRITS?
- It is always dangerous to ignore or dismiss things that the Bible makes clear are a part of this world. We are in a spiritual battle, and to ignore that would be dangerous. There are cases when it is necessary to use our authority as representatives of Christ to cast out demons or ask God to bind evil spirits.
The Bible God Works of God Angels Humans Sin Salvation Christ Holy Spirit Church End Times Afterlife