Angels and Demons – Biblical Perspective

Angels:

  • Created beings (Neh 9:6)
  • Not eternal and omniscient
  • Endowed with free will
  • Not impervious to temptation and sin
  • Hebrew word for angel is ‘Mal’ak’ and greek word is ‘angelos’, both meaning ‘Messenger’. So in this context, Angel is described as a Messenger of God.
  • In Popular culture, Angels are always portrayed as winged creature. But in bible, only ‘Cherubim’ and ‘Seraphim’ are identified as winged creatures. (Isa 6:2-4, Ezk 1:5-6)
  • Within biblical texts, angels are almost always appeared as men!
  • Hebrew 1:14 represents Angels as ‘Ministering spirits’ sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.angel 150x150 Angels and Demons Biblical Perspective
  • Jesus Christ received angelic ministry several times. (Mt 4:11, Luke 22:43)
  • Associated with final judgment (Mt 16:27)
  • They are also named ‘Sons of God’, ‘Holy ones’, ‘Heavenly hosts’. (Gen 6:2-4, Ps 89:5, Dan 4:13, Luke 2:13)
  • Worship God (Luke 2:13, Rev 19:1-3), attends God’s throne (Job 1:6, 2:1)
  • God’s army (1 Chron 12:22)

Demons:

  • Also regarded as Evil spirits, Unclean spirits, deceitful spirits.
  • Fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion.
  • Follow Satan
  • In Old testament, no individuals are said to be possessed!demon 150x150 Angels and Demons Biblical Perspective
  • People sacrificed children and unclean animals to appease the demon/demons. (Ps 106:37, Deut 32:17). Such demonic practices are strictly prohibited in Bible. (Deut 18:10-12)
  • In New testament, there are several incidents of possession of an individual by evil, demonic spirit.
  • Demon possession caused
    • Muteness (Mat 9:32, 12:22, Mk 9:17,25)
    • Deafness (Mk 9:25)
    • Blindness (Mat 12:22, John 10:21)
    • Convulsions (Mk 1:26, 9:26)
    • Superhuman strength (Mk 5:4)
    • Self destruction behavior (Mat 17:15, Mk 5:5)
    • Unnatural voice (Mk 5:7)
  • New testament is very clear about the distinction between physical diseases and demonic possessions. (Mat 4:24, Acts 19:12), so equating demonic possessions as some epilepsy or neurotic ailment is not right.
  • There are many incidents of Jesus casting out demons.
  • Jesus generally, did not let demon speak.
  • Demons are not atheists!
    • Know God
    • know Jesus and his divinity even before the disciples could realize. (Mt 5:13, Luke 4:34)
    • They know their fate. (Mt 5:7, Luke 4:34)
    • Mat 5:7: “Swear to God, that you would not torture me!”
    • They may have names. (Mk 5:9)
    • They know who God’s servants are. (Acts 16:16-18)
    • They know the Gospel. (Acts 16:18)
  • “There are no liberal demons, each demon in hell is orthodox, bible believing evangelistic demon.” – John McCarthy

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