Angelology
Angel – There exists a superior race of
beings who were created before man.
This race is divided into two groups—“elect” and “fallen” angels. Elect
angels are those who have remained faithful to God (1 Timothy 5:21; Mark 8:38).
The fallen angels, also called demons, are those who followed Satan in his
prehistoric arrogance (Revelation 12:4); they are hostile enemies of God who
are actively engaged in the deception and destruction of man under the
leadership of Satan. The fallen angels
have a hierarchy (Ephesians 6:12), and hence are organized toward their objective. They further divide into two
sub-categories — imprisoned (2
Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6) and operational (1
Timothy 4:1; Revelation 16:14). Angels are identified as servants of God (Psalm
103:20-21; Hebrews 1:14) they are the messengers and heralds of God (Luke
1:26-38; Matthew 28:1-7), and they are guardians (Genesis 3:24; Daniel 12:1).
Angels also observe human history (1 Timothy 3:16; Luke 15:10), and through
observation, the angels learn the justice and wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10).
They also worship God (Revelation 7:11). At the end of human history, angels
will be judged by believers, (1 Corinthians 6:3). Every book of the Bible
speaks of angels except Ruth, Nehemiah, Esther, James, and the Epistles of
John.
/~/ Systematic Theology Context(s):
Angelology
51 I. Overview of Angels
51A A.
Angelic Existence
51B B.
Angelic Creation
51C C.
Angelic Essence
51D D.
Angelic Abode
51E E.
Angelic Work
52 II. Classification of the Angels
52A A.
Governmental Rulers
52B B.
Highest Ranking
52C C.
Other Prominent Angels
52D D.
Divine Attendants
52E E.
Other Angels
53 III. Satanology
53A A.
Satan’s Creation And Original Estate
53B B.
The Fall of Satan
53C C.
Satan’s Sin
53D D.
Satan’s Sinfulness
53E E.
Satan’s Judgments
53F F.
Satan’s Cosmos
53G G.
Satan’s Motives
53H H.
Satan’s Strategies
53I I.
Satan’s Counterfeits
53J J.
The Believer’s Defense
54 IV. Demonology
54A A.
False Theories About the Origin of Demons
54B B.
The Biblical View of Demons
54C C.
Characteristics of Demons
54D D.
Activities of Demons
54E E.
Demon Possession
54F F.
Demon Influence
54G G.
Exorcism of Demons
55 V. The Angelic Conflict — Spiritual Warfare
55A A.
The Reason for the Creation of Man
55B B. Footstool
55 C.
Answers to the Following Questions
55D D.
Believer’s Responsibilities
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