Angels and Satan
Angels were created by God. Only God is present everywhere at all times, but angels, as created beings, are not. They are described in Scripture as spiritual beings that are not limited by the physical world and are not subject to death. They are numerous and have different ranks. “Angel” literally means “messenger”. Scripture teaches that angels work as God’s agents, messengers, and servants. They are sent to help those who inherit salvation. Scripture forbids the worship of angels.
Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:7,14; Acts 12:7-11; Luke 20:34-36; Hebrews 12:22; Jude 9; Mark 13:27; Luke 1:18-20; Psalm 103:20-21; Hebrews 1:14; Revelation 19:10
Satan was once an angel with great responsibility. He was called Lucifer, which means “light-bearer”. Scripture records that He desired to become like God and led a third of the angels in rebellion against God. The Bible refers to “fallen angels”, “wicked spirits”, and “demons”. They roam the earth.
Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-19; Luke 10:18; Revelation 9:1, 12:3-4,7-9; 2 Peter 2:4; Matthew 12:43-45; Luke 8:2
Satan has many names and titles that describe his character. Satan means “adversary” and devil means “slanderer”. He is also called Destroyer, Serpent, Tempter, and Prince and god of this world. He opposes God’s work and hinders the gospel. He possesses, deceives, and blinds the eyes of people, and snares the wicked. He afflicts and tempts believers.
1 Peter 5:8; Genesis 3:2-5; Revelation 9:11, 12:9-10; Matthew 4:3; John 12:31, 1 Thessalonians 2:18; Matthew 13:19; Luke 22:3; Revelation 20:7-8; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Timothy 2:25-26; Luke 13:10-17; 1 Thessalonians 3:5
Satan is described as being proud, powerful, subtle, deceitful, fierce and cruel. He often poses as an “angel of light”, and his agents often pose as “ministers of righteousness”. Satan initiated the fall of man into sin. Though he is strong, Jesus defeated him at the cross. Believers resist Him using the same means Jesus used: prayer, obedience to God, and speaking God’s Word. Satan’s destiny is eternal punishment in the lake of fire.
1 Timothy 3:6; Ephesians 2:2, 6:11-12; 2 Corinthians 11:3,14-15; Luke 8:29, 9:39,42; 1 Peter 5:6-9; Genesis 3:1-24; Hebrews 2:14-15; Colossians 2:13-15; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 14:35-38; Revelation 20:10