Spiritual Realities and Unseen Powers
DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
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SECTION 4 – Spiritual Realities and Unseen Powers
Doctrines clarifying the spiritual world and the nature of spiritual warfare.
- 4.1 – Angels and Heavenly Beings
- 4.2 – Fallen Angels and Demons
- 4.3 – Satan and Spiritual Warfare
4.1 – Angels and Heavenly Beings
Angels are created spiritual beings who serve God and do His will (Ps 103:20–21; Heb 1:14). They are not human, and they are not to be worshiped (Col 2:18; Rev 22:8–9). Though often unseen, they are active in the heavens and on earth, carrying out God’s commands and ministering to His people (Dan 10:12–14; Acts 12:7–11; Heb 1:14). They do not marry, die, or experience redemption (Luke 20:36; Heb 2:16).
Scripture affirms a multitude of angels, described as a heavenly host and myriads of myriads (Luke 2:13; Rev 5:11). They are designated by various names and functions, including holy ones (Ps 89:5, 7), ministering spirits (Heb 1:14), and sons of God (Job 1:6; 38:7; Gen 6:2). Some are assigned specific roles, such as Gabriel, who brings messages (Luke 1:19, 26), and Michael the archangel, who engages in spiritual battle and protects Israel (Dan 10:13, 21; Jude 9; Rev 12:7).
The Scripture further distinguishes categories among heavenly beings, including cherubim, who guard sacred space (Gen 3:24; Exod 25:18–22; Ezek 10:1–22), and seraphim, who cry out in worship before God’s throne (Isa 6:2–3). Thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities in the heavenly places are likewise mentioned, created by and subject to Christ (Col 1:16; Eph 1:20–21). These designations, while not exhaustively explained, reflect functional order and rank among heavenly beings (Dan 10:13, 21; Jude 9; Rev 12:7; 1 Thess 4:16).
Angels rejoice at the works of God (Job 38:7; Luke 15:10), observe His redemptive plan unfolding (1 Pet 1:12), and will accompany Christ at His return (Matt 25:31; 2 Thess 1:7). They are powerful (2 Pet 2:11), holy (Mark 8:38), and obedient, but not omniscient or omnipresent (Matt 24:36; Dan 10:13; Luke 1:26; Rev 14:6). Their authority is derived, not intrinsic (Ps 103:20–21; Heb 1:14; Jude 9; Rev 22:9), and they remain fully subject to the will and glory of God.
4.2 – Fallen Angels and Demons
The term fallen angels refers to those angels who sinned against God—some of whom abandoned their proper domain and were cast into darkness, while others now oppose the purposes of God in the spiritual realm (2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6; Dan 10:13, 20; Eph 6:12).
A specific group of angels who “did not keep their own domain” but abandoned their proper abode have been cast into darkness and bound for the day of judgment (Jude 6; 2 Pet 2:4). These are imprisoned and not presently active. In contrast, other fallen angelic beings—including Satan—are described as operating freely and opposing the purposes of God (Job 1:6–7; Eph 2:2; 1 Pet 5:8). Certain fallen angels are identified as spiritual rulers or “princes” who contend with God’s holy angels and exert influence over nations and regions (Dan 10:13, 20; Eph 6:12).
Demons, also called unclean spirits, are spiritual beings distinct from humanity and opposed to the purposes of God (Luke 4:33–34). They are depicted as disembodied, active in the present age, and capable of indwelling human beings or animals (Matt 8:16, 31; Mark 5:12; Luke 8:2). They cause affliction, resist Christ, and dread their coming judgment (Matt 8:29). Demons are not equated with fallen angels in Scripture, nor are they ever described as belonging to the same category. Their precise origin is not explicitly revealed in the biblical text.
Demons seek embodiment (Matt 12:43–45), whereas angels are never depicted in such terms. This behavioral contrast further reinforces their distinction. All demons are described as unclean, and they remain subject to Christ’s authority (Mark 1:27; Luke 10:17). Their final judgment is affirmed and irreversible (Matt 25:41). The lack of any redemptive provision further implies that they are outside the scope of salvation.
While the identity of demons is not explicitly disclosed, Scripture is clear that they are not of human origin (Luke 16:22–26; Heb 9:27), are not merely symbolic (Mark 5:9–13; Luke 4:33–34), and are not the same as imprisoned angels (Jude 6; 2 Pet 2:4; Luke 8:30–31). All speculation beyond the text must be tested and restrained by the written Word of God (Isa 8:20; 1 Tim 4:1).
4.3 – Satan and Spiritual Warfare
Satan is a real, personal being who opposes God (Job 1:6–12; Zech 3:1–2) and deceives the whole world (Rev 12:9). He is a created angelic being who became proud and sinned, and is now identified as the ruler of this world and the god of this age (John 12:31; 2 Cor 4:4; 1 Tim 3:6). He is also called the serpent, the dragon, the tempter, the evil one, and the accuser of our brethren (Gen 3:1–5; Matt 4:3; 2 Thess 3:3; Rev 12:9–10).
Satan is the head of the spiritual forces of wickedness and the originator of rebellion against God (Eph 6:12; 1 John 3:8). He deceives the nations, blinds the minds of the unbelieving, and leads a host of unseen powers opposed to the truth of God (Rev 20:3; 2 Cor 4:4; Eph 2:2). Though his present influence is extensive, his defeat is assured, and he will ultimately be thrown into the lake of fire (Rom 16:20; Rev 20:10).
Spiritual warfare is the ongoing conflict between the forces of God and the powers of darkness, taking place in the unseen realm but affecting the visible world (Eph 6:11–12; Dan 10:12–13). Believers are commanded to be sober, alert, and to resist the devil with the full armor of God and firm faith (1 Pet 5:8–9; Eph 6:13–17; James 4:7). Victory over the enemy is secured through the blood of the Lamb, the word of God, and faithful obedience (Rev 12:11; Matt 4:1–11).
Though Satan is active in the present age, his power is limited and subject to God’s sovereign will (Job 1:12; Luke 22:31–32). He cannot separate us from the love of God, nor can he overcome the Church of Jesus Christ (Rom 8:38–39; Matt 16:18). His final judgment will be public, irreversible, and eternal (Rev 20:10).