The Role of Angels and Demons

Angels and Demons

The understanding of angels and demons can be a complex concept in theology and many people do not quite know how these figures play into our faiths. However, at the same time, these figures receive a large amount of mentions in both the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. Angels also play an important role in the Resurrection by many accounts. For example, Matthew (28:2-6) mentions how an angel rolls back the stone on the tomb and sits on it to tell the Disciples the story of what happened.

And behold, there was a great earthquake; for can angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone 1 from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.

But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (Matthew 28:2-6)

This analysis will provide a brief overview of the theological, biblical, and practical applications of the presence of angels and demons in Christianity.

Angels

Angels are mentioned in a plethora of different passages in the Bible. However, exactly what Angels are is not clearly defined. The most common idea about angels is that they are somewhere between man and god and represent some form of spiritual being (Kathley, 2004). In the Bible these figures are predominantly male although there are a couple of references that seem to be feminine as given in texts such as Ezekiel. The word angel in popular culture has been associated with many different figures. However, the word itself, as it appears in the Bible, stems from the Hebrew word "mala'ak" and can be translated as simply meaning "messenger" or messenger from God. Because of this, some theories suggest that God created the angles as an intermediary or a way of transmitting important messages to humans. There are other theories as well. Some believe that the sons of God are actually the sons of Seth and that the descendants of Seth and Cain were different.

There are also different characteristics associated with angels in the Bible. In the New Testament, Genesis, and Joshua, the angles commonly appear in humanly form and people that witness them cannot tell that they are not human. However, in Kings and Numbers the angels are described as invisible or unable to be seen at all. Other books, such as Ezekiel, describe them as looking entirely different from humans. For example, the characteristics ascribed angels in this book includes have four faces, four wings, feet like calves, and are shiny among other qualities. The different descriptions of angels in the Bible make it difficult for anyone to know exactly what they are and has lead Theologians to speculate widely throughout the years such as Augustine who believed that the angels were created in the instant that God spoke light into the world. On a more practical basis, many people believe that angels are real and active in their lives. Some people believe that they have guardian angels that God sent to watch over them and help to protect them.

Demons

Demons are also a fairly loosely defined concept in the Bible and not much is known of their specific characteristics. There is the exception of Satan however. Satan is first called by his actual name in Job.

One day the angels came to present themselves before Yahweh, and Satan also came with them. Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered Yahweh, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

Later we learn that Satan is responsible for bringing misery and suffering to people on Earth. He does things such as tempt people into sin, accusing the saints, and other evil acts. In his rebellion, he persuaded one/third of all the angels (millions) to join him (Rev. 12:3 and 4), and these fallen angels are who the Bible refers to as "demons," "evil spirits," and "unclean spirits. (The Living Truth Fellowship, N.d.)" Many people also assume that the snake in the garden where Adam and Eve was actually Satan although he is never officially named. However, if this was him, then he would be responsible for all of the suffering that exists in the world.

It is also argued that Satan could not have been created evil since he was created by God. God would have never created an evil being. Therefore, something has to have happened to Satan to transform him into his wicked self. The Bible alludes to such a transformation (Isaiah 14:12-15) and apparently he had taken a fall.

How art thou fallen from heaven,

O Lucifer, son of the morning!

How art thou cut down to the ground, who didst weaken the nations!

Demons in the Bible are commonly associated with possession of people. Demons seem to hide within people and only through the faith in Jesus can these demons be exercised. The idea is that it is completely necessary for Jesus to rid the demons out of an individual and a person cannot actually do it themselves. Furthermore, a person may never know that they have been living with demons until they accept Jesus as their savior and he lifts there weight away from a person. However, some Christians tend to think that demons are responsible for every bad thing that happens to them. Thus it is difficult to know the extent demons play in life and only through the grace of God can protection be gained.