Question: We are studying angels in a Bible study at our church.... | thebereancall.org

TBC Staff

Question: We are studying angels in a Bible study at our church. The question of who or what demons are came up and the teacher said that they are not fallen angels. We were under the impression that they are. Your help would be most appreciated.

Response: We agree with you that demons are fallen angels. That conclusion cannot be avoided, particularly since we know that Satan was once an angel (Isaiah:14:12-15; Ezekiel:28:14-17), is a spirit being, and has been called the tempter, the adversary, that great dragon, and other similar titles. Further, according to Scripture, angels are spirit beings, intelligent, and have wills. They have personalities and are immortal and powerful.

The Scriptures also speak of fallen angels (Matthew:25:41; Revelation:12:7-9). “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” When God created angels, they were “good” because all creation was good (Genesis:1:31). The King James Version uses the word “devils” to describe these demonic beings who are commonly called “demons” in other translations.

With this in mind, the Lord Jesus said in Matthew:25:41: “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Speaking of Satan, Paul described him in Ephesians:2:2 as a spirit who works within “the children of disobedience.” In the New Testament, a number of cases of demonic possession or oppression are highlighted.

The Scriptures warn us concerning the devil and his tactics. Second Corinthians 11:13-15 reveals that one of the adversary’s favorite roles is to present himself as an angel of light. Paul further warned us in Galatians:1:8 that, “...though we, or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Devils (demons) are fallen angels.