Cornerstone Bible Church

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1 Cornerstone Bible Church Systematic Theology h=/global/downloads/systematictheology/ Acknowledgment & Credits: LECTURES ON INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY TAUGHT BY RAFAEL ALCANTARA IN 2009 DURING THE SUNDAY SCHOOL AT IGLESIA BIBLICA DEL SEÑOR JESUCRISTO. Edwin Gonzalez September 11, 2011

2 ANGELS & DEMONS General Contents: 1. 2.Demons

3 and Demons

4 Introduction: The subject of angels and demons was a common theme of speculation during the first centuries of the history of Christendom greatly influenced by the superstitious ideas of the time From being such a discussed and even abused topic it passed to oblivion, partly as a result of the secular trends that overtook the world during the modern era which denied the existent of a spiritual world or whatever was related to the supernatural With the arrival of post-modernism, there has been a renewed interest t regarding the spiritual it world including the subject of angels and demons

5 Introduction: Two extremes to avoid: Ascribing to angels an almost superstitious importance as it is in vogue within Christian and non-christian circles Or, downplaying, denying or saying less than what the Bible teaches on the subject This study will focus mainly on angels and later we will This study will focus mainly on angels and later we will consider demons

6 Outline: 1- Who are the angels? a) Created spiritual beings b) Classification of angels in Scripture c) Ranks and Order d) Michael and Gabriel e) Angelic bodies: are they corporeal or not? f) Sexual Identity of g) Angelic Power h) Moral conscience of angels 2- When were the angels created? 3- What do angels do? 4- What do we learn about the angels? 5- Application

7 1- Who are the angels? They are spiritual beings, without earthly bodies and who were created with special capacities that are superior to those of men and they are beings with a moral conscience. From this definition we may affirm: That angels are created beings: They had a beginning g Hebrews 1:13-14 Are they not ministering spirits sent to the aid of those who inherit salvation? are normally invisible to the human eye. In order for us to be able to see the angels, God has to work in us in a special way Ex: Balaam Numbers 22:31, Abraham and Lot Genesis 18 & 19. Elisha s servant 2 Kings 6:17

8 1- Who are the angels? b) Ranks and Order are called in different ways in the Bible: celestial hosts (Luke 2:13); principalities, powers, authorities, powers, thrones, (Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 1:21); they are also called children of God (Job 1:6; 2:1); and saints (Psalm 89:5,7). c) Classification of Within the angelic world, we find Cherubim (a term related to an imaginary figure) and Seraphim (a term related with a symbolic creature), Living i Creatures and angels commonly named

9 (classification) Cherubim Seraphim Living Creatures Symbolical figures frequently Seraphim mentioned in (Isaiah Living creatures as represented by are the ones more mentioned in Scripture. They are 6:2,3,6,7) This word means fiery Ezekiel (1-10) and John (Revelation frequently mentioned spiritual beings in immediate contact ones. with Yahweh, perhaps chief ruling powers by which God carries out operations in providence (Psalm 4, etc.), perhaps they are the same as the cherubim, though they are distinguished from angels (Revelation 15:7) 18:10) Mentioned at the expulsion of our first parents from Eden (Genesis 3:24), and when Moses was commanded to provide furniture for the tabernacle (Exodus 25: :1,31). This expression was afterwards used to denote the Divine abode and presence In Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 10:1-20) they appear supporting the throne of God. ( :18, 19). It seems they are compound figures, looking like several animals and like illuminated moving wheels They are represented as "standing" above the King as he sat upon his throne, ready at once to minister unto him. This word, in the original, is used elsewhere only of the "fiery serpents" (Numbers 21:6,8 Deuteronomy 8:15 ) comp. (Isaiah 14:29 30:6) sent by God as his instrument Their form appears to have been human, with the addition of wings. They join the elders in the "new song" (Revelation 5:8,9) they warn of danger from divine justice (Isaiah 6:3-5) and deliver the commission to those who execute it (Ezekiel 10:2,7) they associate with the elders (Revelation 14:3) and with the Church in the overthrow of her enemy They are supposed to represent mercy, as distinguished from justice, mercy in its various instrumentalities, and especially as connected with the throne of God, the "throne of grace." They fight, serve, announce, protect and in summary "they are ministering spirits sent to the aid of those who inherit salvation" Hebrews 1:14 appeared as young men in the Bible

10 1- Who are the angels? d) Identification of : Michael and Gabriel Gabriel who was designated d for special missions. i Daniel 8: And it came about when I, Daniel, had seen the vision, that I sought to understand it; and behold, standing before me was one who looked like a man. 16 And I heard the voice of a man between the banks of Ulai, and he called out and said, "Gabriel, give this man an understanding of the vision." 17 So he came near to where I was standing, and when he came I was frightened and fell on my face; but he said to me, "Son of man, understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end. We also read in Luke 1:18-20 and Luke 1:26-28 of Gabriel conversations with Zachariah and Mary

11 1- Who are the angels? d) Identification of : Michael and Gabriel Michael is an archangel (a chief angel) Daniel 10:13 "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. Daniel 10:21 "However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince. NAS Daniel 12:1 "Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise

12 1- Who are the angels? d) Identification of : Michael and Gabriel Michael is an archangel (a chief angel) Jude 9 - But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you. Revelation 12:7-8 " 7 And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. And the dragon and his angels waged war, 8 and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven.

13 Cornerstone Bible Church Systematic Theology END