Question: Do the fallen angels exist today?
There is recorded in Holy Scripture, in 1Peter 3:18-20, the fact that some “spirits” (i.e. “fallen angels”), are held in “prison” until the future event “of judgement by Christ Jesus”; (see: Eph. 1:22; 3:10-11; 6:12; Col. 2:9-10; 2:15; Rom. 8:38; 1Cor. 15:24; 2Peter 2:11 & Matt. 25:41). Scripture says that they committed their rebellious sin in the time following Eden, at the instigation of Satan; see: Age of the Earth Controversy: and after the pronouncement of Gen. 3:15; which was the prophetic appearing of Jesus the Christ of the “seed of the woman”, Who would “crush his head” (Satan)!
However, it is thought by some, that angels may have fallen much earlier in time; (see: The Genesis 1:1 Enigma). However; that's speculation.
The reference in 1Peter refers to the record in Gen. 6:2-4; 2Peter 2:4 & Jude 6. These show that “sons of God” (i.e. still sons of God in this Creation), angels, “left their first estate” (habitation, or principality); and by their own free will, disobeyed God; to produce with the “daughters of men” creatures of great size and gross behaviour, called “Nephilim", meaning in Hebrew “fallen ones”. (Gen. 6:1-8). See: Nephilim, who were they, and why?
The Bible reference in Gen. 6:2-4, shows that there was an eruption of these rebellious angels both before and after the Flood of Noah! Both eruptions were intended to sully the seed of Adam, so that the prophecy of Gen. 3:15 could not be completed, and Jesus could not be born “of the seed of the woman”! However; through Noah’s seed and family, the Adamic line continued because they were unsullied by Nephilim!
The question arises in the mind, why would those fallen angels be held in “prison” for future judgement by Christ Jesus; whereas it is clear that the servants of Satan are at present free to do the bidding of Satan, and to cause great trouble in humans, especially when they take possession of a person; Luke 8:2 & 36, etc.?
The servants of Satan are called in the KJV of the Bible “devils”; but the correct translation from the Hebrew and Greek is “demons”. So, why are they free at present to work against human kind; and especially Christians? It is clear that they possess people as is evidenced in Mark 1:32, and many references in the New Testament (NT). It is also clear that they were troubled when Jesus was near to them, and that He had superiority over them, even in His flesh state, (Luke 8:26-34). This is highlighted by their plea not to be sent to “the deep” (the abyss=Greek Abussos); which is where Satan and his angels will be for the duration of the Millennial!
To try to understand the difference between the latter group (Satan’s demons) above, and the angels in prison; it is necessary that an understanding and acceptance of Dispensations (Age times, or Administrations, ministries or messages; 1Cor.12:5) of God is needed. For example, the dealings of God with His Created human kind at the beginning of the Bible, is not the same all the way through to Revelation; but, the theme of Salvation in the Christ of God “Jesus” is!
To begin to try to put the various elements into place regarding angels and demons, for understanding, it is necessary to ask why there are “good” and “bad” angels. It is clear that evil and good exists in the world; even devout Atheists concede that point.
Satan’s origin was as a “created” being; and one of high honour. See: Satan's Origins; from this link it is seen that Satan used his free-will to rebel against God, and to try to raise himself into the position of God, Isa.14:12-14! His name was then changed from Lucifer (meaning “morning star”, or “bearer of light”) to Satan (Adversary) (see: Why Lucifer became Satan!).
Undoubtedly he had many angels with him in his rebellion (now in chains awaiting Judgement; see Jude), who chose to join him with their own free-will! It is those angels (in the opinion of the writers), who's offspring (Nephilim), at death became 'evil spirits', and are referred to in the Gospel accounts and Old Testament (OT), who are now known as demons!
As Satan was not destroyed by God at his rebellion, it follows that his demons also were not likewise destroyed in that previous “Age time”. If this thinking is correct; then they are clearly going to be dealt with by God at a future time (see: Rev Chapter 20; and Eph. 3:10).
They have the Mandate from God to do the bidding of Satan at present, as he is the “prince of the power of the air”, (“the god of this present world”, 2Cor. 4:4); Eph. 2:2; John 12:31; 14:30 and 16:11; their activity is under the command of Satan, who empowers them for their tasks for maximum effect!
This gives the sense to Eph. 6:12; and shows the antidote is only in Eph. 6:13-18; which armour is only in Christ Jesus!
So; Satan’s angels/demons are free to destroy and damage humankind, and to use all means to that end; which when looking at the world scene; all is evil and degraded! They clearly wish their master to win his conflict with Almighty God; which they then would hope would lead to great reward from him. See: Mystery Babylon:
The fallen angels of Genesis, (of this present Creation time) now imprisoned are the ones the Risen Christ proclaimed His glorious victory over death to, 1Peter 3:19; (not witnessed to Salvation as many preachers say). These will be judged at the “Great White Throne Judgement” of Rev. 20, together with Satan and his human servants and spirits of the previous time/times; of Satan’s dominance and rebellion!
It is clear that a state of war exists between Almighty God and Satan; see: Satan's Contest with God, instigated by Satan when his pride in his position of “covering cherub”; and in his free-will, he challenged God’s position (Isa.14:13-14) to try to supplant Him; and that has been/is his endeavour since!
The fact that God is allowing this contest to continue is in itself surprising to the human mind; but, in the context of Gen. 3:15; properly understood; is remarkable in the extreme in its Wisdom and depth, as is sketched in the example of Job, Chapters 1 and 2 etc.! See: Ultimate Love.
So; there are two opposing forces at play at the present time:
1) God and His righteous angels including the archangel Michael, of special commission for Israel; (minus those fallen ones in prison), and His Risen Christ Jesus sitting at His right hand, awaiting His enemies demise, and His return to Earth; when they become “His Footstool”; (see Isa. 66:1, Psm. 110:1 & Luke 20:42-43).
2) Satan and his spirits and human servants on Earth (of whom there are many) and in all allowed domains; with the mandate to try to thwart the message of Salvation in Christ Jesus, through faith alone! The demons are allowed to possess and control people who are not committed to Christ; and to if possible affect the actions and decisions of Christians in the wrong direction; but they cannot undo the Saving Blood of Christ in the life of a true Christ-One, because it is sealed/locked in Heaven! (See: Salvation; can it be lost? ).
As “the god of this world [Age]” (Eph. 2:2 & 2Cor. 4:4), Satan is at present organising and orchestrating much evil action in rulers and Nations on Earth as is evident in the news daily; leading to his final assault on Israel; in an attempt to undo what God has said is fixed in prophecy; the fact that Israel will never be destroyed from the Earth (Jer. 31:36-37)!
Summary:
The angels of God in Gen. 6 committed the sins of lust and rebellion, when they by their own free-will, chose to mate with the human women they liked; and in so doing by the design of Satan put at jeopardy the seed of the woman of Gen. 3:15.
Satan’s angels committed the sins of avarice and rebellion by their own free-will, when they thought they would be richer and more powerful with Satan!
Satan committed the sins of pride, avarice and rebellion (at least) and became “the father of lies” (see: Father of Lies John 8:44), when by his own free-will he challenged his loving Creator; and now wishes to supplant Him!
Almighty God; who loves the world; (John 3:16) has only one chosen solution for all this malefaction; “LOVE”; which He is showing in Jesus the Christ; and which leaves in place that most precious gift He has given; the free-will of every person on Earth, and which He gave also to angels, and to Satan! That is where the problem started!
If you have questions or comments, please click here.
Subjectindex or