Reflection Paper 1

Reflection Paper Submission
Monday, November 17, 2014
7:57 PM

Angels and Demons
I. Introduction
In this, my first ever reflection paper, I have chosen to write on the subject of Angels and
Demons. Let me start by stating I believe angels and demons do exist; the fact they exist on a higher spiritual or dimensional plain does not diminish my belief.
Through historical texts (biblical and manuscript) mankind has been presented with evidence they exist. However, it appears the preponderance of evidence is not sufficient. This can be exemplified in the sheer pervasiveness of modern texts, where through their writings scholars and writers respond to mankind’s renewed quest. Evidence of a renewed vigor can also be found in the arts (television, movies, etc.), as evidenced by the number of TV shows, documentaries, and movies released in the past couple decades. The increase appears to signify a rebirth in mankind’s fascination with the subject, and a renewed need for modern answers—ones which explain angels and demons and how they fit into our daily life, and ones which prove, or disprove, their existence.
However, all one need do is open the Bible and read, for there they will find the answers they seek. Beginning with the early pages of the Bible, in the book of Genesis, and on through the remainder, one can locate multiple references to messengers, angels and demons (well over two hundred.) (Bible.org)1. Yet, even though there is a preponderance of written historical evidence, it is countered by a lack of physical evidence of earthly presence—no wonder society has pondered and deliberated their existence through the ages. And they shall continue to do so until there are answers.
Through use of select quotations and external references, and Bible passages, I will endeavor to deliver answers by providing a Theological definition, laying out a Biblical foundation, and providing practical application to illustrate Angels and Demons do exist.
II. Part One
a. Theological Definition: In Strong’s Concordance (Bible Hub, definition,)3 we find that ‘angel’ has its roots in the Greek language. In Greek, the word ‘aggelos’ (the original word: ἄγγελος, ου, ὁa), translates to “a messenger, generally a (supernatural) messenger from God, an angel, conveying news or behests from God to men.” The Concordance further suggests that when properly used, ‘aggelos’ can infer messenger or delegate—be it human (as referenced in (Mat
11:10 and Luk 7:24, 9:52), or heavenly, with the latter giving reference to a celestial being, or angel. Taken literally, the word refers to someone who is sent to proclaim His [God’s] message.
Another source, the online version of the Oxford Dictionary,4 bears strong similarity to Strong’s
Concordance definition; however, it contains slight verbiage changes, and depicts a human likeness, sporting wings while wearing a long robe.
b. Biblical Foundation: In passages of the Old Testament, we learn of Malachi, at prophet. We learn
Malachi derived his name from ‘Malak’, the Hebrew word for angel—literal translation of Malak is messenger. In passages we learn that Malachi traveled and prophesied about the new covenant, and foretold the coming of a new messenger. In Mat 11:8-10, we find clear reference to men being used to deliver God’s message—Mat 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. Mat 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. Mat 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. (e-Sword, Mat 11:8-10)

In another passage, we find the Bible bears witness that angels were created instead of
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In another passage, we find the Bible bears witness that angels were created instead of perpetually existing. It states–Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.(Myers)2 One can even find where Christ taught about the existence of angels in many passages (Matt.8:10; 24:31; 26:53, and more.)
In fact, the only thing not found in any passage is when they were created. Perhaps Job 37:4-7 comes closest, but even within it no specificity is given. It only cites the event occurred before
God made the earth. (Bible.org, paragraph 8). Other Biblical references cite that angels were created by God, so they may worship Him, and do his bidding (Ps. 103:20-21).
c. Practical application: Throughout the Bible, in 34 of its 66 books (bible.org, paragraph 8), one can locate over 200 references to angels—116 in the Old Testament and 175 in the New
Testament. (Bible.org, paragraph 7)
One question which had been asked of me by my children (as I did of my parents) “Are there guardian angels, and do we each have one?”—I believe the best response to this can be found in two passages—Psalm 91:11 and Matthew 18:10. While no specific statement of angelic assignment to any one individual is made, several verses do allude to them watching over mankind from on high, as well as stating God, along with the angels, will protect anyone seeking refuge from the Lord, and in doing so, God will insure no harm or disaster shall befall them.
(Bible.org, “Angels Protect,” paragraph 25) Through historic tales, biblical verses (Genesis
18:3), and even in modern history, other references are made about angels appearing, including guardian angels. One modern reference can be found in a 2007 Baylor Religion Survey (Radford, paragraph 6)5 which was conducted by The Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion (ARDA)6.
The survey results show a high percentage of responding religious believers reported having had personal experiences with a guardian angel, with a lower percentage of respondents, those who claimed no religious preference, also reported they had experienced angelic encounters.
Further references cite why angels appear before us—to guide, protect, love, and most important, minister to those whom they appeared before. Additional references explain that the Lord is always watching— that He will protect, comfort, and love each of us—or He will send angles to do his bidding when He hear our cries or see our need. (PS 91:11) And last, but most important, we learn that while angels are powerful spirits, they are but one of God’s mere creatures, and not to be worshipped (Rev. 19:10; 22:9) by mankind.
I. Part Two
a. Theological Definition: “The name satan appears in two forms in the Greek New Testament: once as Σαταν (Satan; 2 Corinthians 12:7) and thirty-four times as Σατανας (Satanas; Matthew
4:10, Mark 1:13, Revelation 20:7).”(Uittenbogaard)8
Satan, a Hebrew word meaning “an adversary, one who resists.” (biblestudytools.com, satan)7
The New Testament gives us another common designation for Satan, "the devil" ( Greek
Translation ‘diabolos’), meaning accuser or slander. Their use can be seen in passages from the books of Job and Revelation—Job 1:6-11, Job 2:1-7, and Revelation 12:10. Additionally, we have other references to Satan, though in other name forms, such as: Lucifer, Beelzebub, the evil one, tempter, serpent, and more. (Litke, Doctrine of Satan, II, B.)9
Then we have demons. They are described as a “Spirit being who is unclean and immoral in nature and activities.” (biblestudytools.com, Demon). Like other word origins used in the Bible, the word Demon finds its origin in the Greek language. According to the passage, Revelation
(Rev 12:9), demons are angels who were ejected from heaven, along with Satan, when Satan chose to protest and rebel against God.
b. Biblical Foundation: Satan was one of God’s angels, known as Lucifer, the son of the morning.
(E-sword, Isa 14:12). We know from reading Isaiah 14:12-14, that Lucifer rose up before God and rebelled, and thus was cast out. From the passages, Revelation 12:3-9, we learn that one third of the angels (called heavenly hosts) were also ejected when Satan was cast out of heaven following the rebellion. These fallen angels are referred to by many as Demons (bible.org,
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following the rebellion. These fallen angels are referred to by many as Demons (bible.org, paragraph 21) Since that time, Satan and his demons, as enemies of God, made it their sole purpose for being, the disruption of God’s work, and the destruction of His kingdom and all His creations, by whatever means necessary. And we know Satan uses the demons to do his bidding, for they are his angels as depicted in Matthew 25:41 and Revelations 12:7 and 12:9. (Fausset, paragraph five)10 Their purpose is to encourage everyone to sin, especially God’s followers (1
Peter 5:8), and to challenge mankind’s faith in God. They use temptation as their preferred weapon of choice; but, they also use torment, possession and oppression as weapons. This can probably be best illustrated by a verse found in Ephesians which states “Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (e-Sword, Eph 6:12).
c. Practical Application: As observed in the citations and examples above, there is ample proof that
Satan and his demons exist. We also know from our readings that Satan fell from grace after rising up before God and challenging God. (Job 1:6, Revelation 12:9) But, where do they reside?
Are they here, among us today? I believe they are.
Throughout passages, we know that since the days of Christ, on through the present day, Satan has not been allowed to be our accuser as Christ became our savior, and our advocate before God
(Hebrews 9:24). Since that day, Satan has not been allowed to stand before God to be our accuser (Romans 8:33-34). In Revelation 12, we find the Archangel Michael and fellow angels casting Satan out (Rev 12: 7-9). Since his days were numbered, Satan concentrated his power on the earth, (Dan 12:1). He and his followers traveled in the air and on the earth, until Joshua represented Israel (Jerusalem) and in the name of the Lord, rebuked Satan (Zec 3).
From that day forward, as given in the passages of Revelation 20:1-3, Satan and his followers have been cast from the earth and the air, and placed in a bottomless pit, bound, for a thousand years, and thus ending his persecution of man and beast.
But, as we can see in the writings of Fausset’s Bible Dictionary, as laid out in the biblehistry.com Web Site, even though he is cast into the pit, he is still a menace to us. “As the destroyer, he is represented as the "roaring lion seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). As the deceiver he is the "serpent." Though judicially "cast down to hell" with his sinning angels,
"and delivered into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment" (2 Peter 2:4), he is still free on earth to roam to the length of his chain, like a chained dog, but no further. He cannot hurt God's elect; his freedom of range in the air and on earth is that of a chained prisoner under sentence.” (Fauseet, paragraph 11).

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