Doctrines of God and Angels - Essay Example

Week 7 Reading Summary This essay is the final in a series of reading summaries for partial requirements for Theology I: Doctrines of God and Angels. This summary will expansively present the doctrine of demons and Satan. Biblical truth regarding creation and activity of these spirits will also be thrown light upon in this paper. In is integral to know that demons really exist, the New Testament Scripture throws light upon the demons over one-hundred times except in the book of Hebrews. (Ryrie p. 180). Another misconception regarding demons is that some believe that demons are spirits of deceased people, this is untrue, and nowhere in the Bible does it speak of such a belief. (Ryrie p. 180).

Although there are a few different beliefs where demons came from Biblical evidence points to the conclusion that they are fallen angels.(Ryrie p.181). Satan was the first ever to sin in the universe. Satan's sin was a direct challenge to the authority of God. He was cast out of heaven, and it is believed that one third of all the angels rebelled with him. (Swindoll p.585). Therefore, these fallen angels work with Satan to bring about every type of sin and rebellion in the universe. Two ranks of demons described in the book of Ephesians are rulers and authorities.

Demons in Ephesians 6 :12 are also called "unclean spirits." Demons have personalities and knowledge just like angels. Demons have observed man for long periods of time and are aware of how they will respond to particular situations. There are two types of locations of demons, first there are demons who work with Satan and his evil plans. The second location of the other demons are those there are temporarily confined and demons that are permanently confined in Tartarus. (Ryrie p. 183). In 2 Peter 2:4 the Bible states, "For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment-.

" Demons work in conjunction with Satan to oppose the purposes of God in this world. (Ryrie p.187). However, demons or Satan cannot do anything unless God allows them. Neither one of these beings can operate outside the will of the Sovereign God of the universe. Demons specialize in promoting false doctrine working in conjunction with the "author of confusion" the devil. Demons continually attack the Gospel of Jesus Christ this is why John said in 1 John 4:2, "This is how you recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Chris has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.

This is the spirit of the antichrist." Demons afflict people in different ways. The Bible has examples of demons causing blindness, muteness, seizures and mental disorders. In the book of Revelations demons can bring death to people. However, we must still remember that demons or Satan cannot afflict people unless God allows it. Demons in the Bible have also been seen to exhibit superhuman strength. (Ryrie p. 185). Demons can even afflict believers for a period of time but not possess the believer, the Holy Spirit is greater than these created beings.

Satan is known as the "adversary" Satan was a cherubim angel a guardian of God's holiness in heaven until he challenged God. Satan was cast out of heaven and took many angels with him who are now demons. Satan is a actual created being mentioned over twenty-five times in the New Testament. Satan is like a dog on his master's leash. He cannot do anything without the permission of God. (Swindoll p. 573.) Satan roams on the earth with his demons creating havoc and working his plan in this world of anti-God propaganda.

Satan's major activity in conjunction with his demon workers is temptation. Satan has a threefold attack lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. Satan works to continually counterfeit God's plan this is why he is known as the "deceiver." In the end Satan will be cast in to the lake of fire to suffer eternal damnation. The blood of Jesus Christ is the only way out should the believers stand any chance of winning against the daemons. Christians must firmly believe in God and they should not turn their back on God come hell or high water.

Christians must make no provision for the flesh. (Swindoll p.598). We as believers in Christ must have complete dependence upon Jesus Christ obey the Word and be an available vessel for the Holy Spirit to continually work in us to fight the flaming darts of the enemy.