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Angels: Unseen Allies & Adversaries

  In my years of pastoring and teaching the Bible, I’ve experienced almost universal interest in what the Bible has to say about angels. It says more than you may realize. In 34 of 66 books of the Bible there are specific references to angels (17 OT, 17 NT).

  Some things the Bible reveals about angels are that… angels were created by God (Colossians 1:16), angels are normally invisible to humans but can appear as humans when it fits the situation (Abraham & Gideon’s visitors, the army of angels revealed to Elisha’s servant); people can interact with angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2); there are different types of angels (for example: cherubim, seraphim, archangels); some angel jobs are tied to geographical areas and to the people in those areas (Daniel 10:13 “prince of Persia” [Iran] is likely referring to a bad angel focusing on those peoples and area).

  Bad angels, commonly called demons, are presented in the Bible as the unseen adversaries of humans. They are mentioned 100 times in the Bible. At one time they were good angels but, likely influenced by Lucifer/Satan, the leader of all bad angels, they also rebelled against God, a choice that is irreversible and which will result in their eternal separation from God. Now they operate under Satan’s rule and are devoted to opposing God and His ways��specially God’s plan to redeem humans from their captivity to sin and death and the evil one’s ways and return them to His family to experience His grace, beauty, truth, freedom and love—His original plan for Adam & Eve, before Satan/the serpent in the garden convinced them to doubt God’s goodness and His word and be gods to themselves, which subjected all future humans to death/eternal separation from God.

  Now, humans are the targeted trophies in Satan and the bad angels’ war against God and His thoughts and ways. Satan and his evil forces (other bad angels) want to make and keep people captive and away from God’s grace, beauty, truth and freedom.

  Good news for all humans is that God did not leave Satan or his rebellion unopposed. The Apostle John informs us that “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work” (1 John 3:8). Jesus said, “my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son (Jesus) and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).

  Because bad angels use schemes and subtlety to distract people from reality (truth) and from what is in our best interest to be paying attention to, God’s people are guided in Scripture to keep continually alert and to stand against their schemes—"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:7-8).

  Good angels are presented as agents of God working behind the scenes (unseen allies) in the drama of world events to promote Gods program. They show up to protect, encourage and rescue God’s people.

  The following Bible passages suggest that the idea of guardian angels is not just wishful thinking. Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 91:11-12 "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Hebrews 1:14 "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (NIV)

  Followers of Jesus should be encouraged that, because unseen angel allies are working for God’s purposes alongside the Holy Spirit and us, we need never feel alone or unprotected.