Christian Doctrine For Everyman

PART IX ANGELS & DEMONS

REVIEW Last week our class looked at the first session, The Doctrine of Angels. We discussed: The Existence of Angels The Existence of Angels The Nature of Angels The Nature of Angels The Work of Angels The Work of Angels And the Angelic Hierarchy SERAPHIM = caretakers of God's holiness CHERUBIM = guards the throne of God OPHAMIM = symbols of God's justice and authority

SESSION #48 THE DOCTRINE OF SATAN

INTRODUCTION Our study guide says: “The doctrine of Satan is one of those biblical doctrines which has been the subject of much ridicule in modern times… The existence of a real devil surely cannot be taken seriously by the twentieth-century man...” This type of thinking has been inspired by the devil himself.

A Real Personality The proof that Satan is a real personality, is in the Bible: John 8:44 (NKJV) You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

His Character & Work The character of this angelic being is seen in the two main names given to him in the Bible. SATAN ( satanas ) = adversary; to take stand against; one who sets ambush SATAN ( satanas ) = adversary; to take stand against; one who sets ambush DEVIL ( diabolos ) = slanderer, false accuser DEVIL ( diabolos ) = slanderer, false accuser His work is a manifestation of his nature and character.

The Manifestation of his work 1.Incites men to do evil 2.Hinders the activities of God’s messengers 3.Inspires false belief in the church 4.Source of temptation to be disobedient 5.Causes of the persecution against saints of God 6.Blinds the eyes of the lost

His Position & Power Our Study Guide says: There are two erroneous views concerning the power of Satan. Some attribute to him too much power, making him almost equal to God. Others would deny him any power at all. The Bible rejects both of these extremes. True, there are Bible references which allude to his power and position.

However, our Study Guide correctly stressed the point that Satan’s power and position - no matter how much or highly exalted - is under subjection to the power and position of God. Ephesians 1:21 (KJV) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

MAKING IT MAKE SENSE

HIS ORIGIN (Lucifer) The name, Lucifer, means day star, shinning one, brilliant light or son of the morning. It was the original name of Satan. Prior to his downfall, Lucifer was a magnificent being with a unique ministry. However, pride overtook his heart, and rebellion caused him to forfeit his high position. Lucifer is one of three archangels mentioned in Scripture. The other two are Michael and Gabriel.

He was created by God just as all angels were, but his role was different from the other angelic hosts. Lucifer was referred to as the “covering angel.” Just as the cherubim covered the mercy seat, Lucifer was established by God to be the angel of worship, one whose ministry surrounded the heart of heaven. Lucifer was created to dwell eternally in the throne room of heaven, in the very presence of God (Ezekiel 28:14).

To dwell in the awesome presence of a perfect and holy God, Lucifer had to be perfect. Speaking of Lucifer, Ezekiel 28:13 says: " You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: the sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created."

HIS FLAW & FALL Ezekiel 28:14–15 (ESV) You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you. The KJV uses the word “iniquity” which is rebellion.

Lucifer was a step above the other angelic being; not only in appearance but also in intellect. His wisdom also exceeded that of other angelic beings. He understood the ways of God. However, because of his splendor and beauty, he began to consider his own position and prominence. Thus, Lucifer became prideful, believing that he deserved more than what he already had. He wanted to become like the Most High.

Lucifer had wisdom, beauty, ability, perfection, and yet he wanted more; he wanted to be worshiped like God. But God does not share His glory, nor does He permit another to receive worship. So Lucifer was cast out of heaven. Luke 10:18 (KJV) And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Revelation 12:4 (KJV ) And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven…

Several well-known Bible scholars believe Revelations 12:4, is a look back at what Satan did when he first fell and drew a third of the angels with him. The Greek, word, “drew,” literally means to “drags down.” It is in the present tense. Thus, Lucifer’s dragging down the stars with his tail implies a persuading to apostatize. That is to abandon one's beliefs or allegiances. This speaks of his ability to deceive.

HIS DESTINY & DEMIZE Matthew 25:41 (ESV) Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Revelation 20:10 (ESV) and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

STUDENTS ASSIGNMENT Continue reading PART IX, ANGELS & DEMONS, Session 49, “Demonology” page 96. Then pray for: 1. Revelation 2. Protection 3. Wisdom