Thursday, December 7, 2006

Systematic Theology Part 6




Angelology and Demonology (What are Angels and Demons?) Listen Here for Angelology and here for Demonology.
Angelology – The study of Angels

The creation of Angels
Probably 1st day of creation with heavenly habitation (Job 38:6,7)
Innumerable with heavenly habitation (Heb 12:22) Non-corporeal, asexual, although with masculine qualities (Heb 1:14, Matt 22:30)
Immaterial, but yet having locality as a (Gen 28:12, Dan 10:13)
Celestial body – self conscious, volitional, moral (1 Pet 1:12, 1 Cor 15:40)

Rank of Angels
Michael the Archangel (Jude 9)
Seraphim, Cherubim (probably one and the same) Isa 6:3, Eze 10:1
Seen on the curtain of the tabernacle (Ex 25:17-22) and in heaven (Rev 5:11)
Thrones, Dominions, Principalities and Powers (Col 1:16)

Purpose of Angels
For God’s Glory – To display God’s Kingship in the heavens (Col 1:16)
To worship God (Heb 12:22 Rev 5:11)
To do God’s will (Matt 18:10 Ps 103:21)
Messengers (hence Angelos, Greek for messengers) i.e. Gabriel at Christ’s birth (Luke 1:19, 26), angels at the tomb (Matt 28:1-6, Luke 24:4, John 20:12).
Made morally upright – but not yet confirmed in righteousness (Jude 6, 2 Pet 2:4)
A under a type of covenant of works (1 Peter 1:12, Eph 3:10)


Demonology – the study Satan and His Demons

The origins of Demons
Non-elect angels (2 Peter 2:4)
Satan led rebellion in Heaven Rev 12– 1/3 of the angels fell. (Fallen Angels)

The activity of Satan and His Demons
To stop the cross/gospel (Matt 16:18)
To fulfill the will of Satan (Rev Matt 25:41)
To blind the minds of the reprobate (2 Cor 4:4)
To deceiving people into believing lies. (1 Tim 4:1)
To torment by means of possession (Matt 12:43-45,17:15)

Demon possession
Only possible by God’s permission – Job 1:12
A tool/instrument of God, in judging fallen Humanity Rev 9:4, 1 Sam 16:14
Supernatural in nature. Ability to control and torment victims
The casting out of Demons was public, immediate and by the authority of Christ.

The defeat and future of Satan and his demons
Satan and His demons defeated at the cross, chained in the abyss. 2 Pet 2:4, Col 2:15
There activity restrained/ no longer able to deceive the nations. (Rev 20:3-5)
Destined for the lake of fire/eternal punishment. (Matt 25:41)

Spiritual warfare and the present activity of Satan (Eph 6:11-18)
Satan was defeated at the cross but…he still has the power to deceive
Believers have to put on the full armor God:
“Helmet” of salvation, “breast plate” of righteousness, “belt” of truth, “shield” of faith, “sword” of the spirit and the “shoes” of the gospel.
Resist Satan and he will flee from, this is done by looking to the promise.


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