Category: Angelology

Angels Can No Longer Fall Into Sin

We discuss Michael Heiser’s claim that angels can fall into sin at any time and that they have fallen at various times in history. We refute this claim by demonstrating that the elect angels, after a time of trial, are confirmed in holiness by God and cannot ever fall away. We also argue for the traditional and biblical belief of a pre-Fall angelic rebellion and explain the current status of fallen angels in contrast to Heiser’s views.… Read More Angels Can No Longer Fall Into Sin

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The Hierarchy of Angels is Unknown

A brief survey of the Reformed tradition on the hierarchy of angels. We acknowledge a certain order among them, but the nature of this order cannot be fully determined due to the silence of Scripture on the matter. We caution against delving too deeply into the specifics of angelic hierarchy, emphasizing the need for humility and adherence to biblical revelation from God. “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility, and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind” (Colossians 2:18).… Read More The Hierarchy of Angels is Unknown

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Satan’s Feigned Retreat

Demons retreat in exorcism, not because it is of divine efficacy, but because they want to further entrench men in superstition. That demons would feign to be defeated by the use of mere formulas of words, crucifixes, holy water, prayers to Mary, or any other carnal means should be no surprise to us. Scripture teaches that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), and that he presents himself as “an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14) in order to deceive us into error and sin. False teachers likewise appear to us “in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Mat. 7:15; cf. 2 Cor. 11:13). Demons love to harden men in their superstitions by pretending that carnal means are inherently efficacious, so that men will be turned away from true remedies and sound doctrine.… Read More Satan’s Feigned Retreat

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Do Demons Flee At The Name Of Jesus?

The Church’s method of countering demonic influences should be grounded in the Bible’s teachings, not emotional responses or popular trends. Using the name of Jesus as a magic formula against demons is misleading. Rather, declaring “the name of Jesus” signifies proclaiming the truth of Christ’s person, work, and salvation freely offered. Scripture warns against false phenomena performed in Jesus’ name (Mat. 7:22-23), and Satan himself can use it for deception (2 Cor. 11:13-15). “The devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19); and demons even profess “Jesus, thou Son of God most high” (Luke 8:28). So merely uttering His name is not inherently effective and does not automatically work to exorcise demons or to deliver someone from demonic attacks. Rather, we must trust in Christ alone to be delivered from the kingdom of darkness; employ the means of grace, and put on the whole armor of God to stand against the devil and his schemes.… Read More Do Demons Flee At The Name Of Jesus?

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Can A Christian Be Demon-Possessed?

In the light of Scripture we are compelled to reject the view that the Holy Spirit and an evil spirit can co-exist in the same person. Attempts to prove the contrary on the basis of observations are valueless. Human judgment is always fallible and must never be given priority over the teaching of the Word of God. When missionaries provide “examples” of “believers” being possessed, two questions immediately arise: Were the victims regenerate? Were they actually possessed? The Biblical doctrines of regeneration and the permanent indwelling of the believer by the Holy Spirit make demon-possession of a believer utterly impossible. We are not asking if a professing Christian can be demon-possessed, but if a regenerate person can be possessed. The answer to this question is firmly in the negative.… Read More Can A Christian Be Demon-Possessed?

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Demon Possession & Exorcism

What is demon possession? What is exorcism? What methods does God give us in the Bible for delivering people from demonic attacks? The question is not whether praeternatural or miraculous things happen, neither is it whether people may be demonized today, nor that people may be delivered from demonization. The question is: Should Christians today seek to practice exorcism? Does God deliver demonized people through prayer, fasting, preaching the Word, and conversion. Or does he deliver them through a Christian directly confronting and rebuking demons?… Read More Demon Possession & Exorcism

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A Pastoral Letter To One Oppressed By Demons

In a pastoral letter by John Sprint from his 1623 publication “The Christian Sword & Buckler,” he addresses a man tormented for seven years by demonic oppression and spiritual affliction. He provides scriptural comfort, emphasizing God’s power and Christ’s victory over Satan, His ministers’ duties to reassure the afflicted, and His mercy toward sinners. The pastor also guides the man in overcoming demonic temptations and despair with faith, and teaches him to find the comfort of the Spirit, and solace in his spiritual trials as proof of God’s love.… Read More A Pastoral Letter To One Oppressed By Demons

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Fourfold Loosing & Binding of Satan

There is a fourfold loosing and raging of the devil mentioned in the Word, and there is a fourfold victory of the Church over him in opposition to these, also spoken of: 1) Satan’s Personal Dominion & Casting Out of Heaven. 2) Satan’s National Dominion & Casting Down. 3) Satan’s Antichristian Dominion & Millennial Binding. 4) Satan’s Little Season & Casting into Hell for Eternity.… Read More Fourfold Loosing & Binding of Satan

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Satan’s Dominion Overthrown De Jure & De Facto

Satan is to be cast out of the world, and in due time bound in chains, to the judgment of the great day [Rev. 20:2-3]. He is not, even at present, lord de jure of one foot of earth; but his usurpation lingers, and is permitted to continue on many accounts (into which it is not our present business to inquire). He is to be ejected, in point of fact as well as right, to exercise no more power or authority either over single men or communities of men, by means of any of those systems on which he has expended, for centuries, the utmost refinement of his subtlety. These shall melt away like the mists of the morning. But even now the church has, on the ground of Christ’s atonement, to go in and take possession of the world from which its prince has been legally cast out, and from which he will ere long, in point of fact, be fully ejected (Luke 10:18).… Read More Satan’s Dominion Overthrown De Jure & De Facto

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