From: inteligencialtda

Angels are celestial beings created by God, existing in a hierarchical structure within the spiritual realm [01:13:05]. They play a significant role in God’s plan and in the ongoing spiritual warfare [01:18:50].

Nature and Hierarchy

Angels possess free will, and their choice to follow or rebel against God determined their eternal alignment [01:55:00]. The Bible describes various types of angels with different functions:

  • Cherubim and Seraphim: These are powerful celestial beings who attend at the Throne of God [02:08:08]. Cherubim, for instance, were placed to guard the Garden of Eden after Adam’s expulsion [02:18:18]. Their biblical descriptions, often multi-winged and eyed, differ significantly from popular artistic depictions [02:37:37].
  • Archangels: Among the highest in angelic hierarchy, meaning “first demon” in terms of authority according to one interpretation [02:44:05]. Michael is identified as an Archangel who fights for the people of Israel and is considered a “General of the armies of the Most High” [03:07:05]. Gabriel is known as a messenger angel, famously announcing the birth of Jesus [02:44:05].

Satan and Fallen Angels (Demons)

Satan, originally an anointed Cherub, was once the most powerful creature in heaven and led worship [01:38:42]. His fall resulted from iniquity found in his heart, as he desired to be like God [01:48:08]. He convinced a third of the angels to follow him [01:51:16], and these fallen angels became demons [02:00:57].

  • Satan’s Status and Influence: Despite his fall, Satan is not trapped in hell [01:37:05]. He is referred to as the “prince of the power of the air” [01:43:59] and resides in the “second heaven,” which is described as the empire of darkness [01:57:05]. He still retains access to the “third heaven,” where God’s throne is, as evidenced in the Book of Job where he dialogues with God [01:38:42].
  • Satan’s Power and Plan: Satan maintains his power, though he lost his position as an anointed cherub [01:40:08]. He has the power to perform deceptive miracles [02:27:08]. His overarching plan is to steal worship from humanity and disrupt God’s plan of redemption by taking as many souls as possible [01:27:50]. He attempts to destroy those God loves [01:10:55].
  • Attempts Against the Messiah: Knowing that a Messiah would come from the Jewish people to ultimately crush his head [01:11:00], Satan repeatedly tried to eliminate the liberator. He attempted to kill Moses through Pharaoh’s decree [01:49:51] and later sought to kill Jesus when He was born [01:10:04].

Role of Righteous Angels

God’s faithful angels serve His purposes, protecting and ministering according to His will.

  • Guardian Angels: The Bible indicates that “the angels of the Lord encamp at around the one who fears them and delivers them” [04:49:50], suggesting a protective role, possibly more than one guardian angel per person [04:49:50].
  • Jesus as the Angel of the Lord: In the Old Testament, Jesus sometimes manifested as “the Angel of the Lord” (a Christophany or Theophany) [02:41:07]. Unlike other angels who refuse worship [02:48:42], the Angel of the Lord receives worship, confirming His divine nature [02:44:05]. Joshua, for example, worshiped the Captain of the armies of the Most High [02:51:57].

Spiritual Warfare and Angelic Involvement

The spiritual world is engaged in a constant war [01:18:50], and this battle physically affects humans [03:41:59].

  • The Battlefield: The primary battlefield is the mind, influencing the body and causing fatigue, discouragement, and invasive thoughts [03:55:00]. The spiritual realm also influences the physical world, affecting even inanimate objects or plants [04:22:55].
  • Hierarchy in Conflict: The Bible states that the human fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual forces of evil in heavenly regions (Ephesians 6) [01:33:05]. This hierarchy reflects on Earth, with a “Principality” influencing each country or region [02:25:26]. Angels and demons are in constant conflict, with angels fulfilling God’s will using His name [03:08:08].
  • Demonic Entry Points: Demons can gain access to individuals through “legality” or “gaps” created by sin [03:00:01]. Sins such as anger, sexual immorality, or drug use create openings for demonic influence [03:01:04]. The Greek word for witchcraft, “Pharmakeia,” is linked to drugs, as ancient sorcerers used them to induce altered mental states, creating openings for demonic activity [03:01:54].
  • Spiritual Weapons: To combat spiritual attacks, individuals are encouraged to use the “whole armor of God” as described in Ephesians 6, which includes:
    • Belt of Truth: Represents the foundational truth of God’s word [05:52:53].
    • Breastplate of Righteousness: Protects the heart and vital areas [05:53:13].
    • Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Readiness to spread the good news [05:53:29].
    • Shield of Faith: Used to extinguish “all the inflamed data of the evil one” (fiery darts) [05:54:11].
    • Helmet of Salvation: Protects the mind, signifying assurance of salvation [05:56:02].
    • Sword of the Spirit (Word of God): The only offensive weapon, used to declare what God says over one’s life [05:57:03].

Other practical tools include prayer, fasting, and seeking help from trusted spiritual leaders or friends [05:57:12]. Closing doors to demonic influence involves confessing sins, asking for forgiveness, and filling oneself with God’s word and praise [03:02:36].