by David Chadwick
Learning the key doctrines of the Christian faith is a crucial part of maturing in the faith. James 1:4 speaks to the importance of enduring trials to become perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. I believe these doctrines are important in helping us develop a strong core that can withstand life’s trials and ultimately reach maturity.
Continuing on with our next key is this: the doctrine of angelology and demonology (angels, Satan, and demons).
All of these are creatures, originally created by God to expand his love to them. Always remember they are creatures. Only God is the Creator.
Let’s start with talking about angels. Angels are mentioned 273 times in the Bible. There are millions upon millions of angels in heaven. Hebrews 12:22 says they are “innumerable.” Their purpose is to worship God and minister to God’s elect on the earth (Hebrews 1:14). They even ministered to Jesus after Satan’s temptations.
Next is Satan and his demons. Satan was a high-ranking angel who rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:13-19). He wanted Jesus’s position. He took one-third of the angels with him who became his army of demons (Revelation 12:9).
Satan’s job description? Kill, steal, and destroy God’s creation and creatures (John 10:10).
Satan and his armies are constantly doing warfare against God and his armies. It’s called spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul talks about how Christians should help fight against a spiritual enemy with spiritual weapons.
Though Satan is powerful, he is a defeated foe. Jesus destroyed Satan’s power on the cross and as Christians, we are now able to live powerfully in the Spirit. We must fight FROM the victory that Jesus will have when he returns.
We are more than conquerors because of Jesus, who loves us (Romans 8:37). Satan can only tempt us. We are the ones who make the choice whether to give in to his temptations or not.
We have been given a future promise that must define our present reality. Jesus will bind Satan, throw him into a pit, and eventually throw him into the lake of fire to be tormented day and night forever (Revelation 20:1-3, Revelation 20:10).
If you follow Jesus, you have won. Satan is a defeated foe.
And choose to stand confidently, assured of this future hope!