Invisible armies are at war — one serving God, the other opposing Him.
The doctrine of angels and demons teaches that angels are created spirit beings who serve and worship God, while demons are fallen angels who rebelled against Him and now oppose His will. Both realms are real, powerful, and active today. Understanding this doctrine helps believers recognize that our true battle is spiritual, not physical.
This doctrine aligns with our Statement of Faith and complements The Doctrine of God the Holy Ghost.
Colossians 1:16
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.
1. Angels Are Created Beings Who Serve God
The doctrine of angels and demons begins with creation. Angels were made by God before the foundation of the world. They are not divine or human — they are heavenly messengers who carry out God’s will and minister to believers.
Psalm 148:2, 5
Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.
Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Angels worship God, deliver His messages, protect His people, and execute His judgments. Their ministry is a reminder of God’s power, presence, and providence.
2. Angels Serve in Heavenly Hierarchies
The doctrine of angels and demons teaches that God created order and rank among angels. Some are archangels, some seraphim, others cherubim. Each has a role — from proclaiming God’s holiness to defending His glory.
Isaiah 6:2–3
Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
Jude 9
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Their ranks reflect God’s perfection of order — no confusion, no rebellion, no chaos — in contrast to the fallen realm of demons.
3. Satan and the Demons Rebelled Against God
The doctrine of angels and demons explains that demons are not mythical forces — they are fallen angels who followed Lucifer in rebellion against God. Their fall was rooted in pride, deception, and defiance.
Isaiah 14:12–14
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… 14 I will be like the most High.
Revelation 12:7–9
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Satan is not God’s equal — he is a defeated foe, destined for eternal fire.
4. Demons Deceive, Destroy, and Oppose God’s Work
The doctrine of angels and demons warns that the devil’s strategy is deception. His servants blind minds, corrupt truth, and oppose the Gospel.
Demons cannot possess a believer but can tempt, accuse, and influence through lies, false religion, and sin.
1 Peter 5:8–9
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
2 Corinthians 11:13–15
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Demons serve darkness, but believers walk in victory through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.
5. The Doctrine of Angels and Demons Who Operate in Spiritual Warfare
The doctrine of angels and demons reveals an ongoing battle between light and darkness. Angels fight for God’s purposes; demons fight to resist them.
Yet Christ reigns supreme — every angel, demon, and power is subject to Him.
Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Hebrews 1:6
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Believers are called to spiritual vigilance — to resist the devil, wield the sword of the Spirit, and stand firm in Christ’s victory.
Application and Affirmation
The unseen world is real, but the believer’s victory is already won. Angels remind us that God’s power surrounds us; demons remind us that sin and pride destroy. The doctrine of angels and demons teaches balance — awareness without obsession, vigilance without fear.
1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Affirmation:
- Angels are created, intelligent, and obedient spirits serving God.
- Demons are fallen angels under Satan’s leadership.
- Both realms are active and real in the unseen world.
- Believers are protected from demonic possession by the Holy Spirit.
- Christ has ultimate authority over every angelic and demonic power.
