What Are Demons?
Demonology
As stated earlier this week, we are taking the month of October to discuss angelology and demonology. We will study particular aspects of angels on Tuesday, take that same point, and study the same concept with demons on the following Thursday. This week we introduced this whole study by simply asking, ‘What are angels?’, therefore today we will be addressing, ‘What are demons?’. As we broke down the being and nature of angels, we concluded that they were spiritual beings that God created to be hosts of heaven. These hosts of heaven have intellect, emotion, and will according to multiple passages found in scripture as well. So what about demons? Is it just the exact opposite? Are these spiritual beings that Satan created to be hosts of Hell? Do they have intellect, emotion, and will? Let’s find out. Dr. Wayne Grudem points out a very interesting event that took place at the beginning of Genesis that I’m willing to bet most of us overlook when we read this book.
On the origin of demons, Dr. Grudem notes, “When God created the world, he ‘saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good’ (Gen. 1:31). This means that even the angelic world that God had created did not have evil angels or demons in it at that time. But by the time of Genesis 3, we find that Satan, in the form of a serpent, was tempting Eve to sin (Gen. 3:1-5). Therefore, sometime between the events of Genesis 1:31 and Genesis 3:1, there must have been a rebellion in the angelic world with many angels turning against God and becoming evil.” This event is one that I’m sure many of us would love more detail on, however, our Lord did not find it necessary to explain every detail of what took place at this time. What we do know for sure though, is that this event occurred and is backed up, even in the New Testament. 2 Peter 2:4 says, “4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;” If God created every being, good and evil, then we know that demons were themselves created by God, for the intent of being hosts of heaven like all the other angels. This is why demons aren’t just referred to as demons in scripture, but also, as ‘unclean spirits’ and ‘fallen angels’. While we don’t know every detail that took place in the heavens between these two chapters, we know enough to at least have a foundation for the origin of demons from the very beginning of creation.
Intellect & Emotion
What about the basic qualities of personhood that defined all the angels? Do demons also have intellect, emotion, and will? They do indeed. Listen to what Dr. John MacArthur says about the intellect of demons: “Their recognition of and conversations with Jesus illustrate their intellect, as do their capacity to know the truth about Christ and their ability to author false doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:1 says, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,” While it is very encouraging to read about Christ’s power over demons and see how demons are terrified of the majesty of God, we must not forget these beings are still against God and even though they can’t get to Him, they’ll still try and get to you. If there was ever a plug for me to tell you ‘read your bible!’, this would be it. How will demons get people to follow them in this day and age according to Timothy? By leading us to a false doctrine. We must make it a priority to know our Bibles to protect ourselves from the intellect of demons. Even from an emotional standpoint, demons show their fair share of emotions in God’s Word. As you can imagine, however, we don’t see many examples of joy from their end. James 2:19 tells us “19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” As a Christian, I hope this gives you joy and confidence in your God. Demons may be spiritual beings that have intellect and understanding that far surpasses ours, however, the God we serve is the very being that makes them shudder.
Physicality & Morality
In Matthew 8:31-32, we can see the will and intent of demons as well. “31 The demons began to entreat Him, saying, “If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” 32 And He said to them, “Go!” And they came out and went into the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the waters.” The will of demons is to lead their host to death. The torture of mankind and the instant death of the swine show us exactly what the endgame is for these fallen angels. While these beings share the same qualities of personhood as the angels do, their purpose and intent couldn’t be more opposite. In fact, Dr. MacArthur lists out a few more attributes that make up demons as seen throughout God’s Word. He notes, “Four additional personal qualities complete this basic outline of demons. First, they are created angels in that they are Satan’s angels (Matt. 25:41). Second, they are spirit beings (Judg. 9:23). Third, demons are described biblically as being mobile (1 Pet. 5:8). And fourth, God will hold demons morally responsible for their evil deeds (Rev. 20:10).” It is clear from our look at scripture that demons and angels alike were created to be hosts of heaven with God, yet some rebelled and would rather be hosts of hell with Satan.
These fallen angels indeed have all the qualities that make up personhood like ourselves and angels, however, their intent with these qualities is what separates them from serving our Lord to serving the devil himself. Just as angels are spiritual and are not bound by physical entities as we are, the same applies to demons. This is why our confidence must be in our God and His word when it comes to evil spirits in this world. Becasue the Lord knows you don’t stand a chance against a spiritual being, unbound by physicality, who knows more about God than we do. May you be encouraged this day, even when learning about demons, that God Himself is still in control, and that the very spirits that rome this earth, shudder at His name. Revelation 20:10 “10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Sources
[1] “Access Your Bible from Anywhere.” BibleGateway.Com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages., www.biblegateway.com/. Accessed 2023.
[2] Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology : An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. https://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BA79455700
[3] MacArthur, John & Mayhue, Richard. A Systemic Summary of Bible Truth: Biblical Doctrine. Wheaton, Crossway, 2017
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