IV. The Spiritual Realm — Angels, Demons, and Warfare
16. Angels and Demons
We believe God created both the visible and invisible realms, including spiritual beings who serve His purposes and reflect His glory. Among them are angels—created to worship God, carry out His will, and minister to His people. Scripture also reveals that some angels rebelled against God and now oppose His work as what we call demons. All spiritual beings, whether faithful or fallen, remain under God’s sovereign authority. Believers can live with confidence, knowing that through Christ, the powers of darkness have been defeated and that we walk in His victory.
Scripture References: Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:14; Luke 10:17-20; Colossians 2:15
Expanded Explanation:
Scripture reveals an unseen realm that exists alongside our physical world—a spiritual reality filled with created beings called angels. These holy angels were made by God to worship Him (Isaiah 6:2–3; Revelation 5:11–12), carry out His commands (Psalm 103:20), and minister to believers (Hebrews 1:14). They serve as messengers, warriors, and protectors under God’s direction.
However, some of these created beings rebelled against God under the leadership of Satan (Revelation 12:7–9). These fallen angels are what Scripture calls demons. Their purpose is to deceive, accuse, and destroy (John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8). Yet even in their rebellion, they remain subject to God’s authority and cannot act beyond His permission (Job 1:12).
Believers need not live in fear of the unseen realm. Jesus declared victory over every power of darkness through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15). Angels still serve God’s people today, and demons still oppose God’s work—but Christ reigns supreme over all. Our confidence rests not in our strength but in His name, which holds all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
17. Satan
We believe Satan is a real, personal being—once a created angel who rebelled against God and became the adversary of all that is good. He is the deceiver, accuser, and tempter who seeks to destroy God’s people and distort His truth. Though Satan’s influence is great, his power is limited and his defeat is certain. Jesus Christ has triumphed over him through the cross and resurrection, and believers overcome by standing firm in faith and obedience to God.
Scripture References: Genesis 3:1-5; John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Revelation 12:10-11
Expanded Explanation:
Satan, also known as the devil, was originally a created angel who became filled with pride and sought to usurp God’s throne (Isaiah 14:12–15; Ezekiel 28:12–17). His rebellion led to his fall and the corruption of other angels who followed him. From that point on, he has been the great adversary of God’s people — tempting, deceiving, and accusing humanity throughout history. Jesus called him “the father of lies” (John 8:44).
Satan’s influence is evident in the world’s systems of sin and deception (2 Corinthians 4:4). Yet believers must remember that his power is temporary and his judgment is guaranteed (Revelation 20:10). The cross sealed his fate—Christ triumphed over him openly, disarming his authority (Colossians 2:15).
The enemy still prowls, seeking to discourage and divide the people of God (1 Peter 5:8–9). Our victory comes through resisting him with steadfast faith, clothed in the armor of God, and standing firm on the truth of Scripture. When we submit to God and resist the devil, he must flee (James 4:7). Satan is a defeated foe; our call is to walk daily in the victory that Christ has already secured.
18. Spiritual Warfare
We believe followers of Christ live in the midst of a real spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers that oppose God’s purposes. We resist the enemy not with human strength but with the armor of God—truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God. Victory comes through the power of Jesus’ name, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and steadfast prayer.
Scripture References: Ephesians 6:10-13; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; James 4:7; Revelation 12:11
Expanded Explanation:
Spiritual warfare is the unseen conflict between God’s kingdom and Satan’s forces for the hearts and minds of humanity. This battle is not fought with physical weapons but through spiritual means (2 Corinthians 10:4–5). Every believer is engaged in this conflict, yet Scripture assures us that the outcome has already been decided — Christ has won the victory.
Paul’s description of the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10–18) reminds us that victory is not achieved through willpower but through spiritual dependence. Truth protects our minds, righteousness guards our hearts, faith extinguishes the enemy’s attacks, salvation anchors our identity, and the Word of God serves as our weapon against deception (Matthew 4:1–11). Prayer empowers it all — keeping us alert, humble, and connected to the Spirit’s guidance.
Spiritual warfare is real, but it is not cause for fear. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives within us (Romans 8:11). Through Christ’s authority, believers can stand firm, rebuke the enemy’s lies, and walk in freedom. The goal of warfare is not obsession with the demonic but devotion to Jesus — to live boldly in His victory, clothed in His armor, and filled with His peace.