The subject of angels has fascinated men for ages. The only thing more fascinating is the subject of “Fallen Angels.”
“Fallen Angels” in the New Testament.
There are two verses in the New Testament that teach that there were some angels which fell from their original estate in heaven. Peter writes about them in 2 Peter 2:4.
“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.”
Jude, who appears to be writing to the same audience Peter addressed, also refers to the fall of angelic beings.
“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day” (Jude 6).
Who Are Angels?
Angels are created beings (Col. 1:16-17). They were created to serve the Almighty God (Heb. 1:14).
In their service to God, there are laws that govern their actions. At some point in time after their creation, some of the angels sinned, that is, they transgressed the law of God (2 Pet. 2:4; 1 John 3:4). We are not informed as to the exact nature of the sin.
There is some indication in the Bible that pride on the part of one angel led to the fall. His proud heart brought about what some refer to as “a rebellion in heaven.” This led to a great number of angels being cast out of the heavens by God. They now await their ultimate fate in a place specially prepared for them (Matt. 25:41).
Examples in the Old Testament.
From Isaiah.
There are two interesting texts in the Old Testament that shed some light upon our discussion. The first is found in Isaiah 14:12-15. In the context, Isaiah is definitely talking about the king of Babylon.
“That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!” (Isa. 14:4).
The prophecy about the fall of this king is found in verses 12-15.
“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! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the side of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”
The words used by Isaiah are so descriptive that many believe that Nebuchadnezzar’s fall is described with words of a previous fall, the fall of Satan and his angels, because the attitudes and actions of those involved in both were so similar.
The king is described as “Lucifer, son of the morning” (v. 12). The word “Lucifer” means morning star. The king longed to be exalted. That desire was to be exalted above the Almighty God.
“For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God…I will be like the Most High” (vs. 13-14).
Note that the fall is likened unto a fall from heaven (v. 12). His fall would result in being “brought down to hell” (v. 14).
From Ezekiel.
The second text was written by the prophet Ezekiel. The text is Ezekiel 28:13-17. Again, Ezekiel tells us exactly who he is describing in verse 12.
“Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus said the LORD God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.”
As you read the words predicting the fall of the king of Tyre, again notice the unique and powerful terms by which he is described.
“Thou hast been in Eden in the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the car- buncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in the day that thou was created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the sons of fire. Thou was perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: and I will cast thee down to the ground, I will lay thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all that behold thee.”
Some of the words and phrases that stand out are:
“Eden in the garden of God.”
“Anointed cherub.”
“Perfect in thy ways.”
“Iniquity was found in thee.”
“Thou hast sinned.”
“I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God.”
“Covering cherub.”
“Thine heart was lifted up.”
“Thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness.”
“I will cast thee down to the ground.”
The strength of these words seemed to indicate that another fall from the past, the fall of Satan, was similar in nature to the rise and fall of the king of Tyre.
In summary, it appears that Satan was a powerful, holy angel of God. However, pride lifted him up. He desired to be exalted above God and His throne. This pride led to other sins. His actions influenced other angels in heaven to side with the devil. God put down their rebellion by casting them out of heaven.
Even though they are active in the world, their power has been restricted by God. This is indicated by the fact that God has placed them in chains. These rebels cannot repent. Their destiny has been sealed.
One day they will stand in the judgment to be condemned to eternal condemnation. Jesus describes it as “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41).
Victor M. Eskew preaches for the Oceanside church of Christ in Atlantic Beach, Florida.
The church offers a variety of free Bible study courses for anyone interested in studying God’s word. They also have a large archive of videos on their YouTube channel. I appreciate Victor’s teaching in this article!
Wonderful read!