We believe and teach the existence of angels which were apparently the first issue of God's creation (cf. Job 38:6-7 with Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16). In relation to men, these created spirit beings currently have greater powers (e.g. 2 Peter 2:11), and yet, elect angels minister on behalf of elect people (Hebrews 1:14). Furthermore, someday redeemed people will judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3).

Morally, angels may be classified under two headings; holy or elect angels (e.g. Mark 8:38; 1 Timothy 5:21) and fallen angels (e.g. Matthew 25:41). There also seems to be various hierarchies of angels; for example, archangels (cf. Michael, Jude 9), special attendants (e.g. Genesis 3:24; Isaiah 6:2, 6), and designations in series (e.g. Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 3:22).

At the head of all fallen angels stands Satan (e.g. Job 1:6-9, 12; Matthew 4:10). He is also called the devil (e.g. Matthew 4:1, 5, 8, 11; 25:41; Revelation 12:9), the serpent (cf. Genesis 3:1-4, 14-15 with Romans 16:20; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9), the dragon (e.g. Revelation 12:9; 20:2), Beelzebub (e.g. Matthew 3:22), Abaddon or Apollyon (Revelation 9:11), Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15), the evil one (e.g. Matthew 13:19, 39; 1 John 5:19), the tempter (e.g. Matthew 4:3), the ruler/prince (e.g. Matthew 12:24; John 12:31; Ephesians2:2), the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4), the accuser (e.g. Zechariah 3:1,ff; Revelation 12:10), the adversary (1 Peter 5:8), the deceiver (Revelation 12:9), the enemy (e.g. Matthew 13:25, 28, 39), murderer (John 8:44), the father of lies (John 8:44), a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8-9), etc.

Subsequent to his being created, Satan fell morally, and with him, a host of fallen angels, some of which today are bound while others are demons (e.g. Matthew 12:24; 25:41; Revelation 9:1-11). He then became the subtle instigator of mankind's fall (e.g. Genesis 3; Romans 16:20). Currently, he roams the earth, but his ultimate doom is guaranteed by the finished work of Christ. He will be cast to earth during the Great Tribulation (Revelation 12:7-12), and then incarcerated during the Millennium (Revelation 20:1-3). After a temporary release and final expression of rebellion (Revelation 20:7-8), he and his henchmen will be eternally consigned to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

Although believers are in union with Christ, we are not to be presumptuous so as to seek to engage the Archenemy and his host. Our call is to be aware of his methods (2 Corinthians 2:11), stand defensively in the provisions of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), and resist, not engaging him in battle but resist him in faith (James 4:7).

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