We’re using the “Handbook of Apologetics” by Peter Kreeft and Ronald Tacelli to go over the arguments for the existence of God.
Today, we will be covering the above subject in relation to God’s existence. Dr. Kreeft teaches logic in two major universities, so his arguments tend to be clear, concise and very helpful.
What Are Angels?
Angels are finite spirits (Col 1:16; Heb 1:14). Their very name (Greek: angelos) denotes the function Scripture most often describes them as serving—heavenly messengers. They far exceed humans in power and intelligence (1 Pet 1:12; 2 Pet 2:11), and have a will capable of disobedience (Jude 6). It follows that angels are personal beings; Scripture even tells us the names of some—for example, Gabriel (Dan 8:16) and Michael (Dan 10:13, 21). Since angels are spirits, they have no flesh or bones (Lk 24:39) and are naturally invisible (Num 22:31). They do not marry and reproduce (Mt 22:30; Mk 12:25), nor do they die (Lk 20:36). They seem to be organized in a hierarchy that includes archangels (Jude 9), principalities and powers (Eph 3:10). There are also cherubim and seraphim (Gen 3:22–24; Is 6:1–3; cf. Rev 4 and 5), whose function it is to praise and worship God and to guard his holiness. Some angels are described as having power over the forces of nature, a power exercised in order to chastise God’s enemies or guard his elect (cf. Gen 19:1–13; 2 Sam 24:15–16; 2 Kings 19:35). Among guardian angels there are those who watch over individuals (Mt 18:10; Heb 1:14) and those assigned to watch over whole nations (Dan 10–12).
Not all angels are good. Some have turned their wills against God, and therefore against his truth and goodness. These evil spirits are called demons. Like good angels, demons seem to be organized in ranks (Eph 6:11–12). They do the bidding of Satan, the prince of demons and the prince of this world (Mt 12:22–24; Jn 12:31). These ranks of demons war against the will of God (Rev 16:12–16). They use their great intelligence to deceive and discourage individuals (2 Cor 4:4; 1 Thess 2:18; Eph 6:11–12; 1 Tim 4:1); they use their influence over the nations to lead them disastrously astray (Rev 20:3); and they use their power over the forces of nature to inflict pestilence and disease (see Mt 9:32–33).
But Satan and his legions can succeed only in minor skirmishes; the war has already been won. Through Christ’s death and resurrection the world of Satan’s dominion has been overcome (1 Jn 5:4–5) and its bitter fruit of sin and death definitively vanquished (1 Cor 15:50–57). God even uses demonic assaults to accomplish his purposes (1 Sam 16:14–23). And on the last day, Satan and the other evil spirits will be cast into everlasting fire (Mt 25:31–46).
Kreeft, P., & Tacelli, R. K. (1994). Handbook of Christian apologetics: hundreds of answers to crucial questions (pp. 115–116). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.