Have you noticed the heightened interest in unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), formerly known as unidentified flying objects (UFOs)? From the Pentagon releasing digital material and Hollywood making movies about them, there is a lot of excitement and speculation about whether other non-human, intelligent beings exist. Let’s answer the question clearly with Biblical certainty. YES. The Bible describes spiritual beings (both righteous and rebellious) who can manifest to human beings. Jesus Christ spoke about these beings, and believers will recognize this. Of course, many people who do not believe in God or Jesus will have a different explanation, but that is nothing new. So, let’s make sense of what is going on and what instruction God has given us in His word.
Before we get into it, do you remember this passage of Scripture that deals with non-human beings?
- For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:12-13)
Praise God that He breathed His words into our Scriptures by the Apostles (2 Timothy 3:16) so that we would know that we are more than conquerors through Christ, who defeated all powers when He triumphed over them at the cross (Colossians 2:15). As it is written:
- For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
Biblical References for Angels
From Genesis to Revelation, the reader can find mentions of angels. They can be broken into two main categories: 1) Holy or elect angels who serve their Creator, and 2) Fallen angels who are powers and rulers that do the bidding of spiritual darkness. God the Father and Jesus Christ created all angels before human beings. The Bible records angels (sons of God) rejoicing at the creation of the earth (Job 38:3-7).
- You alone are the LORD; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You. (Nehemiah 9:6)
- He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:15-16)
1. Holy or Elect Angels
Angels were created out of the goodness of God, like humans. When God creates anything, the original state reflects His goodness and glory. Angels, like human beings, were given the ability to make moral choices to obey their Creator. Those who wisely and humbly obeyed the source of their existence are the holy ones. The angels that rebelled became fallen and tempted humanity to sin against God. After the first pair of humans sinned, they later procreated, resulting in the continuation of the fallen human race. We will discuss the fallen angels in the next section.
Scripture says that God created human beings in God’s image with the God-given authority over the planet Earth. Scripture does not state that angels were created in the image of God (although they are His sons as well), but it does state that they were created as more powerful beings. Despite their beauty, power and capabilities, angels are never to be worshipped (Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10; 22:9)
Acknowledging that God has foreknowledge and is all-knowing, we can understand that God purposed angelic and human beings to serve Him out of love and humility, and He also permitted choice.
There are so many Scriptures concerning Holy Angels. Rather than write about all the details, it is better to categorize them in a list which you can research at your leisure. The following lists/tables provide:
- List 1: the service roles and capabilities of Holy Angels
- List 2: characteristics of Holy Angels.
| Holy Angels’ Characteristics | Scriptural Reference |
|---|---|
| Created Beings | Psalm 148:2,5, Nehemiah 9:6 |
| Christ’s Subordinates or Subjects | Ephesians 1:21, Colossians 1:16, Colossians 2:10, 1 Peter 3:22 |
| Created Above Humans | Hebrews 2:7 |
| Know and Delight in the Gospel of Christ | Ephesians 3:9-10, 1 Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 1:12 |
| Do not Procreate | Matthew 22:30 |
| Have Different Classifications (i.e. archangel, seraphim, etc.) | Isaiah 6:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Peter 3:22, Jude 1:9, Revelation 12:7 |
| Are Examples of Meekness | 2 Peter 2:11, Jude 1:9 |
| Are Wise | 2 Samuel 14:20 |
| Are Mighty | Psalms 103:20 |
| Are Holy | Matthew 25:31 |
| Are Elect | 1 Timothy 5:21 |
| Are Innumerable but not increasing | Job 25:3, Hebrews 12:22, Luke 2:13, Genesis 2:1,2 |
| Created to be Immortal | Luke 20:36, Colossians 1:16 |
| Not Limited by Earth’s Natural Laws or Conditions | Acts 12:7 |
| Invisible to the Human Eye (unless revealed) | Ephesians 3:10, Colossians 1:16 |
| Can assume a body as the Lord allows | Matthew 28:2; Genesis 18:2-8 |
| Have Desires | 1 Peter 1:12 |
2. Fallen Angels
The fallen angels were part of God’s original sinless, holy spirit-beings who rebelled against God.
- “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44)
- “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: – Matthew 25:41
While there are some angels (i.e. the first incursion) who have been cast down to hell to be reserved for judgment (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 1:6, Revelation 20:3), there are a significant number of fall/evil spirit beings who are not confined (Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 6:12) warring for the souls of humanity.
Having been given the power of moral judgment within a determined testing opportunity, the angels who chose to leave their order, relationship and care of their Creator followed Satan in a revolt against the Lord (Jude 1:6). They disrobed from their heavenly bodies and place.
Having been cast out of the highest heavens where Christ is seated at the right hand of Father God, the lower heavens have been corrupted. They believe in the Godhead but have no redemptive grace (Matthew 8:29, Acts 16:17, Acts 19:15, James 2:19). They continue to fight against all that God loves. They try to corrupt through the means of pride, deceit, and temptation and take pleasure when humanity worships anything other than God and His only begotten Son.
- They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they did not know, to new gods, new arrivals that your fathers did not fear. (Deuteronomy 32:17)
- Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1)
- But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. (Revelation 9:20)
This is in total opposition to God’s will for human beings:
- And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10)
- And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.‘ ” (Luke 4:8)
- “For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. “For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, “that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. … “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, (John 5:21-23, 26)
- Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)
While there is no salvation for these fallen angels and demonic beings, they will bow the knee along with every created being to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord!
- And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:8-11)
3. Demons
What does the Bible say about demons, and are they different than fallen Angels? One thing is certain: both fall under the Prince of Darkness, who is called Satan, the devil, the serpent of old or in Revelation, the dragon (Revelation 12:7-9).
Demons are evil supernatural spirits mentioned in Matthew 8:31; Mark 5:12; Luke 8:29; Revelation 16:14; Revelation 18:2. They are deceptive in nature, opposed to Christ, yet subject to His authority and testify to His Deity (Matthew 8:29; Mark 1:23-24; 3:11; 5:7; Luke 8:28; Act 19:15). They both acknowledge/believe the Godhead and tremble because they are aware of their upcoming final judgment (James 2:19, Matthew 8:29).
Some believers do not make a distinction between fallen angels and demons specifically because they are both evil spirits. Others focus on the origins of these beings, noting various evil spiritual incursions in the Old Testament Scriptures (i.e., in Genesis 6, the sons of God who mated with the daughters of men and their offspring, the spirits of the Nephilim). Regardless of one’s view of these texts, we know that demons in the New Testament seek embodiment, as noted in Matthew 8:31 (preferring occupation of animals over disembodiment). The results of this embodiment in this Matthew 8 passage are evidence that they are satanic and destructive influences in a living being, resulting in suffering and a rush to death. Jesus said:
- “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11)
Since they oppose God’s purposes, they are adversaries of humanity (Matthew 12:45). They have seduced humans into worshiping them in ancient times and will continue to do so until Christ vanquishes them (Leviticus 17:7; Deuteronomy 32:17; 2 Chronicles 11:15; Psalms 106:37; 1 Corinthians 10:20-21; 1 Timothy 4:1). Believers are forewarned not to be deceived by them nor to be deceived by one who is demonized (Strong’s G1139 – daimonizomai – To be demon-possessed, to be under the power of a demon.)
- Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1)
- But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)
- and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. (2 Timothy 4:4)
- “And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time. “Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. “He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. “But in their place he shall honour a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honour with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. (Daniel 11:35-38)
- “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:11-12)
- For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. (1 Corinthians 8:5-6)
- And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)
- Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day [the Day of the Lord, or the Day of wrath] will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, … The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 9-12)
All fallen spirits (described as Satan’s angels or demons) exhibit intellect, influence humanity, await final judgment, and remain subject to the incarnate Son of God. The power of darkness will continue to wage war until the appointed time.
- Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. (1 John 2:8)
- He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8)
- Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil (Hebrews 2:14)
- But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. (1 Corinthians 15:23-25)
Jesus warned us about the things that “are coming UPON the world” in the last days. He said:
- …”See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them. “When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately.” Then He continued by saying to them, “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be great earthquakes, and in various places plagues and famines; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. … “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. “Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN A CLOUD with power and great glory. … “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:8-11, 25-27, 34-36 NASB95)
Thank God that Jesus has already won the victory, and our Heavenly Father has a plan that He has shared with those who trust His Word:
- Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15)
- The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. … And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. “Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. (Revelation 1:1-3, 17-19 NKJV)
The Authority of the Believer through Christ Jesus
So, what is the believer to do with all the media reports out there? The Holy Spirit provided guidance in the epistles. God wants us to keep our confidence and faith in the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and soon-coming King! Then, remember who you are in Christ. Jesus’ victory gave the Christian the ability to withstand the attacks of all evil powers through the armour of God in Christ Jesus, with the Holy Spirit’s gift of discernment and wisdom for God’s Word. As it is written:
- Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; (Ephesians 6:13-17)
- Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. (1 John 4:1-3)
- And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (Revelation 12:11)
- For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
Rather than focusing on sensationalism, focus on Christ. God’s Word instructs us to direct our minds on the security He provides.
- Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)
- Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established. (Proverbs 16:3)
- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
- casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 )
- “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
- For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)
Biblical Prophecy Concerning Aerial Phenomena in the Latter Days
Are we alone in the universe? Jesus said men’s hearts would fail them for what is coming upon the earth. This statement includes wars, plagues, natural disasters, cosmic devastation, foreign beings arising from the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:1-3) and more.
The Bible says humans have never been alone, but it does not lay out the scenarios that many in Hollywood or the film industry portray.
The question is, who do you believe? Do you believe temporal and often mistaken human beings, the deceiving spirits, or God (through His Word and Spirit)?
Will you believe the prophetic Word of God that prophesied the Messiah, our Kinsman Redeemer? Will you believe the history documented in Old Testament Scriptures and expanded upon in the New Testament?
While many are immersed in discussions concerning non-human beings, believers can hear the conversation, have a Biblically sound opinion, but remain fixed on our Creator.
The most edifying subject to focus on is the One who gives eternal life to those who place their faith in Him, namely Jesus Christ. God loved His creation so much that He gave His only begotten Son, who willingly laid down His life for any human being who would believe and accept His gracious gift of love through faith.
You will see signs in the heavens (aerial anomalous phenomena) one way or another. Faith in Christ will determine which phenomena you will experience.
- Believers will be caught up to meet their Saviour in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).
- Unbelievers will see lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, Revelation 13:1-5, 11-13, 15, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:10) and be alarmed at the coming of the Son of Man (Christ).
What do you think? What are you doing with the choice presented to you?
The Messiah does not bring fear or torment, and He does not abduct you or force Himself upon you. The Messiah brings peace, love, joy, self-control, a sound mind and invites you to be led by His Spirit. Choose faith over fear.
If you seek the truth (as well as belonging and unconditional love), you will find it in Christ Jesus. God creates our souls and offers each person the choice to know Him, revealing Himself through creation, the Holy Scriptures, people, and ultimately through Jesus Christ. In Christ, you will find your true place and become part of His body. If you sense a tugging in your heart, it may be the Holy Spirit inviting you to see Christ as Saviour and Lord. With your own words, simply confess you truly believe Jesus Christ is God’s Son and Lord of all created things. Ask Him to forgive you from all sin and cleanse your heart from all guilt. Ask Him to increase your faith in the knowledge of Him and to give you freedom from sin that He offers.
All Scripture in this blog is from the New King James Version unless otherwise specified.
DesiringFruitfulness 