Are Angels and Demons the Same?

Q: As a Christian I believe that God does send angels to us at times. Are angels and demons the same, since Satan’s demons are sometimes called his angels, and do they operate in all forms of religion? — A.W.

A: The history of virtually all nations and cultures reveals at least some belief in angelic beings. Ancient Egyptians made the tombs of their dead more impregnable and lavish than their homes because they felt angels would visit there in succeeding ages. Some religious scholars have proposed that at least two angels are assigned to each person: one angel records the good deeds and the other the bad. But no matter what the traditions, our frame of reference must be the Scripture as our supreme authority on this subject.

Some scientists lend credence to the scientific probability of angels when they admit the likelihood of unseen and invisible intelligence. Increasingly, our world is being made acutely aware of the existence of occult and demonic powers. People pay attention as never before to sensational headlines promoting  books concerning the occult. News accounts of strange happenings around the world fascinate readers, TV viewers, and internet surfers everywhere.

God’s sinless angels should never be confused with Satan’s demons. Certainly, the eye of faith sees many evidences of the supernatural display of God’s power and glory. We must never fail to sense the operation of angelic glory. It forever eclipses the world of demonic powers, as the sun does the candle’s light.

We should be thankful for the ministers of comfort He sends to us, but we must be careful to put our trust in Him alone, for it is God who gives “His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:11, NASB).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2019 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.