We turn now from the doctrine of God the Creator, to His creation.
Before coming to humanity, we look at intelligent but not human creatures, angels and demons.
Angels are mentioned over 200 times in Scripture, but their creation and nature are never directly discussed. There are many different species or names for the class of "Angel:" Cherubim, Seraphim, sons of God, watchers, principalities, living creatures, angel. Gabriel and Michael are named. There are lots of them. That's about all we know about who they are.
What do they do?
We find them guarding Eden first (Genesis 3:24), and the temple later, in symbolic picture.
They are messengers bringing us God's Word, often.
They also protect us. Elisha in 2 Kings 6:15ff, Daniel 10:13-14, Matt 18:10.
They learn from the grace the church receives and lives (Ephesians 3:10).
They will have a role at the consummation.
Men are less powerful and thus prone to worship angels, but men are made in God's image unlike angels and we will judge angels in the coming age. We trade places it seems, men a little lower for now, but exalted above them in Christ (Hebrews 1:14; 2:5-9). Part of the wonder of God's grace is that He saves weaker humans who rebel, but not mighty angels who rebel.
Demons
These are angels who rebelled against God before Adam and Eve did. Isaiah 14:3-21 and Ezekiel 28:2-19 describe it. Jesus calls Satan the "ruler of this world" [though he is now cast out]. He is a liar and slanderer - as God's nature is truth, Satan distorts truth. He is defeated but still dangerous.
Living with angels
Scripture talks more about angels than natural laws - the universe is personal more than mechanical.
Angels engage in spiritual warfare: don't under- or over-estimate the power of demons.
Angels learn about God's grace and salvation by watching us.
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