If angels and demons can’t die, what is the point of their engaging in battle?

Answer

Popular fiction, like the novel “This Present Darkness” by Frank Peretti, often includes vivid descriptions of spiritual conflicts where demons are defeated by sword-wielding angels in a swift and dramatic manner. The suggestion is that the demons somehow perish when struck by angelic swords. It is essential that our theological beliefs are grounded in biblical teachings rather than modern novels. The Bible affirms the reality of spiritual warfare, as seen in the account of Michael the archangel disputing with the devil over the body of Moses, refraining from making a slanderous accusation but instead saying, “The Lord rebuke thee” (Jude 1:9). Additionally, the Bible indicates that following the final judgment, demons will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10). Since demons (and angels) do not experience death or physical harm, what is the purpose of engaging in spiritual warfare?

Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that not all battles result in death. The objective of angels battling demons is not to destroy them but to obstruct their schemes and advance God’s purposes. In the Bible, we observe angels engaging in combat with demons to convey divine messages to individuals, as illustrated in the account where the prince of the kingdom of Persia resisted an angel for twenty-one days until Michael, one of the chief princes, intervened to assist him, allowing the angel to deliver the message (Daniel 10:13), and to expel Satan’s forces from heavenly realms (Revelation 12:7-8). Demons can be resisted, as stated in the Bible, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

, (James 4:7), tormented by God «When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. », (Luke 8:28), lose what they possess (Mark 9:25-26), be sent to another place «And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. », (Matthew 8:32), and be removed to the Abyss «And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. », (Luke 8:31).

Second, there will be a time when Satan and his demons will experience what the Bible calls “the second death,” which is the lake of fire «But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. », (Revelation 21:8). We look forward to that day because the demons’ main objective in battle is to counter God’s will in the lives of people everywhere—believers and non-believers alike «Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: », (1 Peter 5:8). We have many examples in the Bible that God has sent His angels to warn, guide, and protect

God’s children. One of the best examples of these roles in Scripture is through the story of Christmas. God used angels to inform Zechariah that he would have a son named John (Luke 1:8-20), to tell Mary that she would bear the Messiah (Luke 1:26-38), to declare Christ’s birth to others (Luke 2:8-13), and to warn Joseph to protect his family from King Herod’s wrath «And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. », (Matthew 2:13).

God has not seen fit to imprison all demons just yet, but He promises that in the last days they will be thrown, along with Satan, into the lake of fire. There is no escape from this fate, and all demonic spirits will be tormented in eternal isolation from God and His children «And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. », (Revelation 20:10).

The reality of spiritual warfare affects every believer. It is of utmost importance to recognize this warfare that is taking place and be prepared for it. God has given us all that is necessary to stand firm against the devil’s schemes and has commanded us to put on the full spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18).