How can I tell an Angel from God apart from a Demon pretending to be an Angel?

Answer 1

Never before do I recall such interest in angels, with some it has become an unhealthy preoccupation. "Some at Colosse had extreme interest in angels to the point of worshipping them" (Col. 2: 18). Of course, it is good that we are concerned about any biblical subject, providing we allow the Bible to govern us in that pursuit (Num. 22: 18).

There are approximately three hundred clear references to angels in the Bible. The Greek word transliterated "angel" (angelos) simply means, "messenger." from angello," to deliver a message". Angels are spirit beings which means they do not have material bodies as men have (Heb. 1: 14). However, on occasion they have assumed human form (Lk. 24: 4, 23). There are good and bad angels (Mk. 8: 38, Matt. 25: 41) (Also referred to as demons). Many of the graphic depictions of angels present them as female; however, they are always presented as "masculine" in the scriptures.

The origin of angels. Angels are created beings (Ps. 148: 2-5). Hence, angels are not to be worshipped (Col. 2: 8). Angels were created as free moral agents. Some remained loyal to God, others rebelled (2 Pet. 2: 4).

The design and purpose of angels as seen, angels are primarily God's messengers (Matt. 1: 20). Angels also minister or serve. Speaking of angels the Hebrews writer wrote, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Heb. 1: 14.) Angels have also served as instruments (though whom God has worked, Gen. 19: 13).

There are similarities between angels and man. Both angels and man were created by God (Ps. 148: 2-5, Gen. 1, 2). Hence, both are subservient to God (Heb. 1: 6, Matt. 4: 10). Angels and man are also both free moral agents (freedom of choice in service, 2 Pet. 2: 4, 6; Gen. 2, 3). At times, angels have resembled man physically (Gen. 18: 1-22).

The dissimilarities between angels and man. Angels are now superior to man (2 Pet. 2: 11). Angels are genderless (Matt. 22: 30). In this vein, angels do not marry or procreate (Matt. 22: 30). Moreover, angels are spirit beings and are not heirs of God as man is (Heb. 1: 14; I Pet. 1: 12, Rom. 8: 17).

The Angelic organization. The term "archangel" is indicative of rank (I Thes. 4: 16). We read of cherubim and seraphim (Gen. 3: 24, Isa. 6: 2, 3). The Cherubim, apparently high ranking angels, are presented as winged (Ex. 25: 20). In this angelic hierarchy, there is also what is called the "theophany," perhaps the highest in rank. The theophany, while an angel, assumes the "position" of God himself (Ex. 3: 2-6). He is called "the angel of the Lord" (Ex. 3: 2). The archangel, cherubim, seraphim, and the "theophany" all appear to be over angels in general.

Angelic activity. Angels were the agents in the destruction of the cities of the plain (Gen. 19), an angel destroyed the Assyrian army (2 Kgs. 19), and angels were associated with the birth of Jesus (Matt. 2: 13, ch. 1). The "angel of the Lord" rolled back the stone from the door of Jesus' grave (Matt. 28: 2), and two were present at Jesus' ascension (Acts 1: 10). Angels comforted Jesus and Paul (Matt. 4: 11, Acts 27: 23.). Angels shall accompany Jesus in the Judgment and shall separate the saved and the lost (Matt. 13: 36.).

How about angelic activity today? There are some things we know with absolute certainty. For instance, angels are not to present another gospel or change Jesus' gospel in any way (Gal. 1: 6-9). Hence, all the religions which are built on the claim of angelic revelation are wrong! We also know that angels do not violate in any way God's present means of working with man. For instance, God saves man through the gospel, not angelic intervention or coercion (Rom. 1: 16). In this vein, angels must not be perceived as miraculously working (miracles, as such) in man's behalf (I Cor. 13: 8-10).

Here are two verses which are very intriguing relative to angels' present activity are: Matthew 18: 10, and Hebrews 1: 14. Angels are certainly interested in man (Lk. 15: 10) and some believe angels are presently active, in view of the foregoing verses. Hebrews 1: 14 does apply to this final dispensation (Heb. 1: 1). Any believed activity, though, must be governed by the foregoing and presented in harmony with such verses as I Peter 3: 12 and I Corinthians 10: 13. More than this we cannot say (Deut. 29: 29).

An Addendum regarding Matthew 18: 10: There is absolutely no doubt that angels have had an active role and part in the affairs of man. Angels were involved in the giving of the Ten Commandment Law to Moses and are presented as escorting Lazarus to Abraham's bosom (Acts 7: 53, Lk. 16: 22). It is also undeniable that angels have a special interest in man's salvation (Lk. 15: 10). It is also apparent that Jesus' language, "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" is teaching the existence of a special angelic connection between "these little ones" and angels (Matt. 18: 10). The essential question is in what manner and to what extent is there an angelic connection?

The expression "their angels" (hoi aggelio auton) indicates intimacy in the connection, so much so that one should not despise one of "these little ones." These angels ("their angels") themselves have a consequential connection by reason of they "do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."

Many believe that "their angels" is teaching a special angelic connection, awareness, and posture "between" angels in general and the saved in general (cp. Heb. 1: 14).

Some contend the verse is teaching more. They are persuaded Matthew 18: 10 teaches that each individual saved person has his own specific angel assigned to him. This assigned angel they call "a guardian angel."

Regarding the first view, there is no doubt. However, the second view requires some imaginative exercise.

For sure, any view regarding man and angels in any providential circumstance must not present angels as interfering with man's free moral agency, responsibilities, or acting inharmoniously with the gospel (Jn. 7: 17; Acts 2: 40; Gal. 1: 6-9, I Cor. 13: 8-10).

Who or what are demons? Some view demons as simply the personification of evil; hence, they are not entities. However, in the above passage it is apparent demons were (are) entities. It was a common belief among the Jews of the First Century that demons were the spirits of the wicked that entered into men. Some early beliefs relative to demons have continued until this present day. Some believe demons were (are) the offspring of angels marrying women; others contend that demons are the disembodied spirits of the inhabitants of a pre-Adamic earth; and some maintain angels are fallen angels (Gen. 6: 4; 2 Pet. 2: 4). Regarding the first three views, there is no scriptural evidence. In fact, the scriptures will not allow such explanations as being even plausible. Concerning the fourth view, it is highly likely that demons are fallen angels who were allowed to work their deeds during a special period (2 Pet. 2: 4, Jude 6).

It should be understood that while demons and the devil are associated, demons and the devil are separate and distinct entities. It is unfortunate that some Translations will render "demons" (Gk. diamon) "devils".

For more definition and clarification, please consider the observations of lexicographer W. E. Vine:

"Noun, daimon '…a demon,' signified, among pagan Greeks, an inferior deity, whether good or bad. In the NT it denotes 'an evil spirit.' It is used in Matt. 8:31, mistranslated 'devils.' Some would derive the word from a root da---, meaning 'to distribute.' More probably it is from a similar root da---, meaning 'to know,' and hence means 'a knowing one.'

"Noun, daimonion …not a diminutive of daimon, No. 1, but the neuter of the adjective daimonios, pertaining to a demon, is also mistranslated 'devil,' 'devils.' In Acts 17:18, it denotes an inferior pagan deity…. They disseminate errors among men, and seek to seduce believers, 1 Tim. 4:1…. 'Demons' tremble before God, Jas. 2:19; they recognized Christ as Lord and as their future Judge, Matt. 8:29; Luke 4:41. Christ cast them out of human beings by His own power. His disciples did so in His name, and by exercising faith, e.g., Matt. 17:20. Acting under Satan (cp. Rev. 16:13,14), 'demons' are permitted to afflict with bodily disease, Luke 13:16. Being unclean they tempt human beings with unclean thoughts, Matt. 10:1; Mark 5:2; 7:25; Luke 8:27-29; Rev. 16:13; 18:2, e.g. They differ in degrees of wickedness, Matt. 12:45. They will instigate the rulers of the nations at the end of this age to make war against God and His Christ, Rev. 16:14. See DEVIL" (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words).

The true nature of demons. There are many characteristics of demons found in the New Testament. Demons are said to be evil (Lk. 7: 21, 8: 2). As seen in Vine's statements, some demons are worse and stronger than other demons, comparatively speaking (Matt. 12: 45, 43; Mk. 9: 17-29). During the age of demon possession, demons were able to come and go out of a person at will (Lk. 11: 24, 25). They were also able to take possession of animals (Mk. 5: 13). Demons were able to speak out through the mouth of the one whom they possessed, the demoniac (Lk. 4: 33-36). The fact demons possessed knowledge is seen in their recognition of Jesus as the Son of God and they knew their destiny (Mk. 5: 7, Matt. 8: 29). Demons are said to have dwelt in desolate regions. We read of them being in the mountains, among the tombs, and in dry, waterless places (Mk. 5: 5; Mk. 5: 2; Lk. 11: 24).

Demons during the New Testament age (First Century). It was during the First Century that demons obviously experienced their greatest freedom and activity. Demons suppressed and possessed many. It was during this time that Satan reigned predominantly. Demons possessed men, women, a boy, and a girl (Matt. 4: 24; Lk. 8: 2; Lk. 9: 38, 39; Mk. 7: 25).

Demons affected those whom they possessed in different ways. They caused some to be dumb (unable to speak); they caused blindness; inability to hear; to be savage; to possess superhuman strength; and to appear insane (Matt. 9: 32, 33; Matt. 12: 22; Mk. 9: 25; Matt. 8: 28; Mk. 5: 2-4; Mk. 5: 5).

Do demons or evil spirits possess people today? There is no doubt that many are under the control of the devil (cp. 2 Tim. 2: 24-26). However, the scriptures teach that if we resist the devil, he will flee (Jas. 4: 7). Hence, our question pertains to the uninvited and severe bodily indwelling of demons. An important verse in determining the answer to our question is Luke 10: 18. "…I beheld Satan," Jesus said to his disciples, "as lighting fall from heaven." Jesus' statement clearly has reference to a defeat of Satan and the lessening of his powers. The text or frame of reference of Jesus' statement has to do with "even the demons are subject unto us through thy name" (vs. 17). The seventy thus commissioned were given power over the demonic world, to cast out demons. I, therefore, understand the kind and type of demon possession of which we read in the New Testament to have been of a limited duration, just as miraculous abilities were limited in their time frame (I Cor. 13: 8-10). Demon possession would not continue pass the time of the miraculous means of delivery (Click on "Have Miracles Ceased?" to read more). Notice some germane comments by commentator Albert Barnes on Colossians 2: 15 ("And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it"):

"The 'principalities and powers' here referred to are the formidable enemies that had held man in subjection, and prevented his serving God. There can be no doubt, I think, that the apostle refers to the ranks of fallen, evil spirits which had usurped a dominion over the world. The Savior, by his death, wrested the dominion from them, and seized upon that they had captured as a conqueror seizes upon his prey. Satan and his legions had invaded the earth and drawn its inhabitants into captivity, and subjected them to their evil reign. Christ, by his death, subdues the invaders and recaptures those whom they had subdued" (Barnes on the New Testament, Vol. 7, pg. 266).

Man's bondage to Satan today is voluntary and connected with man's association with the truth. Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Jn. 8: 32). Whosoever wills to serve God may do so (Jn. 7: 17, 3: 16). We either serve God or mammon (Matt. 6: 24). In scriptural baptism, the "old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Rom. 6: 6, see entire chapter). The First Century is unique in that never before or after has there been this kind or amount of demon activity so manifest. It is evident that the world of evil spirits were allowed this unprecedented freedom so Jesus' Sonship could be clearly demonstrated (cp. Mk. 5: 1-20, Lk. 10: 18).

The Bible also makes it clear that trying to directly contact an “angel” is dangerous for two reasons:

1. Not all angels are good. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Satan is an angel. So are his followers, the “fallen angels” (demons).

2. If you actually “contacted” an angel, how would you 100% know whether the angel was a “godly” angel or a “fallen” one? For that matter, how would you know whether that angel was really “your” guardian angel?

God also strongly warns us to stay away from those who claim to communicate with the spirit world (mediums or spiritists). Leviticus contains a typical warning:"Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God." - Leviticus 19:31

But most importantly of all, Jesus gave us the power over Satan and all demons.

"The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He (Jesus) replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." - Luke 10:17-20

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Punch it in the face. If it is an angel it will turn the other cheek. If it is a demon it will tear your arms off and swallow your head.

Answer 4

Doesn't matter. If Angel or Demon shows up you know you are totally screwed

Answer 5

Ostensibly, judge what the angel/demon is telling you to do. If it seems sketchy, or is tempting you to do something you wouldn't normally do (or something bad you do do) then it'd obviously be a demon.

Answer 6

I think the Angel fly's.God own the world.The Demon gust want to start trouble.

Answer 7

I would assume since they should look identical(demons were once angels) that you should just catch the vibe.

Answer 8

Give it a hug because demons are allergic to love

Answer 9

Make him confess JESUS CHRIST came in the Flesh (became a Human Being, Male). If that Angel won't confess JESUS came in the Flesh, no matter what he say's or how Bright he is, he's a fake. Command him to depart in the Name of JESUS. That's it, it's BIBLE. Ditto......

Answer 10

The Bible says to ask the spirit if it will confess that Jesus was raised from the dead physically. If it says yes and confesses it, its good, if not, its bad. Hope that helps?

Answer 11

YOU WILL KNOW IN YOUR HEART, FEEL IT.
GOD SENDS ANGELS AS HELPERS.

HOWEVER WHY WOULD A DEMON BE SNEAKING UP ON YOU? DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE THAT CARRIES ONE AND TRYING TO REBUKE IT? ARE YOU IN THEIR WHIRLWIND?
IF SO GET HELP FROM A CHURCH PERSON.