The Church and the Historical View
Early Christian theology took fallen angels seriously. Justin Martyr believed they were responsible for pagan idolatry. Irenaeus linked them to Genesis 6’s ‘sons of God.’ Augustine rejected this, seeing their rebellion as spiritual, not physical. Throughout the Middle Ages, demons were associated with temptation and heresy. The Reformers like Luther and Calvin reaffirmed their existence but warned against superstition.
Wayne Grudem clarifies: ‘Demons are not independent or omnipotent; they are created beings under divine constraint.’ (Systematic Theology, 2020, p. 421)
Are They Ghosts? Are They Humanlike?
Fallen angels are not ghosts. The Bible never equates them with the spirits of deceased humans (Hebrews 9:27). They are non-human, spiritual entities. They are not omnipresent — unlike God, they are finite creatures (Job 1:7). Though capable of appearing in human form (Genesis 19:1; Hebrews 13:2), Scripture gives no indication they can permanently take on flesh.
📘 WORD BOX: OMNIPRESENCE
Meaning: The unique attribute of God to be present everywhere at all times.
Application: Angels and demons are localized beings, bound to time and space.
