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Do Angels Live Forever?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHumanity shares Planet Earth with angels, some of whom are invisible, evil enemies that we must resist to overcome sin. These sinning angels, referred to as demons, live on despite their rebellion, unlike humans who die as a result of sin. Angels were created before Adam and Eve, and there is no record of any angel dying, even from the war that broke out due to their defiance. Sinning angels, at least 6,000 years old, continue to exist, with no indication in Scripture of new angels being created. Though their movements are restricted to the earth unless called before God, they remain free to deceive and harass mankind to some extent. The penalty for their sins has not been fully carried out beyond a measure of constraint, leaving open the question of whether further judgment awaits. These sinning angels express fear of destruction and torment, acknowledging a set future time for their reckoning, yet they continue to live like prisoners with no hope of parole. Scripture indicates that the wages of sin, if not repented of, is death, and an angel, as a living being with the liberty to make moral choices, is also a soul subject to this principle. God's justice is fair, using the same standard for all, whether man or angel, with each judged individually. As God purges sin and unrepentant sinners from existence, sinning angels are not excused; their sinful works are to be burned up along with all contamination on earth. Prophecies of the New Heaven and New Earth describe a righteousness so pure that no sin, not even in memory, will remain. The unrepentant, lying, and murderous demons will not endure; they will be burned up in the Lake of Fire, ensuring that nothing will mar the pure moral and spiritual environment of God's Kingdom.
Angelic Responsibilities
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsAngels were endowed with the capacity to think, reason, and form attitudes. Their function was and is to be God's messengers and ministers to His creation.
Do Angels Live Forever? (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEzekiel 28 reveals that Satan's fate will be ashes in the Lake of Fire; it would be inconsistent with God's character for Him to inflict pain eternally.
Eternal Torment?
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible does not teach that hell is a place of eternal torment. Instead, God will eradicate all sin and wickedness, not punish the wicked forever.
Did God Create a Devil?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletDid God create a Devil? When God created the heaven and the earth, did He create this earth in a state of confusion? Here are the answers from God's Word!
1 Peter 3:19
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughThe idea of purgatory, Hades, or Hell has a long history, predating Christianity by centuries. Roman Catholicism adopted the whole framework into its theology.
The Adversary
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPride, vanity, presumption, and self-absorption led to Satan's demise. Satan's madness (that he is his own god) is the spirit of this world,
God's Wrath and Hell
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOblivion, not eternal torment in hell fire, is the merciful end for the wicked. God is both good and severe, but His mercy endures forever.
Ecclesiastes (Part Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are required to make judgments in our area of influence, in the home and in our own lives. We cannot be careless with God's standards in our own family.
Facing Change: A Lesson from I Kings 13
Article by John O. ReidAs time progresses, we will face many changes. We must examine the source of the change, consider the truth we have learned, and go to God for understanding.