In a recent SS discussion someone mentioned that Jesus died for the angels as well as humanity. No one seemed to really object or agree, but I think this raises some questions. Does the salvation provided by Christ extend to the angels as well?

One view says that Jesus death on the cross defeated satan and his army of demons. One effect of this victory is the liberation of that which the demons enslaved, humans for instance.

Yes, but can Satan and his army of demons be saved in the end? This has serious implications. First, Satan, the being responsable for this disaster on earth, might be in heaven for eternity. Second, sin is not linked to death, since the evil angels have sinned and live forever. Third, by what means was atonement made for the angels (if it was) and if not, why not? Why do only humans need bloodshed for salvation?

(I'm making any number of assumptions here; we may have to sort out various understandings as this goes along.)

Being somewhat new to the forum, this topic may have already been discussed. If so, please point me in the direction of the discussion and I'll read it.

Hi JAK, and welcome!


"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Col. 1:20)

The effect of the cross on unfallen creatures is preventive – a safeguard against defection. Notice that the same effect will be exercised upon angels and upon the inhabitants of other worlds.

“That which alone can effectually restrain from sin in this world of darkness, will prevent sin in heaven. The significance of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Shall we not then exalt the cross of Christ? The angels ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of the cross that the angels of heaven are guarded from apostasy. Without the cross they would be no more secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan. Angelic perfection failed in heaven. Human perfection failed in Eden, the paradise of bliss. All who wish for security in earth or heaven must look to the Lamb of God. The plan of salvation, making manifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternal safeguard against defection in unfallen worlds, as well as among those who shall be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.” {ST, December 30, 1889 par. 4}

But the salvation provided by Christ does not extend to fallen angels, otherwise Jesus couldn't have said what he said here:

Matthew 25:41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels'

Please notice that if the eternal fire was prepared for the devil and his angels, this means that the fact that they won't be saved is certain. This is confirmed by the prophecies of Rev. 20:7-10.

I'm not sure I agree with the idea that the effect of the cross is preventative. It doesn't stop committed Christians here on earth from sinning, why should it stop them in heaven? Actually, this whole perfection thing has failed on several levels. The angels couldn't do it and humans can't do it either.

The cross provides a mechanism for forgiveness and reinstatement once a person has sinned. As far as I understand, angels have no such luxury. Or, they don't need it; they just repent and are accepted back.

The other point is that death and sin are not related. Sin does not categorically cause death. Case in point: the evil angels have sinned, yet they do not die. God must destroy them in the lake of fire which you quoted above.

JAK,

As I understand it, sin would "categorically cause death" except for one important detail: God is exercising special restraint during this probationary time to purposely allow sinners to live. When that restraint is withdrawn, sin will cause imminent death. The reason God is allowing sin for a time is because God wants us all to understand what sin really, truly means and is. Once all created beings have had opportunity to see and understand the course of sin on this earth, and how Jesus' death is what gave sinners a second chance at eternal life, no one will desire to experiment with sin again. It is this understanding which comes in light of the cross that will prevent even the angels from ever desiring to sin.

Prevention here has to do with understanding the reasons why. It does not have to do with putting chains upon the will or removing one's free choice. If we choose to sin, we certainly can. In heaven, however, all who are saved from this sinful mess will have so thoroughly been disgusted by sin as to never desire to return to it, and a big part of that disgust will come from a realization of what it cost on the part of our Savior Jesus. We will be ever reminded of this in the scars which He bears.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

I suppose this all gets down to what your view of sin is. If it is a failure to adhere to an arbitrarily composed list of rules, then there is no good reason why even the devil himself would not potentially be converted and once again live in peace in paradise.

If on the other hand sin is unreasonable and unreasoning hatred and enmity towards God, then it seems likely that anyone who having clearly faced and known the grace and love of God and non the less wilfully rejected it and thereafter actively fight Him will be irredeemably lost. The fallen angles presumably have had all necessary exposure to God to have such a clear understanding of who He is.

I cannot possibly agree with this. God is doing all this just so we are "revolted" by sin and stop sinning? It is the Holy Spirit dwelling within us that prompts us to live without sinning (Romans 8:9), not revolting memories. In fact, God says he himself will forget our sins.

Besides, some things set out as "sins" don't have horrible, revolting consequences, like going to church on Sunday instead of Saturday. There are millions of happy, Spirit-filled Christians going to church on Sunday.

I would tend to agree. Sin is action against the will of God and God hates it and does not tempt or lead anyone into it. Therefore it is unreasonable that God would be orchestrating or even condone it. Might that be due to not all things we fancy to call sin are in fact sin?