Why Is Easter So Important?

⁹ What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because He suffered death for us, He is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. ¹⁰ God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that He should make Jesus, through His suffering, a perfect Leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. ¹¹ So now Jesus and the ones He makes holy (sanctified) have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them His brothers and sisters. ¹² For He said to God, “I will proclaim Your Name to My brothers and sisters. I will praise You among Your assembled people.” … ¹⁷ Therefore, it was necessary for Him (Jesus) to be made in every respect like us, His brothers and sisters, so that He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then He could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 2:9-12, 17-18 (NLT)

The unknown author of Hebrews warns and instructs everyone to listen very carefully to the truths we have heard from the living God about His Son Jesus, or we may drift away into eternal punishment (Hebrews 2:1; see also 1 John 2:5). The living God sent His holy angels, as messengers from God, to give His moral commands to Moses at Mount Sinai – the Mosaic Law (Hebrews 2:2; see also Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 68:17; Acts 7:38; Galatians 3:19). Sadly, people continually disobeyed and rebelled against the living God’s moral commands which led to God’s justice, punishment, and wrath (Hebrews 2:2; see also John 7:19; Acts 7:53).

Now, the living LORD God has given everyone a GREATER truth about His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and that greater truth is the Gospel (Good News) message. This is the GREATER truth: the living LORD God freely gives ALL PEOPLE salvation and reconciliation to Him through faith and obedience to His Son Jesus Christ’s teaching, sacrificial death, and miraculous resurrection (Hebrews 2:3; e.g., see also John 1:29; Luke 19:10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Timothy 1:15; Hebrews 10:26-29). The living LORD God and His Son Jesus have confirmed the great Gospel message of salvation through signs, wonders, and various miracles as well as through the Holy Spirit’s power (Hebrews 2:4; see also John 3:2; Acts 2:22; Acts 10:38; Romans 1:16-17). The disciples who were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry and obeyed His teaching passed the Gospel message to others (Hebrews 2:3-4; see also Acts 1:21-22; 2 Peter 1:16; 1 John 1:1). The disciples’ Gospel message about Jesus was authenticated and confirmed by God’s power in their lives through amazing signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:3-4; e.g., see also, Acts 2:43; Acts 3:6-7, 11-12, 16; Acts 5:12-16; Acts 9:31-42; Acts 14:3, 8-10; Acts 19:11-12; Acts 28:7-10).

The living LORD God loves ALL people, even above His holy angels (Hebrews 2:5-6; see also Deuteronomy 33:3; Psalm 8:4-6; Luke 12:6-7; John 3:16). From the beginning of human history, the LORD God’s purpose was that the humans He created in His image would have dominion and control in His world, subject only to His Kingship (Hebrews 2:7-8; see also Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8:6-8). Sadly, the first humans Adam and Eve failed to receive God’s dominion and control because of their sin, rebellion, and disobedience against the living God and caused all humanity to fall into sin – the Great Fall (e.g., see Genesis 3:1-7). In the coming future world - Utopia, God’s righteous and redeemed people will control His world, and His Son Jesus will be their Captain and Leader (Hebrews 2:5, 10; see also Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-4).

The LORD God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world on a rescue mission to take away ALL humanities’ sins (e.g., see Luke 1:78; Luke 2:10-11; John 3:16-17; Romans 8:38-39; 1 John 4:9-10; 1 John 2:2; Romans 3:25). Approximately 2,000 years ago, God visited earth when the living LORD God made His Son Jesus Christ temporarily lower than the angels and made Jesus human — the God-Man (Hebrews 2:7, 9, 14, 16-17; see also John 1:1-2, 14; Luke 1:29-33, 35; Romans 1:3; Galatians 4:4; Philippians 2:7-8; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 4:2). The Father of Jesus graciously sent His Son Jesus as a Jew – the “Seed of Abraham” – with human flesh and blood to become a living and final sacrifice to take away the sins of the world (Hebrews 2:14, 16-17; see also John 1:29; John 4:22; Romans 3:25; Romans 8:32; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Philippians 2:6-8; 1 John 4:10, 14). The Lord Jesus Christ’s coming to earth and living as a human is known as the Incarnation (e.g., see Matthew 1:21, 23). With the Incarnation, the living LORD God was in His Son Jesus reconciling and merging the world to Himself (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 5:19). In the order of creation, humans are made lower than angels, and the Lord Jesus Christ took this lower place temporarily during the Incarnation (see Hebrews 2:9).

In His humanity, the Lord Jesus experienced all the same emotions, pains, hardships, and temptations of humans (e.g., see John 4:6-8). During His earthly ministry, Jesus experienced fatigue and weariness (e.g., see Matthew 8:24; John 4:6); hunger and thirst (e.g., see Matthew 4:2; Matthew 21:18; John 19:28); joy and sorrow (e.g., see Matthew 26:37; John 15:11); compassion and love (e.g., see Matthew 9:36; John 11:5); and righteous anger (e.g., see Mark 3:5). Yet, the Lord Jesus Christ NEVER sinned against the living God nor disobeyed His Father’s righteous commands (Hebrews 2:18; see also 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22).

Biblical scholars refer to the Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death for all humanities’ sin as an “atonement,” “propitiation,” or “expiation” (Hebrews 2:17; see also Romans 3:25; 2 Corinthians 5:5; 1 John 2:2). The Lord Jesus suffered and tasted the horrible death of crucifixion on Calvary’s Cross as the God-Man to bring salvation, redemption, and freedom to ALL people through faith in Him (Hebrews 2:9-10, 15, 17-18; see also e.g., John 1:29, 34; John 3:16; Galatians 1:4; 1 Peter 2:24). Only as a human could the Lord Jesus Christ suffer eternal death for ALL people to remove and destroy the power of sin in our lives (Hebrews 2:14; see also Romans 8:3; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Jesus’ sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection from complete death arrested, ended, and destroyed the power of the evil one, who had the power of death (Hebrews 2:14; see also John 16:11; Romans 6:5-11; 2 Timothy 1:10; 1 John 3:8). In other words, the evil one is disarmed, inoperative, and has no control against faithful and obedient followers of Jesus (e.g., see Colossians 2:15). Everyone dies, but death is not the end for believers of Jesus but a doorway to victory and a new life through faith in Jesus (e.g., see John 14:6; 1 Corinthians 15:55-58).

Through His sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection from complete death, the living LORD God has crowned His Son Jesus with glory and honor and given His Son Jesus complete charge over everything (Hebrews 2:8-9; see also Acts 2:23-24, 32-33, 36; Romans 1:4; Romans 8:34; Philippians 2:9-10). Even more, the living Jesus brings everyone who believes and obeys Him freedom, restoration, eternal salvation, and God’s Holy Spirit power (Hebrews 2:10, 14-15; see also John 8:36; Hebrews 5:9). The living God gives His spiritual empowerment to those who obey Him (e.g., see John 14:15-17, 21, 23-24; Acts 5:32). Sadly, Adam and Eve failed to receive God’s glory because of their sin, rebellion, and disobedience against God (e.g., see Genesis 3:1-7). Jesus shares and brings many sons and daughters into God’s glory who trust and obey Him (Hebrews 2:10; see also John 17:22-24; Revelation 1:5-6).

Furthermore through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection by His Father, the living LORD God declares all believers holy (sanctified, cleansed), righteous (justified), and adopted into God’s family and Kingdom (Hebrews 2:11; see also John 1:12-13; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:14-23; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:26; Galatians 4:5; Hebrews 10:10, 14, 29). The Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrificial suffering and death made Him a perfect Leader to bring ALL BELIEVERS in Him into their eternal salvation and glory (see Hebrews 2:10). Only through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection could He deliver and bring freedom and salvation from sin and death (see Hebrews 2:15). Now, faithful and obedient believers of Jesus now have the SAME Father of Jesus Christ also as their Father (Hebrews 2:11-12; see also Romans 8:15). Even more, believers become united with the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ and become His fellow brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11-13; see also Galatians 2:20). During His earthly ministry, the Lord Jesus Christ declared that everyone who TRUSTS in Him and OBEYS His teaching as His brothers and sisters and part of God’s Kingdom (e.g., see Luke 8:19-21; Luke 11:28; John 14:15, 21, 23; James 1:22).

Even more, the Lord Jesus Christ’s humanity made Him our merciful and faithful final High Priest before His Father, the living LORD God (Hebrews 2:17; see also Hebrews 4:14-16). In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator or intercessor between God and His people. The high priest’s job was to regularly offer animal sacrifices according to the Mosaic Law and to intercede with God for forgiveness of the people's sins. Jesus Christ is now our High Priest. Now, the Lord Jesus Christ understands our weaknesses, trials, and temptations, and He freely gives His mercy, grace, and Spirit during our temptation (e.g., see Hebrews 4:15-16). Because of the Lord Jesus Christ’s suffering and temptation, He knows what it is like when humans suffer and are tempted (see Hebrews 2:18). Therefore, the Lord Jesus Christ is wonderfully able to help and save us humans during our suffering, testing, and temptations (see Hebrews 2:18). Now, the Lord Jesus Christ is obedient believers’ perfect High Priest who intercedes and mediates with His Father. Having personally experienced human testing, hardships, and temptations, the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ can now better help ALL humans with our testing, hardship, and temptation (e.g., see Hebrews 2:18). If you need any help, cry out to Jesus for help (e.g., Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1)!

Because of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection, ALL humans must STOP sinning and doing evil, REPENT of their sins, and TURN and LOVE the living LORD God, who is the Father of Jesus (e.g., see Matthew 4:17; Matthew 22:27; Mark 1:14; Luke 13:3, 5, 27, 1 John 2:1). The Son of God bore ALL our sins in His body on Calvary’s Cross that we might die to sin and live to righteousness (e.g., see 1 Peter 2:24). Our trust, goodness, and obedience in the living God and His Son Jesus removes ALL our sins (e.g., see Acts 2:38-40; Acts 3:19). The living God calls ALL people to OBEY His righteous ways and commands (e.g., see 1 John 2:3-6). Every time one sinner repents and turns to the living and loving God, God’s holy angels rejoice and celebrates your recovery from the death of the evil one to new life (e.g., see Luke 15:7, 10, 32). Our continual sins, disobedience, and evil actions reveal you do not love God but in allegiance and obedience with the evil one (e.g., see 1 John 3:7-8). COME BACK TO GOD (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 5:20).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Heaven and Angels

This shows that the Son (Jesus Christ) is far greater than the angels, …. angels are only servants — spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:4, 14 (NLT)

The true and living LORD God is the eternal King and Judge of heaven and earth, and He is Almighty and without equal (e.g., see Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 10:16; Psalm 47:7, 11; Psalm 50:6; Psalm 58:11; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 4:9-10; Revelation 15:3). The living LORD God is not simply the greatest of many gods — He is the only true God and everlasting King and LORD of lords (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy 10:17; Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 10:6, 10). As the King and Judge, the true and living LORD God sits on His royal throne overseeing and ruling the whole world (e.g., see 1 Kings 22:19; 2 Chronicles 18:18; Psalm 47:8; Isaiah 6:1; Ezekiel 1:26-28; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 4:2; Revelation 20:11). The living and eternal LORD God is holy as His All-powerful Spirit radiates from His throne (e.g., see Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 1:4; Revelation 4:5, 8).

Surrounding the Almighty LORD God’s throne are all the armies of heaven (hosts) on His right and His left (e.g., see Deuteronomy 33:2; 1 Kings 22:19; Job 2:1; Psalm 89:5-8; Hebrews 12:22). The Holy Scriptures also call the armies of heaven surrounding the LORD God the “heavenly council,” “heavenly court,” “hosts of heaven,” or the “Sabaoth” (e.g., see Job 1:6; Job 38:7; Jeremiah 23:18, 22; Luke 2:13; Romans 9:29; James 5:4). The Holy Scriptures speak of a “heavenly court” or “heavenly council” (e.g., see Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:22; Genesis 11:7; Job 15:8; Psalm 82:1; Isaiah 6:8). Revelation chapters 4 and 5 give a beautiful picture of the throne room of God with His heavenly council (see Revelation 4:1-5:14). Because of the LORD God’s mighty armies, the Holy Scriptures will sometimes translate the living God the “LORD of Hosts,” “the God of the armies of Israel,” “LORD of Heaven’s Armies,” or “LORD Almighty” (e.g., see 2 Samuel 5:10; 1 Samuel 17:36, 45; 1 Kings 18:15; Isaiah 6:3; Zechariah 4:6, 9).

The armies of heavens consist of God’s holy angels, elders, heavenly bodies such as the stars, sun, elements, and moon, and living creatures that surround His royal throne (e.g., see Joshua 10:8, 11-14; Psalm 34:7; Psalm 68:17; Revelation 4:4, 6; Revelation 5:6, 11). The living God controls these armies of heavens (e.g., see Psalm 65:7; Psalm 107:23-25; Matthew 8:26-27; Mark 4:37-41; Luke 8:24-25). For example, Psalm 104 speaks of the storm-wind, moon, clouds, and the lightning as agents of God’s purposes (see Psalm 104:3-4, 19-22). These heavenly bodies are created by the living God and are NOT to be worshipped, trusted, or consulted (e.g., see Genesis 1:16-17; Exodus 20:3-5; Deuteronomy 4:19; Deuteronomy 5:7-9; 2 Kings 17:16; 2 Kings 21:3; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:8-9). Only the living LORD God is to be worshipped, trusted, and consulted (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:10; Revelation 14:7). The armies of heaven are only servants of the living God that worship and serve the living LORD God, carry out His instructions and will for His earth, and protect His people (e.g., see 1 Samuel 17:45; Psalm 91:11-12; Psalm 103:20-21; Psalm 148:2; 2 Kings 6:16-17; Daniel 7:10; Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:7, 14; Revelation 4:8; Revelation 19:10).

The Lord Jesus Christ is Commander of God’s armies of heaven as the Firstborn Son of the living LORD God (e.g., see Joshua 5:13-15; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 16:16; John 20:30-31; Revelation 19:11-16, 19). Even more, the Lord Jesus Christ is One with His Father the LORD God (e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30; John 14:9-10; John 17:11, 21-23). The New Testament rightly proclaims that Jesus is Lord and Christ (the Anointed One, Messiah) filled with the Spirit who currently sits in the throne room of heaven (e.g., see Acts 2:36; Revelation 5:6). The Lord Jesus Christ is seated “on the right hand of the Majesty on high,” the place of honor beside His Father, the LORD God (Hebrews 1:3, 13; see also Psalm 110:1-2; Matthew 22:43-44; Matthew 26:64; Mark 16:19; Luke 22:68-69; Acts 2:33-34; Acts 5:31; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 13; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22). The fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the LORD God indicates that He is actively ruling and reigning with His Father as Lord of All (see Hebrews 1:2, 13). The hosts of heaven worship the Lord Jesus Christ (e.g., see Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8, 11-14). One day coming soon, EVERYONE will worship in heaven and on earth and under the earth the Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father (see Philippians 2:9-11). Moreover, one day the Jesus Christ as the Great I AM will come on the clouds of heaven at His second coming (advent) with the heavenly hosts (e.g., see Psalm 110:1; Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:30-31; Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Revelation 1:7). Most importantly, faith in God’s only begotten Son the Lord Jesus Christ is the only doorway and entrance into the throne room of heaven (e.g., see John 3:16-17; John 10:9; John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

A true prophet of the living LORD God has had the privilege of seeing the LORD God sitting on His throne with His heavenly council or court (e.g., see Exodus 24:9-10; 1 Kings 22:19-22; 2 Kings 2:11-12; Isaiah 6:1-7; Jeremiah 23:16-22; Ezekiel 1:26-28; Daniel 7:9-14; Amos 3:7). Long ago the LORD God again and again spoke through His faithful prophets in many and various ways, including visions, dreams, and even face to face (Hebrews 1:1; see also see Numbers 12:6, 8; 2 Kings 17:13; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Jeremiah 7:3, 13; Jeremiah 25:4; Jeremiah 26:5; Jeremiah 29:19; Jeremiah 35:15; Ezekiel 14:6; Ezekiel 18:30). The living LORD God gave the prophets His plans, warnings of repentance, divine will, and purposes for all people (Hebrews 1:1; see also 2 Kings 17:13; Jeremiah 35:15; Ezekiel 18:31; Amos 3:7).

Then finally, the living LORD God sent His only begotten Son the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior (incarnation) in the last days to reveal His glory, instruct the people, and bring eternal salvation (Hebrews 1:2-3, 5-6; see also Luke 2:10-11; John 3:16-17; John 17:3, 6, 8, 18, 21, 23, 25; Colossians 1:15). The book of Hebrews frequently quotes from the Old Testament starting from chapter 1 and continuing throughout the book. The unknown author of Hebrews is making the point that God’s plan has been unfolding since Genesis chapter 3 with His prophets and then finally His Son the Lord Jesus. One day all of human history will culminate with Jesus’ second visit to earth!

The Lord Jesus Christ has received the whole world as an inheritance from His Father, the living LORD God of Heaven’s Armies (Sabaoth) (Hebrews 1:2; see also Psalm 2:8; Matthew 11:27; Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19; John 1:3). In other words, the LORD God, who is the Father of Jesus Christ, has given and entrusted everything to His Son (e.g., see Matthew 11:27; Matthew 28:18; John 3:35; John 13:3). Jesus Christ has become the Firstborn and Royal Heir of God (Hebrews 1:6; see also John 1:18; John 3:16; Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18). The living God has given Jesus a Name far greater than the angels and a Name that is far above every name (Hebrews 1:4-5; see also Matthew 3:17; Ephesians 1:20-21; Philippians 2:9-10; Hebrews 5:5). Therefore, the Lord Jesus is far greater, superior, and higher in rank than the angels and the prophets (Hebrews 1:2, 4-5; see also Hebrews 2:9). The victorious Lord Jesus Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the right Heir to David’s throne, and He is Son of the living God (e.g., see Matthew 16:16; Matthew 17:5; Mark 1:11; Acts 13:32-35; Revelation 5:5).

The throne of the Lord Jesus Christ will last forever and eternally, and He rules His Kingdom with justice and fairness (Hebrews 1:8; see also Luke 1:33). The Lord Jesus Christ loves right and hates wrong (see Hebrews 1:9). Therefore, the living God has anointed and poured out His Spirit upon His Son Jesus Christ more than anyone else and without measure (Hebrews 1:9; see also Isaiah 61:1, 3; John 3:34; Acts 10:38; Philippians 2:9). Furthermore, the living LORD God called His Son Jesus “Lord” when He said, “Lord, in the beginning You made the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands …. They will disappear into nothingness, but You will remain forever” (see Hebrews 1:10-11, TLB). Jesus Christ is Lord and God (e.g., see John 1:1-5, 14; John 20:28; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13). Even more, the living LORD God declares that His Son the Lord Jesus Christ will never change, and His years will never end (Hebrews 1:12; see also Hebrews 13:8).

What are angels?  Angels are spiritual messengers or servants who stand in the very Presence of the living God (Hebrews 1:7; see also Genesis 18:1-2; Judges 13:3; Luke 1:19, 26). The living LORD God speaks of the holy angels as His messengers who are swift as the wind and His servants of flaming fire (Hebrews 1:7; see also 2 Kings 2:11; 2 Kings 6:17; Psalm 104:4; Luke 1:11; Luke 2:13-15; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). Sometimes God’s holy angels also appeared in human form (e.g., see Genesis 16:11; Genesis 18:1-5; Judges 6:11-14; Luke 1:11; John 20:12-13; Hebrews 13:2). The holy angels served Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Balaam, and Daniel. Moreover, the living LORD God used His holy angels to send our His moral laws and commandments at Mount Sinai and the Gospel at the end of the age (e.g., Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 68:17; Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19; Revelation 14:6).

As mentioned earlier, angels are servants that are NOT to be worshipped (e.g., see Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:8-9). Angels are sometimes called “sons of God” in the Old Testament (e.g., see Genesis 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; Job 2:1).  While the angels collectively may be termed “the sons of God,” no angel would be given this title individually as the Lord Jesus Christ. Only Jesus Christ has been given the Name and Title the Firstborn Son and Royal Heir of God (Hebrews 1:5-6; see also Luke 1:32-35; John 1:18; John 3:16; Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18). The Lord Jesus Christ is the Sustainer, Creator, and Heir of the universe (e.g., see Hebrews 1:2-3). In fact, the angels worshipped and served Jesus as at His birth, temptation with evil, and just for His sacrificial death (e.g., see Matthew 4:11; Matthew 26:53; Mark 1:13; Luke 2:13-15; Luke 22:43; Hebrews 1:7). The worship of any object or being – no matter how noble – other than the living LORD God is idolatry, a sin the Holy Scriptures strongly warn again (e.g., see Exodus 20:3-5; Deuteronomy 6:13; Matthew 4:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 John 5:20-21).

As servants, the living God sends out His holy angels as spiritual messengers to help and care for those who are to receive God’s salvation (Hebrews 1:14; see also Psalm 46:7, 11; Psalm 103:21; Luke 1:11-13, 19, 26-28; Acts 5:19). The angels of the living God surround, guard, and protect those who love, honor, and obey the living God (e.g., see Psalm 34:7; Psalm 91:11; Daniel 6:22; Matthew 18:10). The angels of God are thousands and upon thousands (e.g., Daniel 7:10; Luke 2:13; Hebrews 12:22; Jude 1:14), and these angels of God surround the throne of God and His Son Jesus (e.g., see 1 Kings 22:19; Revelation 5:11). Sadly, some of these heavenly angels revolted against the living God and fell from heaven. For these falling angels, their allegiance is now with the evil one – liar, deceiver, and murderer.  

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Butler, Trent C. Holman Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1991).