The Fallen Angel in the Bible: Meaning and the Short Story Behind it
July 2022
Alberta Vadnais
I love finding ways to feel God in my day, whether I’m going to work or cooking dinner. I make sure I’m connected to Him by listening to Bible stories, sermons, praying, and singing praise songs. All the apps I test are introduced into my everyday life so that I can feel their usability on a daily basis.
Was the devil once an angel? Well, before man’s creation, Lucifer, a cherub, one of the high-ranking angels of God, began to want to be God. He saw himself as sufficient enough to be God and receive worship. In his pride, he rebelled against the Lord. Today, he is known as Satan the devil. What else does the bible say about the fallen angels and what lessons can we learn from their fall?
The Fallen Angel Meaning
A fallen angel is one who was expelled from heaven. One-third of the hosts of heaven joined in Satan’s rebellion. They were all cast down from heaven to the earth. These angels are who we refer to as fallen angels today. So are fallen angels demons? Yes, they are. The Bible uses the two terms interchangeably.
What is the Story Behind the Fallen Angel?
The reason is explained in Revelations 12. After Lucifer’s prideful thoughts and coalition with angels who also wanted to be worshipped, there was a war in heaven between Michael the Archangel, his angels, and Lucifer and his fallen angels. Lucifer was defeated, and there wasn’t any room for him and his rebellious troupe in heaven any longer. So they were cast down to earth.
Satan’s fall all began with his pride. The saying ‘Pride goes before a fall’ probably had its origin in Lucifer’s example.
Who are the Six Fallen Angels?
Satan is the chief fallen angel of God. But of all the angels that fell from heaven with Lucifer, there are six particularly that people feel are of note.
Was Hell Made for Satan and His Angels?
Matthew 25:41 says,
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
We can see from this scripture that hell was prepared for Satan and his demons. However, their mission is to drag as many people as they can with them. Those are the people who Jesus was referring to that stood on His left side, those wicked people who refused to put away sin. They will also be thrown into hell with them
What Does the Bible Teach Us About Satan?
There are certain scriptures that help us understand the nature of Satan and the domain of his authority.
- John 12:31 calls Satan “the ruler of this world”. This simply means that he exercises authority only over the customs and systems of this world that are opposed to God.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 calls Satan “the god of this world”. That means that he is the god of those who are in the world i.e those who have rejected God and live in sin.
- 2 Corinthians 11:14 says that Satan sometimes masquerades as an angel of light. He does it to deceive believers.
- John 8:44 implies that he is the father of lies. This means that Satan’s nature is to lie. He tries to use it against believers, he tries to tell lies and false truths to get to Christians. All who live in lies are sons of Satan.
- Revelations 12:9 calls him the dragon that leads the whole world astray. This means that he is the one responsible for turning the hearts of men against God and His ways.
Do Christians Need to Fear Demons?
Although 1 Pet 5:8 tells us to be alert because the devil seeks whom to devour, the fact that the devil seeks means that there are people who cannot be devoured. These are Christians, those who worship God in truth and spirit. His domain is limited to the unbelievers who prevail in sin and wickedness.
It is true that the devil tries to make himself look scary and relevant to sow fear in the heart of the believer. However, Colossians 2:15 tells us that Jesus our Savior has made an open spectacle of the devil and his demons so Christians do not need to fear them. Authority over them has been given to believers in Jesus and you simply shouldn’t fear what you have authority over.
The Fallen Angel by Alexandre Cabanel (painting)
The L’Ange Dechu, also known as the Fallen Angel, could be considered one of the most passionate pieces of art ever created. In this depiction, a winged figure, in a state of undress, conceals their face with folded arms.
Their flowing hair billows in the wind, while intense brows shadow red-rimmed eyes that reflect a tear of fury. The physique is flawless, and although the posture appears serene, every muscle is taut with latent strength. This sculpture captures the instant just before the angel’s ascent from his fall from grace.
Bible Verses About Fallen Angels
“The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth and his angels with him.”
“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;”
“And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.”
“He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven”
“How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!”
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Final Thoughts
From Lucifer’s story, we can see why it’s important that we conquer pride as believers. The devil had an important place in heaven but he became proud of his beauty and greedy for power and tried to turn other angels against God. That was what led to his downfall. When God exalts us, we must learn to stay humble with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Christians also should put on the whole armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18, to stand firm against the devil, the fallen angels, and their trickish lies. We already have the victory over them in Jesus, so we fight from a place of victory.
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