What are spiritual beings?

Definition and Nature of Spiritual Beings

Spiritual beings are intelligent, immaterial entities that exist outside the limits of our purely physical realm. They consistently appear throughout Scripture—created by God, subject to His authority, and active in carrying out divine or opposing purposes. As “the LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19), these beings ultimately operate under His sovereignty.

They do not share our physical composition but can interact with the material world. Scripture repeatedly distinguishes them from humanity, emphasizing that humans are fashioned from the dust (Genesis 2:7) while spiritual beings are not bound by earthly constraints (cf. Luke 24:39). Nonetheless, these beings do possess personality, will, and intellect.

Biblical Evidence of Their Existence

From the opening chapters of Genesis to the final chapters of Revelation, Scripture testifies to an active spiritual realm. Hundreds of manuscripts, including early copies such as portions found at Qumran in the Dead Sea Scrolls, corroborate these references, showing remarkable consistency. Angels appear in Genesis, while Revelation portrays a host of heavenly beings worshiping God around His throne (Revelation 5:11–12).

Ancient archaeological confirmations, such as those which align with biblical historical markers (e.g., discoveries at Jericho and other sites in the Levant), further support the context in which these spiritual beings are reported to have acted. Sixth-century documents like the works of Church Fathers also attest to the longstanding Christian understanding that angels and other spirits are real.

Categories of Spiritual Beings

1. Angels (Heavenly Host)

These loyal servants of God are often called “ministering spirits” (Hebrews 1:14). They deliver messages (Luke 1:26–28), provide protection (Psalm 91:11–12), and carry out divine judgments (Revelation 7:1). While appearing in human form at times (Genesis 19:1–2), they remain distinct creatures—designed for a specific role in God’s plan.

2. Cherubim and Seraphim

Cherubim guard holy spaces (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:18–20). Ezekiel describes them as having multiple faces and wings, highlighting their unique function to protect the holiness of God’s presence (Ezekiel 10:1–22). The Seraphim, appearing in Isaiah’s vision, proclaim, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts” (Isaiah 6:3), emphasizing God’s supreme holiness.

3. Fallen Angels (Demons)

Scripture indicates that some angels rebelled against God and now oppose His purposes (Jude 1:6). Commonly referred to as demons or unclean spirits, they can deceive and oppress humanity (Luke 8:30), yet they remain under divine limitations (Job 1:12). Their leader, called “the devil” or “Satan,” is portrayed as a tempter (Matthew 4:1) and accuser (Revelation 12:10), never an equal to God but a created being.

4. The Holy Spirit

Though distinct from created angels, the Holy Spirit is fully God (cf. John 14:16–17). The Spirit regenerates (Titus 3:5), empowers believers (Acts 1:8), and convicts the world of sin (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit is a personal agent of God’s ongoing work, not an impersonal force. Scripture affirms that He “gives life” (John 6:63), leading to eternal salvation through Christ.

Origin and Purpose of Spiritual Beings

They are created by God (Psalm 148:2, 5), as part of the divine order established “in the beginning” (Genesis 1:1). Christ is central in their creation: “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible” (Colossians 1:16). Their primary purpose is to serve and glorify God, fulfilling assignments as divine messengers, protectors, or executors of judgment.

Interactions with Humanity

1. Guidance and Protection

Examples include angels warning Lot to leave Sodom (Genesis 19:12–13) and delivering Peter from prison (Acts 12:7–10). Accounts in modern missionary journals also tell of inexplicable providences and protections, resonating with these biblical descriptions.

2. Opposition and Temptation

Demonic forces seek to thwart God’s plan, as seen in temptations (Matthew 4:1–11) and spiritual oppression (Luke 8:2). While they exercise a corrupting influence, they cannot overpower God or undermine His promises. Believers are advised to “resist the devil,” trusting that he will flee (James 4:7).

3. Historical and Modern Testimonies

Beyond Scripture, church history recounts numerous instances of spiritual encounters—anecdotes of angelic rescue or demonic resistance. These accounts, examined with the same critical methods used in historical apologetics, are consistent with scriptural principles of a supernatural realm.

Miraculous Events Involving Spiritual Beings

Throughout biblical history, spiritual beings have played significant roles in miraculous occurrences. In the Old Testament, an angel shut the lions’ mouths to protect Daniel (Daniel 6:22). In the New Testament, angels announced Christ’s birth (Luke 2:13–14) and resurrection (Matthew 28:2–7).

Modern reports of healing and deliverance often mirror these historical records. While anecdotal, such accounts correlate with biblical teaching that God continues to act through spiritual agencies in the world. The meticulous studies of miracles by researchers and theologians frequently note consistent patterns of divine intervention accompanied by testimonies of dramatic recovery or deliverance.

Relationship to the Resurrection of Christ

All spiritual beings point toward God’s redemptive plan in Christ. The resurrection is the pinnacle where even angels bore witness, proclaiming, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6). This event affirms divine power over life and death. The same spiritual forces that tried to prevent the Messiah’s victory ultimately could not stop the resurrection (cf. Colossians 2:15).

Practical Implications for Believers

1. Awareness of the Spiritual Realm

Believers are encouraged to maintain a healthy recognition of spiritual activities (Ephesians 6:12). Both the presence of God’s holy angels and the reality of demonic opposition remind Christians of the unseen dimension influencing human affairs.

2. Confidence in God’s Sovereignty

Because all spiritual beings remain subject to God, believers are to trust His dominion. Any spiritual power, whether angelic or demonic, is limited by the sovereign will of Yahweh. “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

3. Worship Reserved for God Alone

Angels refuse worship (Revelation 19:10), reaffirming that only the Lord deserves adoration. Proper understanding of spiritual beings leads believers to direct honor and praise to the Creator rather than created beings.

Conclusion

Spiritual beings are integral to Scripture’s grand narrative. Their existence, functions, and attributes align with the consistent testimony of both Old and New Testament writings, supported by archaeological findings, manuscript evidence, and corroborating documents. They have diverse roles—some faithfully serving God, others opposing His purposes. Yet all operate under the sovereign hand of the Creator.

For believers, the reality of these spiritual beings underlines the importance of relying wholly on God’s power and salvation through Christ’s resurrection. As Scripture exhorts, we can take comfort in knowing that angels minister and protect, while evil spirits cannot thwart God’s redemptive plan. Throughout salvation history, spiritual beings attest to God’s greatness, drawing Christians to glorify Him and place their hope firmly in the One who reigns over all realms.