​Are evil spirits/demons actually fallen angels? Or are they spirits of evil people?

Colossians 1:16 tells us that in addition to the visible universe and no doubt prior to it, God
created a whole invisible company of angelic beings who existed in their own created invisible
universe. These were by nature pure spirit, and were intended to exist “outside” the sphere of
material creation, though they could interact with it. Their number was unimaginably great
according to Revelation 5:11; Hebrews 12:22. There were several varieties, including cherubim
and seraphim (Exodus 25:20; Ezekiel 1; Isaiah 6:2-6).

It seems there was a hierarchy within their ranks, with some being designated as “chief angels”
(i.e., archangels, such as Michael). The purpose of the angelic host was to serve God and carry
out His orders. The word “angel” means, simply, “messenger.” Many if not most of these
created angelic creatures have continued faithfully to serve their Creator.

However, at one point, by exercising their free-will as created beings, there was a fall or a
rebellion against God among the angels. The Bible speaks of angels that sinned and whose
eternal condemnation is sealed (2 Peter 2:4; see Jude 6). Who are these angels who sinned? The
principal one was no doubt Satan, who has been a murderer and a sinner “from the beginning”
(John 8:44; 1 John 3:8), or ever since the beginning of our material creation recorded in
Genesis 1. When Satan himself was first created he was good and was probably a higher-level
angel. We can believe this because of Jude 9 and Revelation 12:7, where Satan is paired in
combat with the archangel Michael. All the other angels who sinned were lower in rank than
Satan and have now become his own “angels” or “demonic messengers” (Matthew 25:41;
Revelation 12:7, 9). These fallen angels who now serve Satan are surely the demons of which
Scripture speaks.

Satan is called the ruler or prince of the demons (Matthew 9:34; 12:24). Demons are also called
“evil spirits” and “unclean spirits” (e.g., Mark 7:25-30; Luke 7:21). In considering the work of
demons, we can assume that their method and goals are the same as Satan’s, since they are his
angels and simply carry out his orders. Generally, Satan’s main goal is to defeat God’s plan and
purpose in whatever way possible. Satan tried to ruin this plan at the very beginning by dragging
Adam and Eve into sin (Genesis 3). But our all-knowing God had already arranged a solution to
this problem, namely, redemption through His Son, Jesus.
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Satan’s hope is to prevent individuals from receiving this redemption found in Jesus. Each and
every individual is the object of Satan’s attack, as the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion,
seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Here is where Satan’s angels, the demons, enter the
picture. Contrary to a popular misconception, Satan is not omnipresent: he cannot be
everywhere at the same time; sometimes we forget that Satan is a created being with a free-
will. He deploys his troops (the demons) throughout the world, and they carry out his work and
purposes in his name.

Specifically, how do Satan and his angels (the demons) hope to accomplish their work? The
devil’s main tactic is deception. He is called “the father of lies” (John 8:44) who “deceives the
whole world” (Revelation 12:9). He works through disguises (2 Corinthians 11:14), schemes
(Ephesians 6:11), and snares (2 Timothy 2:26). He and his demons are explicitly identified as the
source of false teaching (1 Timothy 4:1). He is even permitted to accompany his falsehoods with
“all power and signs and false wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9). See also Revelation 16:14;
Matthew 7:21-23; 24:24.

Satan being bound or limited, as a result of the death and resurrection of Christ is the proper
understanding of Revelation 20:1-3 and Matthew 12:25-29. But this certainly does not halt all
Satanic and demonic activities. Our struggle is still “against the rulers, against the powers,
against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness” (Ephesians
6:12). That Satan has been bound means that his power has been limited, and this limitation is
specified in Revelation 20:3: “so that he would not deceive the nations any longer.” Satan’s
power to deceive and entrap whole nations has been limited by the spread of the gospel of
God’s truth. Anyone who hears, believes, and obeys this truth is set free from Satan’s power in
every way being under the protection of Jesus. Through the power of Christ, we can escape
Satan’s grip. But it is not automatic; one must consciously accept the truth and choose to be
rescued from the devil. On the other hand, those who ignore or reject God’s truth and grace
subject themselves to every snare of Satan and his demons.

We are at war: be not deceived. But we are on the Victor’s side: be not afraid. To be safe and
victorious, follow these commands of Ephesians 6: “Be strong in the Lord” (v. 10). “Put on the
full armor of God” (v. 11). “Stand firm” (v. 14). “Be on the alert” (v. 18).  Rest in God’s promise in
James 4:7, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” The decisive battle in spiritual warfare
has already been fought—and won—by Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:7-9; 20:1-3; Colossians 2:15).
He has left us with every necessary resource for sharing this victory with Him, including His
powerful Word.

The good news for us is that, every time a demon came up against Jesus in the Gospels, it was
the demon who lost. As 1 John 4:4 tells us, “You, dear children, are from God and have
overcome them (demons), because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the
world.” Praise Him!!

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