Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

“. . . Are there angels who fell and then believed?"

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"When man sinned, Christ came to save mankind. The Bible says Satan was cast down with his angels. Where does it say what happened to angels who believed? Are there angels who fell and then believed?"

[This question is part of a series of questions I answered while speaking at Pastor’s Conferences in Kenya, Africa in July 2004. This question immediately followed the question (and answer) you will find in the preceding posts.]

Here is what the Bible says about the belief of fallen angels, “You believe that God is one You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” (James 2:19)

No, there are no angels who fell, then believed; that is, repented. Their rebellion is final. No angel could claim ignorance regarding the matter of his rebellion, nor will a fallen angel come to repentance. Scripture teaches plainly concerning “angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.” (Jude 6)

Do not miss this one distinguishing feature between men and angels—men have the opportunity to repent of their sin and put faith and trust in Christ Jesus. One who does not repent is no different than a fallen angel—he may believe all the right doctrines, but without repentance and faith in the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ, there is no forgiveness of sin.

There are times when I will sometimes say to a person, “You believe in God, so do demons. You believe in Jesus, so do demons. You believe Jesus died on the cross and rose three days later, so do demons. What makes you different than a demon?”

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