City of Angels
I don't know if you've seen the movie, "City of Angels," but I just watched it for the first time. In all honesty, I actually loved the movie. I've always enjoyed chic-flicks. However, I can't believe I opened my mouth during the movie and said something that would only come true.
But it got me to thinking a lot about angels and humans. How we're so different. Anybody care to jump in and say a few words on the differences/similarities between angels and humans?
I'll throw this out there: the movie said that humans had free-will and implied that the angels didn't, however, the angels could choose to "fall."
Casey, I'm hoping for your insight on this one...
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1 comment:
Matt, for what my insight is worth…here goes…
Anytime we talk about “free will” it is imperative that we know exactly what we are talking about. If by “free will” you mean 100% autonomy to do 100% of anything you could EVER possibly do, then in the words of the Apostle Paul (and Stan Harstine) the answer would be--BY NO MEANS. Neither the Creator nor the creature (angelic or human) possesses absolute autonomy. Any amount of “freedom” that we possess as created beings is a derivative of God’s self-determination.
God possesses the highest level of “free-will”; He cannot act contrary to His character/nature - which by definition is the essence of SIN. In this regards, He is immutable.
Could it be that the “free-est of free-wills” be the will that cannot sin? (For example, the Scriptures teach us that God cannot lie.)
Hmm…
True freedom rests in the ability to do good; while he that does sin is the slave of sin. If true freedom rests in the ability to do good in God’s sight, then the highest freedom rests in the inability to do otherwise…ipso facto…God. In this sense, He cannot change. God's character is impeccable—and not subject to change. Let us not forget that His name is “I AM.”
Keep in mind though, His unchangeable nature doesn't mean He has no choice. He can exercise choice. Both He and mankind are "active participants" in the drama of redemption. As a lost sinner in bondage to sin, I still had choice. I could make a number of different choices; however, all these shared a common essence—all were contrary to God's will. And God still had a choice, whether to save me…or not.
As far as angels are concerned, we will probably never be able to grasp with fullness the reason for the angels to rebel against God and leave their heavenly estate. They saw God in His absolute glory and holiness. They saw the greatness of His power. What could they hope to gain by a rebellion? However, scripture does reveal the initial motivation of their rebellion—willful pride. Isaiah 14:12-15 gives important insight into this matter: "I will be like the most High" (Isaiah 14:14). He did not desire to submit to the will and glory of God, but rather wanted to be like God himself.
An angels’ condition is not like that of man. Man can be redeemed from his fallen state by the applied blood of Jesus Christ. However, the fallen angels have no means by which they can return to their first estate after they leave it. They will all be cast into the "everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41). Also, there is no mix of obedience with disobedience in the angels as there often is in regenerate man. The angels in heaven perform the commandments of God with full obedience (Psalm 103:20-21). The fallen angels are simply "the angels that sinned" (2Peter 2:4). No good is seen in them.
Why is it that angels cannot receive grace UPON grace? Why is it that angels cannot be forgiven? Salvation and saving grace are not offered them? Hmm…got any suggestions?
More questions…Do you ever wonder what it must have been like to rebel against God without the help of a tempter? I mean, isn’t that what Lucifer did? Lucifer did not have a “Satan” tempting him…or did he? Lucifer wanted to be like God, but why? Hmm…could it be his pride? And if it was his pride…could not God have foreseen this coming? Could he not have forgone that issue? Could he not have prevented it? Hmm…questions…
Praise be to our Lord, who is infinitely wise and none can stand against His council …
Casey
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