David Diga Hernandez - The Origins of Demons

As I mentioned at the beginning of the program, I am going to contradict a traditional view. This view holds that fallen angels are demonic beings. I want to point out that although this is a traditional perspective, it is not, by definition, a Biblical one. Nowhere in the Bible does it state that the angels who rebelled with Satan became demons on Earth. This is an assumption we make because we believe there are missing links in scripture. Consequently, people leap from the belief that the angels fell and rebelled with Satan all the way to the conclusion that they are now, therefore, the minions doing his bidding on Earth. The origin of this belief is found in Revelation 12:9. We discussed this in the last edition of Spirit Church, where I specifically addressed the fall of Satan. The scripture states, «The great dragon, the ancient serpent called the devil or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world, was thrown down to Earth with his angels.» This is the one verse that leads people to believe that the angels who rebelled with Satan became the demonic beings that Jesus describes in the New Testament, and from whom we are commanded, empowered, and gifted to expel individuals. I will first outline three distinctions between fallen angels and demonic beings. I am going to argue that demons and fallen angels are two entirely separate entities or creatures altogether, and then I will explain where I believe scripture indicates demonic beings come from. When examining demonic origins, we must first distinguish between demonic beings and fallen angels due to the traditionally held view.

The first distinction between demons and fallen angels is that demons need bodies. Throughout scripture, you’ll notice that demons are constantly seeking to possess vessels through which they can work. In fact, they seem to be very uncomfortable outside of a physical body. Matthew 8:30–31 states, «There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. So the demons begged, 'If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.'» This is the account where Jesus cast a legion of demons out of a demoniac, and those demonic beings pleaded with Jesus to allow them to enter a herd of pigs because they were so uncomfortable outside of a physical body. They so desire a physical form that they beg to be thrown into a herd of pigs. This highlights a very needy aspect of demonic beings; they are parasites seeking a place to find rest. In fact, they seem to be very weary outside of a physical body, and within a physical body, as we see in the same story where Jesus cast a legion of demons out of a man, they appear to gain supernatural strength when they possess a human being.

On the other hand, angels have bodies. Genesis 6:4 states, «There were giants on the Earth in those days and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. The same became mighty men, who were of old, men of renown.» Some argue that this verse in the Old Testament does not refer to supernatural beings but rather to a distinct group of people on Earth known as the sons of God. However, in the Old Testament, the term «sons of God» never once refers to mere human beings; it always refers to supernatural beings. Additionally, we will read later that God punishes the sons of God for coming in to the daughters of men. Some may claim that this was merely a forbidden mingling of distinct people groups; however, the punishment was severe and supernatural, involving chains that were placed against those who fell into this sin. Furthermore, it does not make sense that mere men procreating with women would produce giants. Why would this offspring result in gigantic beings, men of renown? As we know, demonic beings desire to be worshiped, much like their origin relates to Satan, who wishes for worship for himself. They are considered men of renown, counted by the ancients as gods.

As you study ancient history, you may find clues, especially in the ancient writings of various civilizations or even hieroglyphics, which describe these great gods descending to Earth. Regardless of how you view it, this is supernatural in nature. There is no reasonable explanation for natural procreation to produce such giants, nor is there any reason to believe natural procreation should lead to supernatural punishment. Some assert that these «sons of God,» as I mentioned, were not angels but mere human beings. They support this claim with verses like Matthew 22:30, which states, «For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; in this respect they will be like the angels in heaven.» Some individuals argue that since the angels, as described by Jesus, do not marry, this implies they do not have physical bodies, nor are they able to procreate. This assumption is certainly not valid. In fact, the relationship between procreation and angels has nothing to do with mere human understanding.