Angelology

This opening lesson introduces angelology, defining an angel as a messenger (Hebrew malach, Greek angelos) and establishing Scripture as our only authority against mysticism and Gnostic error. Dr. Carruthers explains that angels are created spirit beings distinct from humans, surveys their nature, ranks, and the three heavens, and cautions against worshiping them (Colossians 2:18; Revelation 22:8-9). He also examines the pre-incarnate Christ as the Angel of the Lord.

Here the focus turns to the personality and powers of angels as rational, moral, emotional beings who rejoice over repentant sinners (Luke 15:10) yet are neither omniscient nor omnipotent and cannot read our minds. The lesson classifies angelic ranks (thrones, dominions, principalities, powers), describes the cherubim and seraphim of Isaiah 6 and Ezekiel 1, and introduces the two named angels, Michael the archangel and Gabriel.

This session completes the ministry of holy angels, tracing their role as reapers separating wheat from tares at judgment (Matthew 13) and cataloging some fifteen ways they served Christ, from Gabriel's announcement to Mary through Gethsemane and the ascension. It then details angelic ministry to believers today: protection from harm (Psalm 91), deliverance from enemies as with Elisha's chariots of fire (2 Kings 6), and encouragement in trial.

Turning to demonology, this lesson defends the reality of demons and corrects the King James rendering of daimonion, noting there is one devil (diabolos) but many demons. Carruthers weighs three theories of demonic origin, pre-Adamic disembodied spirits, offspring of angels and antediluvian women (Genesis 6), and fallen angels, favoring the last. He also distinguishes possession from demonization, links defilement sins to demonic footholds, and explains the unpardonable sin.

Continuing demonology, this lesson surveys demon possession in the early church through Philip, Paul, and the failed sons of Sceva (Acts 19), then carefully separates possession from mere demonic influence and warns that not all sickness is demonic. Drawing on Dr. Nevius's China findings and the example of Adolf Hitler, it teaches deliverance grounded in the authority of Jesus' name rather than magical formulas or fanaticism.

This lesson exposes the occult, Ouija boards, astrology, spiritism, tarot, and familiar spirits, all condemned in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, and addresses generational curses. Carruthers argues a blood-bought Christian, as the temple of the Holy Spirit, cannot be possessed, and clarifies that the biblical word 'spirit' often means an attitude or disposition, not a demon. The class then opens satanology with Lucifer's pride and fall (Isaiah 14; Ezekiel 28).

This session works through the names and titles of Satan as windows into his character: Lucifer the light-bearer, Satan the adversary, the devil or slanderer, the serpent, the dragon, Beelzebub prince of demons, Belial, the tempter, the wicked one, and the prince of this world. It emphasizes his deceptive subtlety, his rule over world governments as god of this age, and his blinding of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4).

The final lesson finishes Satan's titles, the accuser, angel of light, murderer, father of lies, roaring lion, and destroyer (Abaddon, Apollyon), then celebrates his defeat: cast from heaven, cursed in Eden, beaten in the wilderness, and judged at Calvary. It traces his destiny to the bottomless pit and lake of fire (Revelation 20) and urges believers to resist rather than fight him, putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6).