Lecture on Spiritual Beings in the Bible

Introduction

• Main characters in the Bible: God and humans.
• More than just God and humans; includes spiritual beings like "Elohim," angels, Satan, and demons.
• Modern concepts of these beings often based on misunderstandings.

Ancient View of the World

• Genesis 1-2: God brings order to a watery wilderness, separating skies from land.
  • Earth: domain of humans.
  • Heavens: God's domain.
• Spaces of earth and heaven overlap (e.g., Garden of Eden as a high mountain garden).

Creation and Role of Spiritual Beings

• God creates sun, moon, and stars as rulers of day and night.
  • Biblical authors saw stars as heavenly creatures, not just gas balls.
  • Stars symbolize God's glory and serve His purposes.

Humans and Their Role

• Humans ("Adam") made from dirt, called to rule creation.
• Invitation to rise and share in God's glory, ruling through love and power.
• Psalm 8 reflects this view of humanity’s high calling.

Rebel Spiritual Beings and Human Rebellion

• Introduction of a spiritual being opposing human rule.
  • Deceives humans into seeking divine power independently.
  • Humans exiled from Eden after deception.
• Babylon: human and spiritual rebels seek to regain former glory.

Cast of Characters in the Bible

• God, humans, spiritual beings (Divine Council, angels, cherubim, Satan, and demons).
• Preview of upcoming topics:
  • Divine Council: God's heavenly staff.
  • Angels and cherubim: Key figures in the spiritual realm.
  • Angel of the Lord: Specific angelic figure.
  • Spiritual rebels: Connected with Satan and demons.
  • The story culminating in Jesus: Overcoming evil and reuniting heaven and earth.