Page 69 - Foundations

proved unfaithful. They failed to fulfill their calling as priests to the nations. Out of jealousy, they
opposed the Son of God when He appeared. Afterward they waged a cruel war against Christ’s
disciples. Wherever the Jewish leaders had power and authority they would persecute the church of
Christ. They confiscated the possessions of some. They imprisoned others. They murdered many. Yet
of these adversaries of Christ the apostle Paul declares:

Romans 11:28-29
From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God's
choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are
irrevocable.

Saul continued in his calling as king until Yahweh executed His judgment. Satan will also continue
in his power and authority until Yahweh carries out His sentence against him. There are passages of
Scripture that reveal that Satan and his angels continue to fulfill a role as judges of the inhabitants of
the earth, though they are acting wickedly in the fulfillment of their duties. One of the most insightful
passages that discloses this role is found in Psalms 82. This psalm is written as a reproach to the
angelic rulers of this world who act corruptly.

Psalms 82
God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods (elohim) he holds judgment:
“How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?” Selah
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of
the earth are shaken. I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men
you shall die, and fall like any prince.” Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the
nations!
[English Standard Version]

Although I previously thought a portion of the above psalm was speaking exclusively of mankind,
as Yahweh has instructed me and I have understood the context of this psalm, I have realized that
what is written is equally true of angelic majesties who serve as judges and rulers of the earth. These
angelic beings comprise a “divine council” in the heavens. Like King Saul, these elohim are charged
with the rule of men, yet like that same king they are proving unfaithful in carrying forth their duties.
Therefore, Yahweh is remonstrating with them. He pronounces the fate that awaits them.

Angels were created as immortal beings. Death is not a natural part of their experience. The angels
that were first created at the word of Yahshua ages ago, that were present when the foundations of
the earth were laid, continue to this day. Yet God has declared that the unfaithful among these princes
shall die like men. Death is not a normal experience for an angel. None of them were born with mortal
and corruptible bodies. Because angels do not procreate with one another, they cannot pass along sin
and death to other angels. The angels do not experience the physical death that is the portion of all
the descendants of Adam, but those who have rebelled against God will experience the “second
death” which is the lake of fire.