Topical Bible: Demons: To be Judged at the General Judgment

◄ Demons: To be Judged at the General Judgment ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In Christian theology, demons are considered fallen angels who rebelled against God and now serve Satan in opposition to God's purposes. The Bible provides insight into the ultimate fate of these spiritual beings, particularly concerning their judgment at the end of time.

Biblical References to Demonic Judgment

The New Testament contains several passages that allude to the future judgment of demons. One of the most explicit references is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus speaks of the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels: "Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels’" (Matthew 25:41). This passage indicates that demons, along with Satan, will face eternal punishment.

The Apostle Peter also addresses the fate of fallen angels in his second epistle: "For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment" (2 Peter 2:4). This suggests that demons are currently restrained in some form and are awaiting their final judgment.

Similarly, the Epistle of Jude echoes this sentiment: "And the angels who did not stay within their own domain, but abandoned their proper dwelling, He keeps under darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on that great day" (Jude 1:6). This reinforces the idea that demons are being held for a future day of reckoning.

The Role of Jesus Christ in Demonic Judgment

The New Testament emphasizes the authority of Jesus Christ over demonic forces. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates His power by casting out demons and delivering those oppressed by them. This authority is a foretaste of the ultimate judgment He will execute. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus is depicted as the triumphant King who will defeat Satan and his minions: "And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever" (Revelation 20:10).

The General Judgment

The concept of a general judgment, where all beings—human and spiritual—are judged, is a central tenet in Christian eschatology. The Book of Revelation describes a scene where the dead are judged according to their deeds: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books" (Revelation 20:12). While this passage primarily addresses human judgment, it is understood within the broader context of Scripture that demons will also be judged at this time.

Implications for Believers

The impending judgment of demons serves as a reminder of the ultimate victory of God over evil. For believers, this assurance provides hope and encouragement in the spiritual battle against demonic forces. The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20), affirming the eventual defeat of all evil powers.

In summary, the Bible presents a clear picture of the future judgment of demons, emphasizing their ultimate defeat and eternal punishment. This doctrine underscores the sovereignty of God and the certainty of His justice, offering believers confidence in the triumph of good over evil.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 8:29
And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with you, Jesus, you Son of God? are you come here to torment us before the time?
Nave's Topical Index

2 Peter 2:4
For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved to judgment;
Nave's Topical Index

Jude 1:6
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness to the judgment of the great day.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Of those who Will Judge and of those who Will be Judged at the ...
... We must next consider who will judge and who will be judged at the general judgment. ...
(4) Whether the demons will carry out the Judge's sentence on the damned ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of those who will judge.htm

Whether the Good Will be Judged at the Judgment?
... ad lit. xi) that the demons were never blessed. ... Further, the "general" includes all.
Now this is called the general judgment. Therefore all will be judged. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the good will be.htm

Whether at the Coming Judgment the Angels Will be Judged?
... OF THOSE WHO WILL BE JUDGED AT THE GENERAL JUDGMENT (EIGHT ARTICLES ... seem that the
angels will be judged at the ... for, according to a gloss, "the demons seeing our ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether at the coming judgment.htm

Whether the Demons Will Carry Out the Sentence of the Judge on the ...
... OF THOSE WHO WILL JUDGE AND OF THOSE WHO WILL BE JUDGED AT THE GENERAL JUDGMENT
(EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether the demons will carry out the sentence of the Judge on ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the demons will carry.htm

On the Last Judgment and the Resurrection, Hell, Purgatory, and ...
... "General," because every creature gifted with intelligence will be judged on that
day ... shall come forth from their graves, and the demons rush from ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 37 on the last.htm

The General Service to one Martyr.
... THE GENERAL SERVICE TO ONE MARTYR. ... hath been done away with and the might of demons
vanquished. ... and hast uprooted all the deceit; thou wast judged for Christ's ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xiv the general service.htm

Fourthly; all the [Credenda, Or] Doctrines, which the True, Simple ...
... to make use of subordinate intelligences, demons or heroes ... after the resurrection
and the general judgment, wherein every man shall be judged according to ...
/.../xiii proposition xiii fourthly all.htm

General Index.
... general proclamation of, 355-374. ... determine decisions in final judgment, 480-483;
wicked to be judged from, 666 ... Demons, possession by, in time of Christ, 513-516 ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm

Against Plato, on the Cause of the Universe.
... without faith, as such they shall be faithfully judged. ... logos for topos = thus far
the discussion on demons. ... of the ancients, was the general receptacle of ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/against plato on the cause.htm

Letter Xlvii. --To the Church of Alexandria on the Same Occasion.
... our Lord Himself among them, like the demons of old ... committed against the Churches,
the holy general council has ... them all, and not only has judged them aliens ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xlvii to the church of.htm