Q: The Bible says “We will judge angels.” Are these the ‘good angels’, or ‘bad angels’?
Q: The Bible says “We will judge angels.” Are these the ‘good angels’, or ‘bad angels’?
A: Let’s look at this important text, here in sacred Scripture: In 1 Corinthians 6:3-4, it reads, “Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church?”
The context, here in this text, is whether or not Christians should use ‘secular courts’ to settle matters between two Christians. The truth of the matter is, this is an indictment on believers, for NOT have enough of God’s LOVE in their hearts, to settle their ‘simple matters’ between each other and the church – but instead, they take it before the unrighteous!
After a ‘true believer’ grasp that concept, he/she quickly find himself/herself drawn to the idea that, “I shall one day, judge angels!” Then, they’re stuck with the thought, “Which angels … the righteous or fallen?”
Noted Bible commentators have spent quality time, debating that issue, because Scripture doesn’t [exactly] reveal to us, how the righteous are to judge angels. Therefore, those that oppose the Word of God are quick to point to this passage and say, “See, there are minor contradictions in the Bible?” To them, I say, slow your roll, because we aren’t left in the dark with the passage, because of other text.
Theologians and scholars [alike] acknowledge that there are two schools of thought with this text: Angels who kept their first estate, we deem as ‘good angels’, according to Hebrews 12:22, “ … you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering.” And Revelation 5:11, “Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.” And ‘bad angels’ according to Jude 1:6, “And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.”
Given an overview of the two schools of thought, it is easy for some of us to say, “It has to be demonic angels, because they played a role in MY life by, tempting ME, and by hindering ME, and I will get a chance to be a witness at their judgment day!” And for others to say, “I get to judge the angels that God sent to watch over ME, whether or not they carried out His commands, in MY life, because He said in Psalms 103:20, “Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out His plans, listening for each of His commands.”
We can conclude that John 5:22 answers the final question about who judges; because it reads, “In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge.” And because we are joint heirs with Christ, after His Father gives Him final judgment, which makes Him the absolute judge and ruler over ‘ALL THINGS’, He turns to the church and says, “Together with Me, we are heirs of God’s glory.” Saints, if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering. He tell us this in Revelation 3:21, “Those who are victorious will sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat with My Father on His throne.”
While Jesus judges the nations/world … just think about it … we get to sit there beside Him. And as my friend Pastor John Piper said, “If we have any role in judgment at all, it will be a participation in the rights and the authority of Jesus. We get to sit with Jesus on the throne of God, who rules the universe. Try to let that sink in!”