Fallen angels are spiritual beings who sinned against God and left their original position of obedience. Though the Bible does not detail every aspect of their fall, it clearly teaches that some angels rebelled and are now aligned with Satan in opposition to God’s purposes.
Jude 6 describes these beings:
“And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day.”
This verse indicates a specific group of angels who committed a grave offense, likely referenced also in Genesis 6:2:
“That the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.”
The term “sons of God” is understood in this context to refer to angelic beings who acted against the order of creation. Their judgment is severe and immediate, as seen again in 2 Peter 2:4:
“For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment.”
Not all fallen angels are currently bound. Many operate under Satan’s leadership as spiritual forces of wickedness. Ephesians 6:12 identifies them as:
“Principalities… powers… rulers of the darkness of this age… spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”
They are organized, active, and involved in resisting God’s work on earth. However, their power is limited. They can be resisted by believers walking in the armor of God and standing in Christ’s victory.
The final destination of all fallen angels is the lake of fire. Matthew 25:41 states:
“Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
Fallen angels serve as a warning of the consequences of rebellion and a reminder that God is just and sovereign in all spiritual realms.
