6d The conclusion of satan being the chief cherub, an angel who is the devil  and the ancient serpent

There are three specific orders of celestial beings taught in the Scripture. I care not what the non canonical books (like Enoch) say on this. Mr. Heiser looks to finds proof texts from writings that are not accepted but he is careful not to use the Gnostics, because he knows people are quite familiar with them.

There are angels, seraphim and cherubim. The term angels is used for all orders of celestial beings, Michael is the archangel, his name Michael means, “who is like God,” and the position of “ archangel ‘means “chief angel.” He is the chief of his class and has authority over all the other angels of this type. These angels have no wings.

The next order of celestial beings are seraphim, they are mentioned in only two books: Isaiah and Revelation. Seraphim is the plural form of the Hebrew word seraph which means “burning one.” in Isaiah 6:2-3 and 6-7 they surround the throne of God, praising God continuously, saying over and over again: ‘Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.’

The Seraphim have six wings. Each pair has a different purpose and function. One set of wings covers their feet; the second pair, for covering their face; the third pair is for flying. In Revelation 4:6-11 we read of them also being full of eyes, in front back and within, as they are able to see far beyond normal sight. There are four categories of seraphim, four different facial characteristics: lion-like, calf like, man or human-like, and eagle-like. Rv. 6:1, 3, 5, and 7. A seraph announces certain seal judgments. Of the seven seal-judgments, the first four are announced by the different seraphim.

The Cherubim are the highest order of celestial beings. The Hebrew words root meaning is “to guard” or “to cover.” Over ninety times they are found in the Old Testament, once in the New Testament (Heb. 9:5). There are 3 different types of Cherubim those who have only one face and two wings; the second type have two faces and two wings; and the third type have four faces and four wings. (Ezek.1: 6), two are on each side the noise of their wings [is described] like many waters, like the voice of God, like the noise of a tremendous army (v. 24). Their basic likeness [is that] of a man (Ezek. 1:5). Secondly, each one has four different faces (v. 6): a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle (v. 10). (Ezekiel 1:5-28). They are associated with gods glory, the soles of their feet are like the sole of a calf's foot (v. 7), that sparkle like burnished brass (v. 7).

In I Chron. 28:18, they covered the ark of the covenant. In II Chronicles 3:7, cherubim were engraved on the walls of the Temple. Images of cherubim are found in the Holy of Holies; and embroidered into the veil which separate the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place.

According to II Samuel 22:11, Jesus the Messiah will be riding a cherub at His Second Coming. Psalm 18:10.

In Ezekiel 28:14-16, we find Satan (originally called the Day Star) was created a chief cherub, The anointed cherub. As the arch-cherub, he was in authority over all the other cherubim. The cherubim being the highest order of angelic beings in heaven (despite what Heiser teaches of another species above angels called the 'sons of God'). Satan being the arch-cherub, makes him of a higher category than Michael the archangel, who has authority over all the other angels, he still has a higher position and power over all the beings made even though he is now fallen from that holy position.

These angelic beings are the only ones mentioned who are active in heaven for God, we can safely assume (for numerous reasons) these are the sons of God, that there is no beings above the Cherubim. Why? Because they are not mentioned or described in Scripture, nor do we find their activity. And the fact that satan who is a cherub is the greatest of all the creatures God created.

Matt 25:41 Jesus says of workers of iniquity 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels”

One third of the angels (all types) chose to follow Satan in his fall in heaven; those angels became the Demons under Satan’s authority (Heiser says the demons are spirits of dead Nephillim; he is wrong on this too) However two thirds of the angels chose to not follow Satan and obeyed God.

Satan is the Devil

Mark 4:15 “And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.”

Luke 8:12 “Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts.”

John agrees with Jesus and repeats it twice. Rv. 12:9 “ that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan,” Rv. 20:2 “that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan.”

Rv. 12:9-10 “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night , has been cast down.”

Heiser states that Satan is no longer the accuser of the brethren, that he is now expelled from heaven in our day. However, scripture says this is to take place during future Tribulation period when war breaks out in heaven and Michael and his angels fight the dragon and his angels. Read revelation of all that is to take place before this event. He is still the accuser of the brethren. “ that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan” are cast out of heaven and down to earth near the middle of the Tribulation. Since Heiser is a preterist, he is confused on what has taken place and what will take place in the future, both when and how. John further states this again Rv. 20:2 “the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, ” They are all descriptive of the same being, Satan, the devil who is the accuser is the Serpent in Genesis.

The Scripture teaches us that the Serpent is called the devil and Satan; Heiser is WRONG! Within these Scriptures from John the apostle what Heiser is stating of Satan is found untrue. The question is why does he ignore it? To say the serpent of Gen.3 is not Satan, shows how he misinterprets the Word as Truth. The Devil is the same Satan whom is found in the book of Job.

This is one of the more ridiculous assumptions Heiser makes into doctrine. Ignoring how Satan wants to kill righteous Job acting in the character and nature of the devil.

The name Devil is used 35 times in Scripture in the New Testament. 1 Peter 5:8 “ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” He tried to devour Jesus, why would he not try to do the same to you? Who is this Devil? According to Jesus he is Satan, the adversary, the accuser of the brethren, as he acted toward Job.

Jesus says Satan is the Devil: Mark 1:13 “And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan.” Luke 4:12-13 “ Now when the devil had ended every temptation”

Luke 22:3 “ Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve.” John 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot , Simon's son, to betray Him”

In one verse the Scripture calls him both. Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.' " Then the devil left Him ” (Matt 4:10-11).

If you do not believe in a single adversary against God and his kingdom, a fallen angel called Satan, than you have got a huge problem with nearly all the New Testament and what Jesus himself teaches.

The doctrine and accepted view of Satan for all of church history is that he is as an evil angel opposing the work of God seen in the book of Job, not the alternative view of Michael Heiser or any other who promotes similar views.

Isaiah 14 (Unseen Realm pp. 83-86) and Ezekiel 28 (pp. 75-82) Heiser agrees they describe the fall of the devil.

We know where it says Day Star fell and became Satan. Luke 10:18 "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” Jesus is addressing him as an individual, this is not a generic term but his name which means ‘accuser,’ as his name Satan is mentioned 36 times in the New Testament alone.

Matt 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan; Matt 12:26 If Satan casts out Satan;

2 Cor. 12:7 Paul speaks ofa messenger of Satan to buffet him; 1 Tim. 5:15-16 For some have already turned aside after Satan.

Then whole contention in Scripture with the kingdom of God and Jesus is with this being and his army of demons, fallen angels.

Heiser notes. “ The four passages where the satan is used in reference to a non-human being are Job 1-2, Zech 3:1-2; 1 Chron 21:1; and Num 22 . The last of these (see verses 22 and 32), where the angel of the Lord is described “as an adversary” (le satan) is not a title at all, but rather describes the oppositional action that the angel of the Lord is about to take against the pagan prophet Balaam. It should be observed, however, that in Zech 3:1-2, the angel of the Lord is a different entity from ha satan. Notice also that the definite article ha is missing from 1 Chron 21:1.”

Yes the word to accuse can be used in different ways, this is one of them. Heiser says the angel of the lord is ‘a satan’ (an adversary) Num. 22:22 “ Then God's anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the LORD took His stand in the way as an adversary against him.”

Notice it says as a, or like an adversary ְשָׂטָן, (satan) to Balaam. Not THE Adversary (ha satan). To use Heiser own argument of not having a definite ‘the’ again, but Heiser does not distinguish the difference.

Zech. 3:1-2 “ Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the LORD said to Satan, "The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”

Here again we see Satan (the servant of God according to Heiser?) opposing the priest of God just as he did to Job, the priest of his family.

The devil and his angels

There is only one of group of creatures (besides man) that is said to have apostatized in the past, that is 1/3 the angels rebelled to follow Day Star in heaven; there are no others, and they are certainly not considered divine as Heiser names them. And there are no more apostasies of spirit creatures.(for example in Gn. 6 are at identified as the angels that already fell prior)

The devil fell in heaven by pride. We read of a requirement for a position in the church, 1 Tim 3:6 “not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil .” The devil is Satan, and this is how he fell in heaven. . It was pride that had Satan who was Day star fall.

Heiser teaches the Serpents fall took place while he lived with the divine council in the garden of Eden and his penalty was to be expelled from the garden to the underworld (Unseen realm p. 82). Which means he is not around on earth or heaven to do any of this. The problem is that the Bible says he is.

Let me use this illustration. Heiser claims the sons of God are not connected to angels even though we find both Jude and Peter say they are in Genesis 6. The fact of him being an expert in the Ugarit has crippled him in understanding the New Testament.

Before Jesus is born, Rev 12:3-4 “ And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.”

When Satan is called the great fiery red dragon, it describes Satan’s raw power and in his savagery. The color red was adopted to identify him (satan is seen as red) but this not what he actually looks like.

In this passage, the dragon, who is called Satan, drew one-third of the stars with him. This refers to one-third of the angelic host that originally fell with Satan when he fell. In this passage, the dragon, who is Satan, has them all come to earth.

Again during the tribulation we read of this dragon, Rv. 12:7-10 “ And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down .”

We see the reference to the fallen angels being Satan's. Meaning he (Satan) has been permitted by God to rule over the fallen angels (now demons) here is the clear indication that fallen angels are the same as demons. They are never referred to as Nephilim.

The Devil, is Satan and he is the one that has accused the brethren throughout history.

Satan has angels, these are the same that followed him when he first fell in heaven, these are those that followed him in his rebellion in heaven and are cast out with him.

Matt 25:41 “you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” He nowhere calls them sons of God.

It is Satan and his angels that ruin men through history, not fallen Elohim (a non biblical definition and doctrine)

If the Devil is not Satan and neither of them are the serpent in Gn.3 then you may as well call the apostle John who wrote of Jesus’ deity in his gospel and revealed to us the final book ‘the Revelation of Jesus Christ’ a liar. Then the Bible is not inspired through the Holy Spirit to the apostles and even Jesus’ own words are not true. That is conclusion of Heiser’s teachings on this.