Can Fallen Angels Seek Forgiveness?

[Michaeljc4]

This is going to seem like a mighty odd theological question, but bear with me: can fallen angels–demons, or evil spirits–seek forgiveness? In other words, could one of these beings seek to reconcile with God through Jesus?

I ask because I was watching a very scary supernatural movie last night. I realize that Hollywood spirits are different than real ones, but I had the thought that the dark, malevolent entity was also created by God, and that God could(?) forgive it if it asked. In other words, I found myself pitying evil, and wondering if even the devil and his minions could seek to reconcile with God.

Is that totally crazy?

 

[hazcompat]

Catechism of The Carholic Church

THE FALL OF THE ANGELS

391 Behind the disobedient choice of our first parents lurks a seductive voice, opposed to God, which makes them fall into death out of envy. Scripture and the Church’s Tradition see in this being a fallen angel, called “Satan” or the “devil”. The Church teaches that Satan was at first a good angel, made by God: “The devil and the other demons were indeed created naturally good by God, but they became evil by their own doing.”

392 Scripture speaks of a sin of these angels. This “fall” consists in the free choice of these created spirits, who radically and irrevocably rejected God and his reign. We find a reflection of that rebellion in the tempter’s words to our first parents: “You will be like God.” The devil “has sinned from the beginning”; he is “a liar and the father of lies”.

393 It is the irrevocable character of their choice, and not a defect in the infinite divine mercy, that makes the angels’ sin unforgivable. “There is no repentance for the angels after their fall, just as there is no repentance for men after death.”

394 Scripture witnesses to the disastrous influence of the one Jesus calls “a murderer from the beginning”, who would even try to divert Jesus from the mission received from his Father. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” In its consequences the gravest of these works was the mendacious seduction that led man to disobey God.

395 The power of Satan is, nonetheless, not infinite. He is only a creature, powerful from the fact that he is pure spirit, but still a creature. He cannot prevent the building up of God’s reign. Although Satan may act in the world out of hatred for God and his kingdom in Christ Jesus, and although his action may cause grave injuries - of a spiritual nature and, indirectly, even of a physical nature- to each man and to society, the action is permitted by divine providence which with strength and gentleness guides human and cosmic history. It is a great mystery that providence should permit diabolical activity, but “we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him.”

scborromeo.org/ccc/p1s2c1p7.htm#392

Peace

 

[Michaeljc4]

“There is no repentance for the angels after their fall, just as there is no repentance for men after death.”

Wow.

 

[R_C]

Wow.

It’s not God not being nice…it’s that after death we enter eternity, which is not an endless time, but something outside of time…there is literally “no more time” to repent

Fr. Angelo Bellon, O.P., once explained it this way (my translation from Italian):

Eternity is not a time that never ends, but an instant that has neither past nor future. While we are in time, we have the possibility of changing our mind. In eternity, not anymore.

 

[R_C]

I had the thought that the dark, malevolent entity was also created by God

That is incorrect. The last will be the first, the first will be the last.

Lucifer was the greatest of all archangels - just look at his name, the “light-bearer”. He surpassed in perfection all others. There was absolutely nothing dark or malevolent in him.

Yet by pride he rebelled, and caused countless angels to fall with him.

He became Satan, “the adversary”.

But God did not create anything dark or malevolent. Everything God created, God reviewed and said: “it is very good.”

In other words, I found myself pitying evil

Good. It is, in my opinion, a great thing to pity the creature and hate the sin. There is no point in hating the fallen angels per se, because they are not intrinsically evil creatures. It is the sin that we should hate as intrinsically evil. Satan sometimes gains strength because we respond to evil with anger and hatred. Wrong. We should oppose goodness and love to evil. Despise pride, which caused his fall and the fall of countless men, but pity Satan and all the damned souls…God desired their salvation, but could not “force” it on them, for free creatures they were created, and freely they chose damnation.

 

[Sebrina]

Since I’m new to Catholicism and Christianity in general, I have mostly only my own readings and opinion to give on this. For Satan and his other fallen angels to have rebelled and turned against God is the gravest of betrayals and indicative of their hate that consumes them. They were face to face with God from the very beginning. They had no doubts of His existence. They had no lack of faith, so to speak. They had no hope for Divine Mercy, because if they did have hope, they would never have turned away. The only hope they contained was in their own doings. They utterly lacked charity. If they did, they would have loved God and glorified him along with the rest of the angels. They lacked the three most basic tenets for existence with God.

 

[R_C]

They were face to face with God from the very beginning.

Actually, that is incorrect

I learned that only the angels who did not follow Satan were allowed into the beatific vision.

From this article:

the Church has taught infallibly that all the angels were originally in the state of God’s friendship but like us, had to prove their fidelity to the Lord and thus merit the Beatific Vision. Those who failed in this test of loyalty became demons.

 

[englishredrose]

God loves all and all one has to do is say sorry and yes therefore fallen angels and evil spirits etc can seek forgiveness and become at peace with God and not be evil spirit etc any more.

Very simplistic answer I know but sometimes getting bogged down in theology doesn’t answer the question. But God Loves, God is Love so yes, Any’one’ that seeks forgiveness of God, He will forgive, Love and they return to his fold. Amen

 

[LaSainte]

That is incorrect. The last will be the first, the first will be the last.

Lucifer was the greatest of all archangels - just look at his name, the “light-bearer”. He surpassed in perfection all others. There was absolutely nothing dark or malevolent in him.

Yet by pride he rebelled, and caused countless angels to fall with him.

He became Satan, “the adversary”.

But God did not create anything dark or malevolent. Everything God created, God reviewed and said: “it is very good.”

Good. It is, in my opinion, a great thing to pity the creature and hate the sin. There is no point in hating the fallen angels per se, because they are not intrinsically evil creatures. It is the sin that we should hate as intrinsically evil. Satan sometimes gains strength because we respond to evil with anger and hatred. Wrong. We should oppose goodness and love to evil. Despise pride, which caused his fall and the fall of countless men, but pity Satan and all the damned souls…God desired their salvation, but could not “force” it on them, for free creatures they were created, and freely they chose damnation.

Why then did Jesus call Satan “a murderer from the beginning”?

 

[JDaniel]

This is going to seem like a mighty odd theological question, but bear with me: can fallen angels–demons, or evil spirits–seek forgiveness? In other words, could one of these beings seek to reconcile with God through Jesus?

I ask because I was watching a very scary supernatural movie last night. I realize that Hollywood spirits are different than real ones, but I had the thought that the dark, malevolent entity was also created by God, and that God could(?) forgive it if it asked. In other words, I found myself pitying evil, and wondering if even the devil and his minions could seek to reconcile with God.

Is that totally crazy?

Michael:

No. Once Their will is determined, they can never go back on it. (The Teaching of the Catholic Church, Vol I, Angels) It has to do with the teaching that angels are infused with all of the knowledge of Heaven and the universe (although not all of God’s knowledge).

God bless,
jd

 

[JDaniel]

Since I’m new to Catholicism and Christianity in general, I have mostly only my own readings and opinion to give on this. For Satan and his other fallen angels to have rebelled and turned against God is the gravest of betrayals and indicative of their hate that consumes them. They were face to face with God from the very beginning. They had no doubts of His existence. They had no lack of faith, so to speak. They had no hope for Divine Mercy, because if they did have hope, they would never have turned away. The only hope they contained was in their own doings. They utterly lacked charity. If they did, they would have loved God and glorified him along with the rest of the angels. They lacked the three most basic tenets for existence with God.

Sabrina:

R_C is correct. St. Thomas says that Lucifer made the irrevocable decision to not be a participant in the Beatific Vision. Remember: if there is something God cannot do, it is that He cannot make something that is not good. The only way Lucifer could have fallen is to have made an irrevocable, shall we say, “selfish” choice.

God bless,
jd

 

[JDaniel]

God loves all and all one has to do is say sorry and yes therefore fallen angels and evil spirits etc can seek forgiveness and become at peace with God and not be evil spirit etc any more.

Very simplistic answer I know but sometimes getting bogged down in theology doesn’t answer the question. But God Loves, God is Love so yes, Any’one’ that seeks forgiveness of God, He will forgive, Love and they return to his fold. Amen

Englishredrose:

This is not Church teaching with regard to Angels and deceased men and women. That’s why it is very important to get it right the first time (while mortal).

God bless,
jd

 

[JDaniel]

Why then did Jesus call Satan “a murderer from the beginning”?

LaSainte:

Because God knew, from the beginning, what Lucifer would do. This is very hard to envision. But, think of “eternality” as the infinite expansion of a Now. As someone above pointed out, there is no Time, as we understand it.

God bless,
jd

 

[R_C]

Why then did Jesus call Satan “a murderer from the beginning”?

While I do not know the official teaching on this matter, I think that it may be because Lucifer the archangel became Satan at the moment of the fall, and it is then that we can trace the “beginning” of Satan. But that’s just a hypothesis. I like JDaniel’s explanation, too.

As for “murderer”, I do think that it is important to consider that Christ could have been referring to true death, that is, spiritual death. We may argue that the only souls that are truly dead are those in hell - angels and humans alike. And since Satan dragged with him plenty of angels and tempted (tempts) humans as well, from the Original Sin, it may be argued that indeed he has always been a murderer.

Here is what I could gather with regards to the fallen angels from this website:

God set a supernatural final end for the angels, the immediate vision of God, and endowed them with sanctifying grace in order that they might achieve this end. (Sent. Certa.)

The angels were subjected to a moral testing. (Sent. certa. as regards the fallen angels, Sent. communis as regards the good.)

The evil spirits (demons) were created good by God; they became evil through their own fault.

Christ’s Atonement does not extend to the fallen angels.

 

[hazcompat]

The devil sinned with perfect knowledge and complete freedom, without any bad example or seduction, consequently his sin was inexcusable. With the exception of Salmeron and very few others, the theologians believe that, unlike man, Satan and the fallen angels were given no time for repentance. This opinion seems to be firmly based on the words of the Scripture that reveal the fall of the angels, like: “God spared not the angels that sinned, but delivered them, drawn down by infernal ropes to the lower hell, unto torments, to be reserved unto judgment.”[42] In these words, like in the following ones taken from the Apocalypse, there seems to be no time left between sin and punishment, the punishment being eternal damnation and the torments of hell. “Michael and the Angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels; and they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven.”[43]

42 II Pet. 2:4

43 Apoc. 12:7f.

ewtn.com/library/MARY/ANGEL3.HTM

 

[hazcompat]

It is right and just.

Peace

 

[LaSainte]

Thanks for the responses re: Satan being a murderer from the beginning! I’ve often wondered about that

 

[shem97225]

This is going to seem like a mighty odd theological question, but bear with me: can fallen angels–demons, or evil spirits–seek forgiveness? In other words, could one of these beings seek to reconcile with God through Jesus?

I ask because I was watching a very scary supernatural movie last night. I realize that Hollywood spirits are different than real ones, but I had the thought that the dark, malevolent entity was also created by God, and that God could(?) forgive it if it asked. In other words, I found myself pitying evil, and wondering if even the devil and his minions could seek to reconcile with God.

Is that totally crazy?

(I’ve read your statement. I thought maybe my Gnostic faith might aid you.) The statements on these TV shows or movies are 99% bs. Yes, using your bible, will aid you and protect you from “hungry ghosts.” (Which, you call demons.) The demons, that you are asking about. Can controlling your Central nervous system. (Aka possessions are real.) Mild possessions, are the most common. There are Good mediums, Bad mediums and whole lot of foolish mediums. some of these witches claim certain gifts. Never welcome any hungry ghost into your soul; or allow it to touch you. Don’t ask the hungry ghost, to show itself to you. That is the biggest mistake; you can make. (Because you are allowing it to harm you.)
Your Faith, in yourself is your best defense. Another important thing, is stop watching and reading vampire and ghost storys. They open your mind to be more fearful of these things. Demons effect people: though metal, glass or certain kind of natural gems. Polished or blessed gems are normally ok. (I’m just naming a few of the common items to help you understand) The stronger hungry ghosts; will attempt you control you in all three areas. Though your soul, though personal items and at your home. Or places, that you dwell in.
Demons or ghosts seem to connect themselves with depressed, angry or fearful people. (These human spirits are weak enough to be possessed.) If Jesus, is your chosen protector; call on him. Find a quote from the bible that heals you of your fears; and memorize it. It will aid you during these conflicts. (Also take the time to find out if the sound or feeling came for something normal.)

 

[Souheil_Bayoud]

you are absolutely right by saying that demon can cause physical injuries.In 2007 I have been invited by a Canadian TV to be their guest on a show program regarding my book the coin of the temple.I traveled to Toronto and before 3 days of the interview I was walking in the street and tried to help a little boy from falling on the ground but I fall with him.I put my hands around his head to protect him.I fall first on my left knee then on my shoulder,this should absorb 100% of the fall.Then I feel like someone holds my head and push it by force to the ground.I scream from the pain.Nothing happened to the boy but I ended in the hospital with five stitches over my left eye inflating all the area around it.Definitely I could not make the interview until 3 weeks after.

 

[shem97225]

Thank you for responding. I’m sorry, about that terrible encounter that you had. (I would love to learn more about your book.) I agree, with the catholic understanding about possession. But I disagree, on the common understanding of the Dogma of catholic church. When I accepted the mark of the yellow cross. I started seeking other religions. During my time in the Navy; I had a very powerful encounter with a hungry ghost. After that experience. I begin reading books mostly Jewish mysticism aka the dead sea scrolls, Kabbalah and Mahayana Buddhism. Which doesn’t help you get a job; or make money. (But it can heal your soul; also my Navy experience; help me understand what I believe in.)
I accepted, Yeshua and Moses. But I see them as human beings that had powerful gifts that are no longer taught to our follow christians. I have a gift understanding my stereognosis pathways. (I see Demeter as my goddess. sadly there is no church to her.) I believe, that starting my own church or group is blaspheme. I found a Greek Orthodox Church that allows me to pray there. (Which means a lot to me.) I used to go to parks and other similar places to heal my self. But it is not easy to find a place to practice my faith. With out having other people asking me questions.
sincerely
shem