Do You Not Know That We Will Judge Angels? — What Does This Mean?

by esther phinias | 30 August 2019 08:46 pm08

When Paul asks, “Do you not know that we shall judge angels?” (1 Corinthians 6:3), what is he referring to? And how will believers participate in judging angels?

Let’s first look at the passage in context:

1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (NKJV)

“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

Here Paul is rebuking the Corinthian believers for taking one another to secular courts over trivial disputes. He reminds them that as saints, their destiny is to share in Christ’s rule and judgment—including judgment over the world and over angels.

How Will the Saints Judge Angels?

This promise is rooted in our union with Christ. Jesus took on human nature—not the nature of angels—and was made “the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). He came as the “Seed of Abraham” (Hebrews 2:16), identifying fully with humanity to redeem us.

Hebrews 2:16-17 (NKJV)

For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Christ was given all authority in heaven and on earth:

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

John 5:22 (NKJV)

For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.

Ephesians 1:20-22 (NKJV)

…when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named… And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church.

Since Christ will judge all beings—including fallen angels—we who will reign with Him will share in that judgment.

Which Angels Will Be Judged?

The angels Paul refers to are primarily the fallen angels—those who rebelled with Satan (see Revelation 12:7-9). These include Satan and his demons, who will ultimately be condemned:

 2 Peter 2:4 (NKJV)

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…

Jude 1:6 (NKJV)

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…

At the final judgment, these rebellious angels will be sentenced to eternal punishment in the lake of fire:

Matthew 25:41 (NKJV)

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Faithful angels will not be condemned; their loyalty will be affirmed in the final judgment as they continue to serve God forever (see Revelation 5:11-12).

The Saints’ Role in Judgment

Believers who overcome sin and remain faithful will reign with Christ and participate in His judgment:

Revelation 3:21 (NKJV)

To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Revelation 20:4 (NKJV)

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them…

Paul’s point is profound: If we will one day share in judging angels and the world, how much more should we be able to resolve ordinary disputes among ourselves today?

Our Current Position and Future Hope

For now, in this earthly life, we are still “a little lower than the angels”:

Hebrews 2:9 (NKJV)

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor…

But in the age to come, when we are glorified with Christ, we will share in His authority and judgment (see Romans 8:17).

That is why we are urged:

 Revelation 3:19-22 (NKJV)

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock… To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne…

Final Thought

Yes, the saints will judge angels. This should fill us with holy awe and motivate us to live faithfully, so that we may share in Christ’s glory and reign. May we overcome, so that we can take our place with Him at His throne when that great day comes.

Be blessed, and may God give you grace to stand firm until the end. Amen.

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/08/30/do-you-not-know-that-we-will-judge-angels-what-does-this-mean/

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