The two members of the Godhead–God and the Word (Jn. 1:1-4,14)–brought angels on the scene before creating the earth. We know this from Job 38:4-7 where we find the Lord asking him where he was when He (God) laid the foundations of the earth, measured it and laid its cornerstone. In verse seven He states that the “morning stars, the “sons of God” sang and shouted for joy when they saw the earth the Godhead had created. For some of these morning stars/sons of God, the newly-created earth would become their home. An explanation is needed at this point. In Genesis 1:1 we find the words: “In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth.” The Word “God” in Hebrew is Elohim, a singular word that has a plural application. Like the words “team,” “corporation” and “family,” Elohim identifies a singular entity comprised of more than one participant. John 1:1-4,14 notes that there are two Gods in the Godhead (Elohim): God and the Word (Spokesman). Note that the Word was WITH God and was also a GOD. This Truth (Jn. 17:17) identifies two Gods, not three. Note that nowhere in the Scriptures is the Holy Spirit identified as a God. Rather, it is identified as the power of Elohim (Lk. 1:35). See The Trinity for more information.

The angels were created perfect in beauty and splendor. The leader of the angels was named Lucifer, the great cherub, perhaps the most beautiful and powerful of all the angels (Eze. 28:12,15). The angels were created complete in every way. However, as would be the case with all upper level creations, they were given the power of choice. Unlike the lower entities that God would create, angels were required to make moral decisions based on their knowledge of their Creator’s will. They, like the humans who would be created later, had to prove themselves worthy to spend eternity with the Godhead. These angelic beings had free choice.

God assigned one third of His angels to the earth. He then placed the archangel Lucifer in a leadership position over them and provided a throne in Eden from which to lead them (Eze. 28:13,14). Apparently, the angels, under Lucifer’s direction, were to bring the earth to perfection and keep it that way. However, as the Scriptures tell us, they failed to fulfil their assigned duties. Lucifer the archangel persuaded them to follow him in rebellion against their Creator, to storm the northern heavens where the Godhead, henceforth referred to as “the Lord,” abides. Lucifer’s intent was to replace Him as ruler of the universe.  Dissatisfied with his place in the power hierarchy, Lucifer led his converts in a violent rebellion against the Lord, His Law, His government and His angels. This all-out, win-all-or-lose-all war in heaven is described in Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:15,16 and Revelation 12:7-9. The entire universe was affect by the rebellion. In the end the Lord and His holy angels defeated Lucifer and his fallen angels who would thereafter be known as “devils” or “demons.” Having risen from earth to try to displace the Lord, Lucifer and his followers were cast back down to earth where they had originally been assigned. Here they would remain.

In Genesis 1:2 we find a short description of the earth following the rebellion. However, the war was waged throughout all of heaven. Because of the universal destruction caused by the conflict, the planets remain void of life and beauty to this day. The once-beautiful earth, along with an equally beautiful universe, became a disaster zone.

It became apparent that the Lord needed to create other beings who would administer His rule on earth. This time He would create an entity who would not only look like Himself, but who would have the potential to become like Himself in terms of holiness. With this in mind, the Lord created man. He created him to look, think, speak and act like Himself. Adam and Eve were the first two of these creations–His greatest work.

After reading His Biblical account of history up to that point, it becomes obvious to the Bible student that the Lord created man to finish what Lucifer and his angels had failed to do–administer His Law and will on the earth (Gen. 1:28). Though the angels were created totally spirit, man was created in the form of material flesh so that, if he refused to obey his Creator, man would die and return to the earth from whence he came. Angels, being spirit, cannot die. For this reason Lucifer and his angels will burn forever in everlasting fire. Scriptures tells us that unrepentant man will burn to ash in the fire “… prepared for Satan and his angels” (Mat. 25:41). Their remains will be walked upon by God’s true saints (Eze. 28:18/Mal. 4:3).

The Lord’s obedient angels have an incredible eternity awaiting them. However, He has prepared something even greater for obedient man who, unlike the angels, must face and defeat Satan (Rev. 3:21) on a moment-to-moment basis throughout his earthly life. True saints, known as the Very Elect, are joint-heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:17). Along with Him, they will one day rule and reign over the entire universe. Read God’s Very Elect: Future Caretakers of the Universe or view my YouTube presentation of the same name for more information. The YouTube address is proveallthingsofgod. There are several sites with similar names. My site shows a small, round circle with my picture inside. L.J.