OTHER "GODS"
The Bible explicitly testifies that there is only one true God, the Creator of all things. Yet, for thousands of years, humans have worshiped many different "deities." God's Word sheds light on how pagan polytheism arose and who is behind it.
In addition to the visible world, there also exists a world invisible to us humans. This includes heavenly spirit beings, called "angels" in the Bible. The task of angels is to serve God by carrying out His will, helping and protecting people. Unlike us humans, angels possess supernatural powers, which they are meant to use for good according to God's will. Numerous paranormal phenomena that occur all over the earth and seem inexplicable to many people can indicate the presence of angels. In addition to good angels, the Bible also mentions fallen angels. These are angels who have rebelled against God without cause. Their supreme leader is Satan, also referred to as the "Devil" in the Holy Scriptures. Satan is the mastermind behind all evil. He is also the one who, in Paradise, seduced the first humans into sin and thus into apostasy from God. Satan's sole goal is to be like God. But Satan's attempt to dethrone God ultimately led to his downfall...
The Bible explains that one-third of all angels in heaven joined Satan's rebellion. These angels are called "demons" and "rulers of darkness." They surround and influence us humans, even though we cannot see them. Just like Satan, they pretend to be good angels, although in truth they have evil intentions. Unlike God's angels, fallen angels abuse their power to tempt people to do evil by giving them access to supernatural experiences such as sorcery and divination, calling the dead, and the like. God, however, expressly forbids this, as these things can lead us away from God and simultaneously cause us grave harm.
Since God is our Creator, our worship is worthy of no one but Him alone. However, Satan and his angels also seek to be worshipped by humans. To this end, they pose as "gods." Today, millions of false deities are worshipped around the world under various names. In ancient times, statues were erected to them and sacrifices were offered to them, even though they were actually demons. On the other hand, there were also people who allowed themselves to be worshipped as "gods," even though they were merely mortal creatures like any other human being. The Bible describes the worship of persons and false gods as "idolatry." This is a grave offense in God's eyes, one that can result in God's curse....
People who have knowingly or unknowingly worshipped other gods instead of the one true God in their lives can trust that God will forgive them if they turn away from their idols and consistently banish every trace of false worship from their lives. The same applies to all the occult practices mentioned above. If the person in question is under God's curse, it can be broken through sincere repentance. Furthermore, the power of demons is limited. This means that demons can only do as much as God allows. On the other hand, God offers all who seek His help secure protection from Satan and his demons. For God is greater and more powerful than any created being. Furthermore, the Holy Scriptures testify that the devil and his angels, as well as all who have joined his rebellion, will ultimately be judged and condemned forever. On the other hand, everyone who believes in Jesus and is reconciled to God will be absolved from the judgment of damnation and will become a partaker of eternal life.
He (Jesus) replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."
Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.
And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment (...).
And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.