Angelology concerns the teaching of the Scripture regarding angels. This study is sometimes broken down into three different categories: Angelology, Demonology, and Satanology. Since all of these deal with angels, we will consider them all under the heading of angels; elect and evil.
I. General Characteristics of Angelic Beings
A. Existence
The Bible mentions the existence of angels from Genesis to Revelation. The recorders of Scripture assume the existence of angels and therefore make no attempt to prove it. The existence of celestial beings quite distinct from humanity and from the Godhead are mentioned 108 time in the Old Testament and 165 times in the New Testament. From these passages we construct our limited understanding of the doctrine of angels. Most important, Jesus believed in, relied upon and taught the existence of angels (Matt 18:10; 13:32, 41; 26:53). Paul and the other apostles also taught extensively on angels.
Angelology rests not upon reason or supposition or personal experience but upon revelation as the most accurate source.
Much is made of angels in our day and age. Not all of what we read is Biblical but comes from a perversion of truth by fallen angels.
The teaching about angels is widely diffused throughout Scripture. The mention of angels is not confined to one book or one writer or one period. Their existence is mentioned in at least thirty-four books of the Bible and from the earliest (whether Job or Genesis) to the last. Furthermore, our Lord spoke of the real existence of angels on occasions when it would not have been necessary to do so. Some have tried to claim that Christ spoke of angels and demons and Satan simply because He was accommodating Himself to the ignorance of the people of His time. In other words, they claim that He was playing to the grandstands when He talked about spirit beings. But there are instances when this could not have been His motive, so the only conclusion one can reach is that He too believed in their real existence (Mt 18:10; 26:53).
B. Creation
Psalm 148:5 indicates that the angels were all created at one time.
For He commanded and they (angels) were created. Psalm 148:5
Col 1:16 indicates they were created by and for Jesus.
Job 38:7 hints that the angels were present when the earth was created and thus were created before man.
Heb 12:22; 2Kings 6:17; Matt 26:53; Job 25:3 indicate that the number of angels created is HUGE. There is no increase or decrease in their number. One implied guess at their number is from Matt 18:10 which could be interpreted that there may be one angel for every human being. This is only speculation.
Matt 22:30 indicates that they do not procreate.
C. Nature
1. Spirit Beings
They are spirit beings able to appear in visible, even human form.
Heb 1:14; Psa 104:4; Gen 19; Judges 2:1; 6:11-22; Matt 1:20; Luke 1:26; John 20:12 They appear with six wings in Isaiah 6. In various forms in Rev.
2. Great in might and power
2 Peter 2:11 greater than man. One angel destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, smote the first-born, rolled away the stone , had power to lay hold of the old dragon the devil, smote a hundred and fourscore and five thousand Assyrians. They are mighty, but NOT almighty. Their might and strength has been given them by God.
3. Bear all the elements of personality
They think, have emotions and exercise their will. Matt 8:29; 2 Cor 11:3; 1 Pet 1:12; Luke 2:13; James 2:19; Rev 12 17; Luke 8:28-31; 2 Tim 2:26; Jude 6
4. Immortal – Luke 20:36
5. Created holy, without sin in a perfect atmosphere of holiness
D. Organization
Not a great deal is known about the organization of angels. We do know that both the elect and evil angels are highly organized. Some things a mentioned but not further expanded upon.
We have mention of THE archangel Michael, Princes (Dan 10:13), Cherubim (Eze 28:14,16) Seraphim (Isa 6:2); Governmental levels such as: rulers or principalities, authorities or powers, rulers of this world, thrones or dominions. Eph 1:21; 3:10: 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:10,15; 2 Pet 2:11; Jude 8).
II. Elect Angels
A. Character
The Bible seems to indicate that those angels who remained loyal at the test are forever confirmed to holiness. They are known as the elect or holy angels.
B. Work
I appreciate the conciseness and precision of Ryrie in regard to what angels do.
“Basically and essentially good angels are servants. God sends them for serve or help of believers, and in so serving the angels function as priestly messengers in the temple-universe of God.”
1. They serve God
a) They praise God Psalm 148:1-2; Isa 6:3
b) They worship God Heb 1:6; Rev 5:8-13
c) They rejoice in what God does Job 38:6-7
d) They Serve God Ps 1-3:20; Rev 22:9
e) They Appear before God Job 1:6; 2:1
f) They are instruments of God’s judgment Rev 7:1; 8:2
2. They Ministered to Christ
a) Predicted and announced His birth
b) Protected, directed, ministered during his life
c) Appeared at resurrection
d) Present with Christ at rapture, second coming and judgment
3. They affect the nations
Michael guards Israel (Dan 12:1). they watch over rulers and nations and seek to influence human leaders. Dan 4:17; 10:21; 11:1)
4. They minister to the church
They help believers (Heb 1:14; they bring answers to prayer, they prepare circumstances, they observe, they encourage, they seem to have some ministry at death (Luke 16:22). We are not to worship them or give undo attention to them (Rev 1; Col 3)
5. They carry out God’s desire concerning unbelievers
Announce judgment (Gen 19:13), Inflict Judgment Acts 12:23; they separate the righteous from the unrighteous. Matt 13:39-40
6. They function in different eras
They sang at creation Job 38:6-7
They helped institute the Law Gal 3:19
They helped protect and establish the early church Acts 8:26; 10:3,7; 12:11.
They will help at the 2nd Coming Matt 25:31; 1 Thess 4:1
C. Specific Named Angels
Only two elect angels are mentioned by name in the Bible – Michael an Gabriel.
III. Evil Angels
A. Existence
Just as the existence of angels is assumed by Scripture and verified by Christ, so the existence of Satan and demons is assumed by Scripture and verified by Christ.
B. Fallen Character
The Bible indicates that there were some angels who did not keep their “first estate” and were cast down along with their leader Satan. It seems that the desire for recognition equal to God’s (pride) was the chief sin of Satan (Ezk 28) and the basis of all rebellion since.
Angels maintain the same nature as stated for all angels except they are now confirmed in the corruption and judgment.
It appears that when the angels fell they were deprived of an ability to appear in a physical form. My thought is that the inability to express their character through some sort of vehicle drives them to seek out a human or animal subject through which they can operate and manifest their fallen nature.
C. Designations
1. Names of Demons
Evil spirits, demons, wicked spirits, unholy spirits, angel of light, fallen angels, serpents scorpions, locust.
2. Names of Satan
Anointed Cherub, Prince of this world, prince of the power of the air, god of this age, prince of demons, devil (slanderer), old Serpent (crafty), Great Dragon (destructive), Destroyer, the Evil One, Tempter, Accuser, Deceiver, Spirit that energizes the sons of disobedience.
D. Work
1. In Relation to God
Opposes God’s person
Opposes God’s purpose
2. In relation to the Nations of the World
Deceives the nations
Influences Governments to evil
3. In relation to mankind
• Promotes “the lie”
• Prevents the truth
• Plucks the truth from the heart
• Blinds the mind
• Binds the life
• Perverts the truth
• Propagates false doctrine, teaching, systems of thought
• Promotes destructive lifestyles
• Perpetuates human misery
• Persecutes the church
I sat down one day and thought through the various descriptions of Satanic and demonic activity related to people in the Scripture and came up with the following list. This is by no means exhaustive but enlightening.
E. Demonic Manifestations and Activity related to mankind.
• Cause people to lie
• Communicate by using the voice or thoughts of others.
• Produce any number of physical ailments and infirmities.
• Cause dementia, insanity
• Manifest supernatural strength
• Enable fortune telling abilities
• Produce counterfeit worship experiences
• Cause deafness
• Cause dumbness
• Cause uncontrollable anxiety, phobias
• Produce suicidal thoughts and tendencies
• Promote self-mutilation
• Deceive and blind the mind and fight against the truth
• Rob the mind of truth once received
• Incite false prophecies.
• Appear as angels of light
• Tempt to any number of sinful thoughts and behaviors and attitudes
• Implant evil thoughts
• Inflict condemnation
• Incite sexual immorality and uncontrollable sexual urges
• Blind the mind from seeing God’s truth.
• Incite to violence
• Scream through the vocal chords of host
• Promote physical abuse
• Invade animals
• Propagate wickedness
• Cause visualizations and visions
• Incite betrayal.
• Produce convulsions
• Cause foaming at the mouth
• Cause one to grind and gnash their teeth.
• Cause one to be paralyzed and stiffen out
• Incite anger and hatred and unforgiveness
• Energize the flesh beyond the natural inclinations.
• Lead the heart astray from the simplicity of devotion to Christ.
F. Specific named fallen angels
Satan appears in Scripture as the designated ruler or prince of demons. Other fallen angels specifically named appear according to function or position i.e. Legion, Prince of Persia, Deafness etc.
G. Judgment
The enemy’s defeat was settled at the cross of Christ
Col. 2:15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
Rev. 12:11 "And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even to death.
John 16:11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
Romans 16:19-20 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil. And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
The doom of the enemy is already settled
Matthew 25:41 "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;
Rev. 20:10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
IV. Our warfare against Fallen angels
A. Be Aware of the enemy
1. Everyone must battle the enemy
Eph 6:10-20; 1 Pet 5
2. The enemy is intimidating but not invincible
B. Be Alert
We are instructed to be continually aware and alert to attack.
1 Peter 5:6-11 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety (caused perhaps by the enemy) upon Him, because He cares (this is the basis of our hope -- God is present, He is powerful, and he deeply cares) for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.
1. Be alert to the Levels of Attack
There are various levels of activity attributable to Satan and his demons.
Note: when the Bible refers to our fight against the devil is includes both Satan and any of his sorry soldiers.
I discern at least three levels of demonic influence in the Scriptures.
a) Indirect Influence
At this level there is orchestration of situations, people and things to try to distract, dissuade, direct attention, harass. Satan used Peter to try to influence Jesus.
Intensity of influence varies from slight to severe.
We resist this level of influence by faith in the goodness of God, a knowledge of the truth and the power of the Holy Spirit.
b) Direct Harassment
At this level demonic forces bring direct assault on the mind, the emotions, the body, to cause us to lose faith, doubt and give in. 1 Peter describes this kind of attack.
Jesus suffered this kind of attack in the wilderness.
Peter suffered this kind of attack -- Satan desired to “sift him like wheat”.
Intensity of this level can run from slight to severe.
We manage and resist level two influence by alertness, personal and family prayer and direct resistance by faith in the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
We can do little to avoid level one and two influence. We can to much when it happens, but absolute prevention is unavoidable. God commands us to be alert in order to realize and resist the enemy’s continual attempts to find someone to devour. Failure to resist results in greater enemy control. God commands us to put on His armor that we may be able to resist. Failure to be armored and armed results in greater enemy control. This level of direct enemy influence calls for specific confrontation.
c) Infiltration, attachment, demonization
At this level, the enemy has gained some sort of attachment, foothold or stronghold or place of influence in the individuals life. From this vantage point he seeks to gain deeper strongholds and bring the individual into bondage to do the will of the enemy. The level or intensity of this influence can run anywhere from slight to severe. Demons intensify our struggle with the flesh. In fact they energize the flesh. Ephesians talks about the prince of the power of the air who energizes the sons of disobedience.
Symptoms of this level of influence are extremely varied.
The word translated “demon-possession” in most Bibles is OK if we understand “possession” as “control” or influence rather than “ownership”.
Fred Dickason offers a definition of the biblical term often translated demon-possession.
“The usage in all these contexts indicates that daimonizomenos means “demon-caused passivity,” or control by one or more demons with various results in the life of the person, including the physical, and the psychological.”
The term implies only that a demon has gained some level of control in the life of a person which may or may not be immediately obvious to others. It has no reference to the evil nature of those afflicted.
Children, godly lady, general synagogue attender...
The bottom line issue revolves around the manifestations and apparent struggle that follows a Biblical pattern of what demons seek to do against people. Don’t get hung up on the specific geographic location. Earlier in Ephesians we were urged not to give a “place” to the devil. The issue centers around the fact that there is some kind of bondage and control. The Bible does not specifically indicate whether the demonized are believers or not.
I think it does lean in that direction but feel that the reason it is not specifically made an issue is that when it comes to the issue of demonization, the means of invasion are universal.
In other words it does not make a difference. If we violate the principle and issue the invitation, the guests will come.
If we fail to deal with the garbage, the rats will come. Demons will operate anywhere they gain permission. Spiritual laws apply the same as the physical laws. If I chose to violate spiritual laws, if I ignorantly fail to appropriate the provided resources necessary to resist the enemy, the devil or any of his evil army may gain a foothold. Praise God, for the Christian, there a remedy from those consequences through Christ exists. There is real freedom.
The principle of bondage and deliverance is pictured all through the Bible. God allows demonic influence to motivate and encourage a return to obedience to Him.
Entrance into the promised land.
Period of the judges.
Israel and captivity.
New Testament examples.
2. Be Alert to natural walls of protection
a) Protection Biblical Morality
b) Protection of a Strong, godly family line
c) Protection of the Church family
d) Protection of the Government
3. Be alert to Avenues of controlling Influence
a) Permission granted by God
b) Permission given by ancestors
c) Permission granted by our own willful violation of Biblical principles
Witchcraft participation whether by games or serious involvement, sin of all kinds,
d) Permission gained through deception & passivity
e) Permission gained through traumatic experience
Molestation, fear, trauma.
f) Permission gained through friend or group
Gal 6 "Bad company corrupts good morals"
g) Permission through acceptance of untested “spiritual” or religious experiences
4. Be Alert to the arenas of attack
These beings have personality. When they operate out of some kind of stronghold, you may expect their personality to manifest through an individual. By Biblical implication I believe that since demons do not have a body and thus have limited means by which to manifest their evil nature and personality and therefore seek some kind of vehicle through which to manifest.
a) Operate in and through the thoughts
b) Operate in and through the emotions
c) Operate in and through the will
d) Operate in and through the body
5. Be Alert to specific schemes
a) Empty promises i.e. “Be like God!”
b) Subtle lies
c) Distraction from simple devotion to Christ
d) Drive to Extremes
e) Threat and intimidation
6. Be Alert to typical symptoms of bondage
• Areas in my life where I have lost the ability to choose.
• Areas of plaguing compulsion
• Plaguing thoughts of evil that cause me repulsion
• Uncontrollable feelings of anger and bitterness
• Overpowering fear that keeps me from doing what I know I ought.
• Unexplainable physical symptoms which have no apparent cause.
• Strange manifestations or feelings of another presence
• Uncontrollable emotions that have no apparent cause.
• Continual condemning, evil voices
These symptoms, connected with a number of broken down walls and permission granting and family line patterns as described above may warrant a closer look at the possibility of level three demonic influence.
Ask God to confirm the truth.
Examine the avenues of gaining influence
Actively enter the battle today by affirming your heritage in Christ and denying any demonic trespasser seeking to continue family line bondage.
C. Be Armored
Before we engage the enemy, it is essential to be well armed with the armor of God. To enter battle unprotected results in defeat and further bondage.
First, we must not use this as a magic little formula to protect us.
We must understand and apply what it means.
Second, I don’t think we should try to make a great deal over the particular associated body parts mentioned. Paul uses the image of a warrior with armor to illustrate real truth applied to every area of our walk.
Third, I believe that this is God’s armor not ours.
Some teach that these are related to things about us. I think they are truths related to Him.
1. Truth girded loins
The truth of God as recorded in the Bible is both defensive and offensive.
It keeps all the rest of the armor fastened together. It does little good just to say you put on this armor if you are not actively involved in studying the truth. This piece of armor guards against the continual lies of the enemy. We are commanded to tear down the fortresses of the enemy by bringing every thought captive raised up against the truth of Christ. It is what hold the rest together. The belt of truth readies us for battle and keeps things in order. God’s truth hidden in the heart prevents lies from coming out of the mouth.
2. Righteousness protected heart
One of the major attacks of the enemy comes through condemnation. We must be fully protected with the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We cannot rely on our own righteousness for protection.
3. Peace prepared feet
Another scheme of the enemy is to keep us in conflict with God, ourselves, others.
Shoes -- traction and sure footedness in battle that enabled one to stand firm.
Our struggle with relationships cause us to be uncertain and unsteady in battle.
The Gospel is the good news of peace made possible through the work of Christ. Christ gave us peace, made peace, He is our peace.
Peace with God
Romans 5:1-13 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
Peace of God
Philip. 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Peace with others
Ephes. 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,
Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
4. Faith shielded body
Specific protection against the fiery darts of the wicked one.
He hurls darts of fear.
He hurls darts of despondency.
He hurls darts of loneliness.
Whatever he can use to affect your trust in God’s goodness, he will hurl at you. Faith in the person and purposes of God is the only defense.
5. Salvation protected head
Your thinking must be firmly founded in the powerful facts of your salvation. What happened the moment you trusted Christ? If these things are fuzzy, the enemy will continually keep your off guard. Paul voiced his concern about the Corinthians that Satan would deceive them concerning salvation’s simplicity. Devotion to Christ. Christ in you the hope of glory.
Start with a commitment to grow in you knowledge of the Bible. It is vital. It food for life and growth. It is the only means of protection against the deceptions and lies of the enemy. Unless you are well protected, you will suffer continual defeat in the face of the enemy.
D. Be Armed
1. The Weapons
a) The Sword of the Spirit -- The Word of God
The Word of God defends and defeats. Jesus employed the Word for his own life. Jesus employed the Word of God against the enemy.
b) Persistent Intercession
Ephes. 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
2. The Tactics
The following tactics assume you are well protected with the full armor of God.
a) Stand in faith
Sample prayer
Father, I do not understand what is happening right now but I affirm my faith in your goodness and your greatness. I refuse every purpose of the enemy to erode my faith and embrace every purpose of yours to encourage my faith. I purpose to rejoice in tribulation, knowing that the testing of my faith produces endurance which results in maturity. I entrust myself to a You as my faithful Creator and offer myself as Your servant to others.
Sample morning Prayer for Protection
Heavenly Father,
Having understood and applied the truth of Your protective armor, and resting in the authority and power and of Jesus Christ, I stand firm today against every work of Satan or any of his evil workers. I embrace Your purposes for my life but refuse and actively resist every purpose of the evil one to trip me, trap me, discourage me, defeat me, hinder me, deceive me, tempt me or any of my family in any way. By Your divine power I pull down every fortress and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of Christ in me or in any of my family. I purpose to resist, by faith, the schemes of the enemy and resist him with the Word of God as You empower me. By the power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, I refuse every curse or hindrance issued against me or my family. I ask for your protection for me and my family through this day.
Sample evening prayer of cleansing
Heavenly Father,
I thank you for Your love. I confess that I have given opportunity for the evil one to operate through me today (name areas of sin). I confess those things to you and now revoke any permission granted knowingly or unknowingly to the enemy to work though me. I once again offer the members of my body and soul to You as instruments/weapons of righteousness. I continue to refuse Satan's purposes in me and my family in the areas of (name areas of struggle noticed during the day). I claim the victory and triumph of Christ in those areas and pray for the defeat of Satan’s schemes and the confusion of all his workers. I rest in Your protection of my thoughts and dreams through the night for myself and the members of my family.
b) Resist
Sample Resistance
Matthew 16:23 "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."
Assuming you rely on the strength and insight of the Holy Spirit, address the Word of God directly to the heart of the attack.
Sample Resistance to the temptation to lie
It is written, “I shall not bear false witness”, “laying aside falsehood, I am to speak truth with my neighbor, for we are members of one another.” I obey God and resist you Satan by the power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Be gone!”
Because the enemy gains this level of influence mostly because of some violation of God’s law and broken down walls of resistance, stronger resistance may be necessary. There is no divinely revealed formula of resistance. Again, our defense is the all powerful Word of God understood and accurately applied through the energizing ministry of the Holy Spirit.
There is one particular passage that contains several important elements.
c) Humbly submit to God’s Authority in your life
Declare your loyalty. God resists the proud but gives strength, grace, power, to the humble. To fraternize with the enemy makes you an adversary to God. One must renounce any attempt to experience life by submitting to the tools of the enemy or involvement with every Satanic and counterfeit religion. Pride defiantly considers our agenda more important than God’s eternal purpose. Pride considers our needs more important than God’s will. The first move toward freedom is to acknowledge our pride and willful defiance and once again submit to God’s eternal purpose and acknowledge His authority over my life. We must affirmation our desire to embrace God’s truth and affirm our citizenship in His kingdom.
d) Humbly submit to God’s cleansing in my life
Pride leads to sins of all kinds. These violations of God’s ways must be confessed and renounced.
James 4:8-9 Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy to gloom.
Ancestral confession and renunciation
There are several examples in Scripture of a prayer acknowledging and confessing the sins of the forefathers as the prelude to freedom and revival.
Personal confession and renunciation
Any and all sin that the Holy Spirit bring to mind must be confessed.
This includes sins committed against God and people.
This includes any sins of omission (failure to do what we ought).
This includes violations of God’s truth involving thoughts, attitudes, words, deeds.
Confession involves seeing our life as God sees it. We must agree with Him regarding the gravity of our rebellion against Him and our mistreatment of people.
Remember:
1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
e) Firmly Resist the enemy’s control/influence in your life
Having acknowledged that the enemy had been given a place of influence through sin and confessed those areas to God, it is time to refuse any further access to the enemy and tell him to leave.
Sample statement of resistance
By the faith given me by my Heavenly Father, I firmly resist every demon seeking to continue any level of control in my life. I reclaim all territory surrendered to you by my sin or any sins of my family. You have no right to operate in my life and I resist you by the authority granted to me by the Lord Jesus Christ and on the basis of His blood sacrifice which brought you defeat. By the power of the blessed Holy Spirit I command every demon to leave now and go where the Lord Jesus tells you to go!
f) Continually draw near to God
Having resisted the interference and influence of the enemy we must actively draw near to God in deeper relationship with Him. In this drawing near we seek to repair any breaches in our walls.
We seek His healing of our soul.
We submit His continual renewal of our mind and resulting transformation.
g) Practice continual resistance
This is not a one time thing! We must continually be alert to possible areas of bondage and level three influence. We need not be paranoid about it put be practical about it. If we are suffering bondage, check it out. God is faithful to continually conform us to the image of His son and in order to do that He must stir up strongholds that must be eradicated.
h) Call for help resisting Stronger Strongholds
If you sense a severe bondage... If there is not significant change after working through the areas above... Then there is a further step also found in the book of James.
James 5:14-16 Is anyone among you sick (without strength) Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
