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The Opposing Forces

The forces involved in the conflict are supernatural. They cannot be seen with physical eyesight, but are real nevertheless. Occasionally, individuals may be aware of their presence in the form of an angelic visitation or a demonic attack. But most of the time the battle is raging unseen in the heavenlies.

The Bible gives us glimpses of the supernatural warfare as well as showing us individual warriors on each side.


God's Forces

God's forces consist of -
•  ARCHANGELS  eg Michael
•  ANGELS  eg  Gabriel
•  BORN AGAIN SPIRIT-FILLED CHRISTIANS 

Angels are mentioned in several Bible passages, including the following :
GENESIS 19:1-15; JOB 1:6; PSALM 148:2; DANIEL 9:21; DANIEL10:5,12-21; MATTHEW 4:11; LUKE 1:19-26; JOHN 20:12; JUDE 1:9

Satan's Forces

Two types of satanic agents are mentioned in the Bible.

A. FALLEN ANGELS who rebelled with satan and were expelled from heaven; these seem to be higher order agents than demons and are territorial  eg the Prince of Greece and the Prince of Persia mentioned in  DANIEL 10:13, 20

    EPHESIANS 6:12  lists a hierarcy of satanic forces in order from top to bottom:

• RULERS   (archai)
• AUTHORITIES (exousiai)
• COSMIC POWERS OF DARKNESS (kosmokratores)
• SPIRITUAL FORCES OF EVIL IN THE HEAVENLIES (pneumatika ponerias)
  

B. DEMONIC SPIRITS variously called demons, evil spirits and unclean spirits.  The most common enemy forces to be encountered by Christians are demonic spirits.