As far as we can tell from the Bible, additional "fallen
angels" are not possible:
1. There are a "set number" of angels, they
are not still being created. It appears that they were created prior
to the universe being created, since Job 38:7 says, that the "morning
stars sang together" and also, the existence of a fallen angel,
Satan, appearing in the garden to tempt Adam and Eve.
2. An exact number fell, one-third of the total number
of angels (Rev 12:4).
3. There are "Elect" and
"Non-elect" angels. "I charge you, in the sight of God
and Christ Jesus and the elect angels . . . ." [1 Timothy 5:21].
Now the Bible doesn't tell us about the election process of
angels, but it does tell us a great deal about the election of man. So
we can easily make a few assumptions:
1. That before angels were created God elected
"some" of them.
Now men and women are all linked to each other by birth, so
all are sinners because of Adam and Eve, so God had only sinners to choose
from. He chose some to be saved (despite their will not to be)--that
is, He did not ask for their permission--these are the "elect."
The others that He did not choose "the non-elect" were simply left
to continue in their rebellion and sin.
When you come to angels, there is a difference because they
are not "linked" to each other, each is a separate creation.
Yet, we assume that God saw in their "free will" a propensity to
sin. And that He "elected" some "not to sin" and
left the others to "sin" with their free will. This is not a
fault in their creation, but possibly a function of "free-will."
Given enough time, it appears that every creature with a true
"free-will" seems to eventually use it against God. At any
rate, since no redeemer was planned, nor possible for angels (since they
were not "linked" like man), then it appears that election was the
only answer to secure eternal Holy angels. God literally choose some
(two-thirds) to be His forever, as Holy angels. This election
simply "locked" them into holiness, "not allowing" them
to sin against God. The non-elect angels were allowed to use their
free-will against God.
This means that Satan and the one-third that fell were the
"non-elect" angels, and Michael, Gabriel, the Seraphim, the
Cherubim, the Living Creatures, and all the other "good" angels
were all "elected" to perfection and holiness. Elect
men and women were also "elected" to perfection and holiness, but
we were sinners, and therefore needed a Savior, the Holy and Blessed Jesus
Christ--God Himself.
2. Now that angels are elect they can never sin or
leave their perfect state.
This is just like elect men and women, once we were elected
for salvation (before the creation of the universe), then there was no way
out--we were eternally secure in Christ from that point on, even though the
actual Calling and Justification process occurred later.
Election is an eternal decision, so the good angels are
forever going the stay that way.
I believe that as you listen to the praise of angels at
various places in the Bible, you will detect in them a great sense of
thankfulness to God, which I believe is simply their being ever aware of
being elected unto holiness.
Hope this explanation helps you. A good understanding
of the doctrine of Election is crucial for the Church, for it answers so
many questions. I have numerous articles and sermons on election on my two
websites.
Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "Tony Capoccia's Questions and
Answers" by:
Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
Box 314
Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
Websites: www.biblebb.com and www.gospelgems.com
Email: tony@biblebb.com
Online since 1986