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Chapter 16: Ruling over Angels

Supernatural

January 17, 2021 • Chris Reighley

Supernatural:
What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World—And Why It Matters

by Dr. Michael S. Heiser

Uncover the Supernatural in the Bible

Introduction: The Glorious Destiny of God’s Redeemed

What if you were destined not only to dwell in heaven—but to reign? What if the family of God was not only reconciled, but restored to such a degree that you would judge the very angels?

That’s exactly what the apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:3:

“Do you not know that we will judge angels?”

In this final chapter, Dr. Michael Heiser pulls back the curtain on the eternal vocation of believers—our future as co-rulers with Christ in the divine council, our glorification as divine imagers, and our placement above the angels who now serve. The redeemed of humanity will replace the rebellious sons of God who corrupted the nations. We were created to bear God’s image, and in Christ, that image is not only restored, but exalted.

This chapter doesn’t just affirm the reality of the unseen realm—it clarifies the believer’s eternal role within it. You are not merely saved from judgment—you are being prepared to judge. You are not merely forgiven—you are being fitted to reign.

The supernatural destiny of the church is to rule with Christ over a restored cosmos, fulfilling the original Edenic commission and surpassing the glory of the angels.

Chapter Outline: Ruling Over Angels

I. Created for Glory, Designed for Dominion

  • Genesis 1:26–28 – Humanity was created in God’s image to rule.
  • Eden was meant to be the beginning of humanity’s co-reign with God—earthly and heavenly realms united.

II. From Fall to Fulfillment

A. The Rebellion of Divine Sons
  • Genesis 6 and Psalm 82 portray fallen elohim who rebelled and ruled unjustly.
  • God’s judgment on them leads to a vacancy in His divine council.
B. Humanity’s Failure and Redemption
  • Adam and Eve forfeited their royal role.
  • Jesus, the Last Adam, restores and surpasses that role.

III. The Glorification of Believers

A. 2 Peter 1:4 – We are partakers of the divine nature.
B. 1 John 3:1–3 – “We will be like Him.”
C. Romans 8:17 – We are heirs with Christ, destined for glory.

IV. Seated with Christ and Given Authority

A. Ephesians 2:6–7 – Believers are seated with Christ in the heavenly places.
B. Revelation 3:21 – Overcomers will sit with Christ on His throne.
C. Psalm 2:7–9; Rev. 2:26–28 – Rule over the nations promised to the Son—and shared with the saints.

V. Judging Angels

  • 1 Corinthians 6:3 – A startling but clear promise: we will judge angels.
  • Most likely refers to the rebellious sons of God—the Watchers, the princes of nations (Dan. 10; Ps. 82).
  • Our glorification puts us above even the loyal angelic host.

VI. Why This Matters

  1. You Were Made for More
    • Salvation isn’t the finish line—it’s the beginning of eternal rulership.
  2. The Church Is the New Council
    • God is forming His new divine council from the body of Christ.
    • We will do what the rebellious elohim failed to do—rule justly.
  3. Spiritual Authority Begins Now
    • Though full reign comes in glory, our battle and calling begin now (Eph. 6:12).
    • We fight now, because we will rule later.
  4. Your Faithfulness Echoes into Eternity
    • The choices we make now shape the kind of rulers we become.
  5. The Gospel Reverses Babel and Reclaims Eden
    • We are gathered from every nation to do what Adam failed to do—reign with God over creation.

Key Scriptures

  • 1 Corinthians 6:3 – We will judge angels
  • Ephesians 2:6–7; Revelation 3:21 – Seated with Christ
  • Romans 8:17; 1 John 3:2; 2 Peter 1:4 – Glorification
  • Psalm 2; Revelation 2:26–28 – Authority over nations
  • Psalm 82; Daniel 7; Genesis 1:26 – Divine council, destiny, dominion

Reflection & Discussion Questions

  • What does it mean to you that you will one day judge angels?
  • How should your future glorification shape your present faithfulness?
  • In what ways can the church today reflect the justice and rule it is called to carry into eternity?

Key Takeaway

  • You were not merely saved from sin.
  • You were saved for glory, for governance, and for eternal communion in the divine family.
  • You will reign with Christ.
  • You will judge the angels.
  • You are being prepared now to rule forever.

This study was taught by Chris Reighley to the Sunday Night Bible Study at Rolling Hills Community Church in Lago Vista, Texas in 2020

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