Bible Question:

Do angels have a will? Are they able to make decisions in the same way as humans? If so, what would keep them from sin? If not, how does one account for the fallen angels?

Bible Answer:

There are several passages in scripture that reveal that angels have a will. The major one is the fact that Lucifer or Satan decided to rebel against God. He wanted to be like God.

But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ (NASB) Isaiah 14:13-14

Scripture also says that about a third of the angels fell from heaven with him. Apparently they joined him in his rebellion (Rev. 12:4). Satan and his demons are at war with God (Eph. 6:12).

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (NASB) Ephesians 6:12

This implies they are free to fight. It is their choice. They are the dark spiritual forces. Holy angels also apparently have a will, but they have chosen to submit to God’s will.

In Daniel 10:10-21 a holy angel visits Daniel and during the conversation Daniel says that he has no strength. The angel responds by giving him strength (Dan. 10:16-21). Did the angel check with God before he did this? It appears the angel decided to do this as part of the ministry that God gave him.

Conclusion:

God gave angels, holy and fallen, a will, and Lucifer or the devil decided to sin. Can the holy angels still choose to sin? The answer appears to be “no” since heaven is described as a place of peace and joy (Rev. 21:4). We know that when a Christians die, they are present with the Lord and God’s holy angels. If heaven is a place of peace and joy, that would imply there is no more rebellion in heaven.