2 Peter 2:4 says, "For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment…" Now, if angels have the ability to sin and are sent straight to hell, is it safe to say that humans are the only ones with the opportunity of salvation through Jesus? Or was that just in the Old Covenant changing after Jesus came? I was always under the impression that God loves us more than the angels, but I could be wrong. Last, what are Satan’s motives? Is everything he does to hurt God and those God loves? —Nikki Pierce

2 Peter does not say the angels are in hell, but in Tartarus. Be sure you are using an accurate translation. (On this point the NIV is in error.) Since 1 Timothy 4 mentions "the elect angels,” it seems that the angels have all already made their choice. While they have free will (otherwise they couldn't have rebelled, right?), their decisions have been made.

As for Satan's motives, I will not psychoanalyze him. Revelation 12, however, may give a clue.

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