Where do the angels, both good and evil, stand in relation to divine providence?

In the early centuries of Christianity, this question arose: how do we explain the existence of evil demons who control humanity in a world governed by the providence of God? The Alexandrian Fathers replied thus:

Humans became the children of Satan (John 8:44) completely of their own free will, rather than embracing God and enjoying union with Him.

St. Clement of Alexandria and the scholar Origen explained that the plan of the demons is to try to make humans fall, bind them into slavery, and to win them over to their side. But divine providence supports us with the angels for our protection if we accept their service on our behalf (Heb. 1:14), and leads us to the heavenly wedding, if this is indeed what we desire and yearn for.

The battle is waged between God and demons. If we shelter in God, the demons will be defeated. The scholar Origen says, if a person accepts faith, then Christ “who has redeemed us with His own blood entrusts us to a holy angel, who also, because of his purity, beholds the face of God.”⁵³³ Pope Athanasius the Apostolic says, “And justly indeed; for if there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents (Luke 15:7), what should there not be over the abolition of sin, and the resurrection of the dead? Oh what a feast and how great the gladness in heaven! How must all its hosts rejoice and exult, as they rejoice and watch in our assemblies, those that are held continually, and especially those at Easter?”⁵³⁴

532 Origen, Against Celsus 7.33 (ANF 4:625).

533 Origen, Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew 13.28 (ANF 10:491) amended.

534 St. Athanasius of Alexandria, The Festal Letters 6.10 (NPNF II/4:522) amended.