Book SummarySupernatural, by Michael S. Heiser

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Supernatural

The representation of the inhabitants and the nature of the spiritual world as described in the holy texts

Scripture portrays a vibrant, hidden realm inhabited by divine entities that extend beyond merely God and angels.

Heiser emphasizes the intricate and varied nature of the spiritual realm as portrayed through scriptural texts, which includes a broad spectrum of entities that surpass the conventional classifications of merely God, angels, or demons. The tapestry of the scriptural narrative is intricately detailed and multifaceted.

The Scriptures depict a heavenly council composed of deities, each with dominion over different nations.

Heiser draws attention to the concept of a "divine council," a group of supernatural beings who work with God to administer his rule over creation. God is portrayed as asserting His supreme authority within a celestial council, where He delivers His judgments surrounded by a holy congregation. Heiser underscores the reality that the council he discusses functions in a dimension unseen by human sight. The assembly actively participates in managing the operations within the divine realm, carrying out resolutions, and guaranteeing that His purposes are realized across both the spiritual and physical universes. Heiser notes the profound influence that the decisions of the council have on shaping human history and the fate of nations, going beyond simple theological ideas. God gathers a council in the account of 1 Kings 22 to formulate a strategy that will result in the downfall of the wicked King Ahab. In the fourth chapter of Daniel, the divine retribution that befell King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was decreed by the highest divine power, as stated in Daniel 4:24, and by the celestial entities called "watchers," who are described in Daniel 4:17 as part of the divine council.

The Bible frequently refers to these beings as "gods" (elohim), not just angels

Heiser clarifies that the term "elohim" in Hebrew, often translated to "God," does not solely refer to the deity worshipped by the Israelites. The term refers to all beings that inhabit the unseen spiritual dimension. The concept includes the deity first mentioned in Genesis, the evil spirits referenced in Deuteronomy 32:17, and the spirits of the deceased, as exemplified by the story depicted in the thirteenth verse of the twenty-eighth chapter of 1 Samuel. Heiser emphasizes the distinctiveness of Israel's deity by highlighting His role as the creator and supreme ruler, the structured order that places lesser gods beneath Him, and definitive proclamations that affirm His unparalleled status (1 Kings 8:23; Ps. 97:9).

These deities are depicted as possessing genuine authority and influence within their respective spiritual domains.

Heiser underscores the considerable influence and authority that the beings often known as 'gods' wield in the spiritual realm. They participate in celestial administration, acting as envoys who convey messages from the divine realm across both spiritual and physical dimensions. These entities do not simply carry out orders; they have the freedom to choose how to achieve the results, despite the fact that the divine has predetermined the outcome. Heiser delves into the fate of King Ahab, where God decreed his end yet permitted his council to determine the manner of its occurrence. The designated authority emphasizes a complex and dynamic representation of the holy domain as it is illustrated in the sacred texts.

The unseen domain is portrayed in holy scriptures as hostile and menacing to the Divine and those who are loyal to Him.

The spiritual domain is varied and its control is not exclusively under the jurisdiction of the divine. Heiser underscores a distinct division among the ranks of heavenly entities, a revolt that has splintered the spiritual domain,...

Supernatural Summary Humanity underwent a considerable divergence from what was initially intended by the Divine for creation.

Heiser presents an intriguing argument about God's initial plan for humanity: He wanted to create a combined, divine-human family, co-ruling creation in a harmonious, Edenic world. The plan was foiled as resistance arose from beings in both the human sphere and supernatural domains, leading to alienation and conflict.

The first humans disrupted the equilibrium that was meant to be by disobeying the established celestial command in the Garden of Eden.

Heiser views Eden not merely as a peaceful haven but as the pivotal center of celestial rule, a location where the first humans met with divine beings.

The initial human beings were misguided into wrongdoing and defiance by an entity often referred to as the Serpent.

Heiser depicts the serpent as one of the divine council's members, who, driven by envy due to humanity's admittance into the divine sphere, chose to rebel. Adam and Eve were beguiled by the serpent, which led to their fall, shattering Eden's peace and resulting in their expulsion from the presence of the divine.

As a result, humanity was expelled from the divine presence and subject to death

Heiser suggests that this rebellious act initiated a...

Supernatural Summary The conflict spans the heavenly domain and includes various otherworldly beings.

Heiser suggests interpreting the biblical saga as a grand conflict in which the supreme deity engages with rebellious entities challenging His absolute authority. The conflict spans both seen and unseen realms, affecting the course of human occurrences and the fates of people.

The sacred texts depict an ongoing conflict between the heavenly and the rebellious heavenly beings that rule over the nations.

Heiser emphasizes that God continued to engage with the nations rather than abandoning them to shape their own future. He formulated a plan to reclaim his rightful sovereignty over the whole of creation. This approach involved an extended and often severe struggle in which the faithful would face opposition not only from human domains but also from otherworldly dimensions.

Gods from various traditions are portrayed as oppressive and despotic, challenging the unchallenged supremacy of the singular true deity.

Heiser notes the clear portrayal in the scriptures of the antagonistic nature of the deities governing different nations. For example, Psalm 82 vehemently criticizes these heavenly beings for not guiding the nations towards righteousness, emphasizing their...

Supernatural Summary Believers enhance their perception of their role within the biblical narrative of the supernatural by acknowledging their membership in the divine family.

Heiser underscores the necessity of recognizing the heavenly conflict to comprehend our place and importance as adherents to the Christian faith. Our journey is not simply one of personal salvation; it is also about being welcomed into a celestial kinship and dedicating ourselves to the holy mission of uniting all peoples under His ultimate sovereignty.

Believers are embraced into the expansive family of God as children, thereby gaining a share in the inheritance.

Heiser clarifies that the term "sons of God" extends beyond referring exclusively to Jesus or celestial entities. Faithful followers are embraced into the celestial kinship, taking on the identity of offspring poised to partake in Christ's sovereignty and inherit in unison with Him.

Individuals who are not Jewish become metaphorically grafted into Abraham's lineage and partake in the Divine Essence through their belief in Jesus.

This adoption isn't limited to ethnic Israelites. Heiser emphasizes the profound change whereby people, once divided at Babel, become united in Abraham's lineage through their faith in Jesus, thereby becoming essential members of God's family and heirs to His promises. This new...

Supernatural Summary Believers play a crucial role in the divine plan to reassert sovereignty over the planet.

Heiser emphasizes that believers aren't just passive beneficiaries of God's grace; they are active participants in his plan to reclaim the nations and restore his kingdom. We act as envoys, sent into a domain ruled by darkness, tasked with spreading His light, breaking the chains that perpetuate wickedness, and leading souls to mend their relationship with the Creator.

The descent of the Spirit at Pentecost equipped the faithful with the necessary means to disseminate the good news worldwide.

Heiser perceives Pentecost not merely as an exceptional event, but as a critical juncture signifying the commencement of a sacred mission to reclaim the nations.

The events of Pentecost represented a direct confrontation with the deity worshipped by various cultures.

Heiser emphasizes the intentional parallels drawn between the Pentecost occurrences and the narrative of the Tower of Babel. The disciples receiving the gift of speaking in tongues signified the reversal of the linguistic division that began at the Tower of Babel. Heiser suggests that the event of Pentecost signifies the beginning of the dismantling of the Tower of Babel edifice, heralding the start of God's...

Supernatural Summary The ultimate restoration of the heavenly domain and the destiny of the devout.

Heiser offers comfort to his readers with the affirmation that the divine plan will ultimately triumph. The prolonged struggle with the shadows is destined to culminate in triumph. As God's offspring, the faithful will inherit the kingdom that awaits them, sharing in its glory and ruling in tandem.

God's original vision for a divine-human existence on Earth will ultimately be realized.

Heiser underscores the notion that Eden's initial celestial blueprint remains intact, awaiting the appropriate time to manifest. Historical events have unfolded and the battle against malevolence has been pivotal in achieving the grand design's final fulfillment. He emphasizes the divine plan to restore His presence in a revitalized creation, with the goal of harmoniously merging the celestial and the terrestrial realms.

The biblical account of Revelation depicts the entire world being transformed into a revitalized Eden where God's presence is once again established.

Heiser explores the visions from Revelation that portray the birth of a revitalized cosmos, a domain where the divine dwells with humanity in a restored life, free from corruption and immune to the finality of death....