The Unseen Realm: Angels, Darkness, and Christ’s Authority

Jana Prance
2026-03-08T20:37:49-04:00

Sometimes I wonder about the world we can’t see—the angels, the spiritual forces, the mysteries Scripture hints at. From Ezekiel’s visions to Jesus telling us “do not be afraid,” the Bible invites us to live anchored in His light, even when the unseen feels overwhelming. This post explores that hidden world and the inspiration it brings to the designs I create at Tenth Act Fine Jewelry.

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Have you ever felt that there is more to this world than what we can see? The words demons, angels, and spirits are thrown around in our culture, songs, and movies that it can feel like cheap entertainment, something that makes an intriguing story. It is easy to move through life living in the black and white, denying the existence of the unseen. Yet the pages of Scripture pull back the curtain, reminding us that the unseen realm is far more real than we often allow ourselves to believe.

Let's dive into what the Bible says about the spiritual world that exists alongside our everyday reality. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reminds us that heaven and earth are closer than we often realize, and that God’s creation includes both what we see and what is hidden from sight. The spiritual realm is not presented as fantasy or metaphor. Instead, the Bible describes it as a real part of creation that occasionally becomes visible when God allows it.

The Unseen Realm in the Bible

Throughout Scripture there are moments when the curtain between the physical and spiritual world briefly opens. Angels appear to Abraham. An angel visits Mary to announce the coming of Jesus. A host of heavenly beings appears to the shepherds in the fields on the night of Christ’s birth.

One of the most striking examples occurs in the Old Testament. When the prophet Elisha and his servant are surrounded by an enemy army, Elisha prays for God to open the servant’s eyes. Suddenly he sees the hills filled with heavenly armies protecting them (2 Kings 6:17).

The New Testament continues this theme. The apostle Paul reminds believers that:

“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

The Bible does not hide the reality of the unseen world. It acknowledges that there are angelic beings who serve God and spiritual forces that oppose Him. Light and darkness are both described as active realities within the larger story of creation.

Why the Bible Repeats “Do Not Be Afraid”

Despite acknowledging the spiritual realm, the most repeated command in Scripture is surprisingly simple. “Do not be afraid.”

This phrase appears more than 300 times throughout the Bible. When angels appear to people they often begin with these words (Luke 2:10). When Jesus speaks to His disciples during storms and uncertainty, He says it again: “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

The message is clear. Even when we recognize the existence of spiritual realities, fear is not the posture God calls us into.

Spiritual Warfare and the Armor of God

Instead of fear, Scripture guides believers toward wisdom and spiritual stability. We are told to resist the devil (James 4:7). We are encouraged to put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10 to 18). We are called to guard our hearts and minds by focusing on what is true, honorable, pure, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

The Bible does not encourage obsession with darkness. Instead, it invites believers to cultivate lives rooted in truth, faith, and the character of Christ.

Christ’s Authority Over the Spiritual Realm

Ultimately our confidence does not come from our ability to manage spiritual forces (and we can get into really messy situation if we try). It comes from Jesus Himself. Scripture tells us that Christ is seated far above all rule and authority, power and dominion (Ephesians 1:21). Through the cross, Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness and triumphed over them (Colossians 2:15). No power in the unseen realm exists outside of His authority.

The Vision of Ezekiel

One of my favorite glimpses of the unseen realm appears in the book of Ezekiel. In the opening chapter, the prophet describes living creatures, wheels within wheels, and the overwhelming presence of God’s glory (Ezekiel 1). The imagery is strange, beautiful, and almost impossible to picture with ordinary language.

Passages like this remind us that God’s creation is far more mysterious than we often realize. They offer a brief glimpse into the unseen world that Scripture hints at throughout the Bible. That sense of wonder is part of the inspiration behind my work through Tenth Act Fine Jewelry. Many of the designs draw from the powerful imagery found in Ezekiel’s vision, reflecting the beauty and mystery woven throughout the biblical story.

Why This Matters Today

The brokenness we see in the world can feel heavy. But the Bible reminds us that the story of creation includes both the visible and invisible. Understanding the unseen realm is not meant to create fear. Instead it points us back to the sovereignty of God and the hope we have in Christ.

As believers we are invited to stay anchored in Him, allowing His truth to shape our thoughts, our choices, and the way we live. Through everyday faithfulness, steady love, and the courage to live differently, we become people who reflect His light in a world that deeply needs it.

A Final Thought

The unseen realm may exist, but an even greater reality exists alongside it. Christ reigns over all of it. And that is where our peace is found.

I would love to hear from you. What comes to mind when you think about the unseen realm?

Jana Prance
Founder of Tenth Act Fine Jewelry