The Blessedness of the Angels
True blessedness requires two elements: uninterrupted enjoyment of the unchangeable good (God), and certain knowledge that this enjoyment will be eternal. The fallen angels lacked this certainty from the moment of their fall. But did they ever partake of true blessedness before their sin? Augustine argues that if they had equal knowledge and certainty with the holy angels, they would have remained blessed eternally. Since they fell, they must have lacked that full assurance.
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