Angels

<<heavenly, winged being>>

Angels are created heavenly beings, of a higher order than man is (Heb 2:7,9). In the OT they were more prominent in “doing His will” bringing God’s messages to people and intervening in the affairs of men (Gen 22:11-18; Ex 3:2; Num 22:21-35; Jdg 6:14-16; Ps 103:20).  In the NT Christ and the Holy Spirit increasingly fulfill that role, although occurrences include announcing the birth of Jesus, being present at His resurrection and ascension, and escorting Peter when he was miraculously released from goal (Lk 2:15; 24:4; Act 1:10, 12:6-11). Being from the Spirit world, angels are normally unseen but in the recorded encounters with people they appeared in human form, dressed in white. Today, we have God’s complete guidance manual (the Bible) through which He speaks to us by the Holy Spirit and our conscience so direct interaction with angels is seldom encountered.

throughout Revelation (Ps 91:11; Mt 4:11; Lk 15:10; Heb 1:14). Jesus said He could call on God to send thousands of angels to protect Him (Mt 26:53). Angels will separate out the good from the bad souls, throwing the wicked ones into hell (Mt 13:39,41,42; Rev 14:15).  There are various levels of importance and function: archangel, cherubim and seraphim.

Satan (originally called Lucifer), was the highest angel, but because of pride rebelled against God, “He sinned from the beginning”.  Because of his rebellion, he was banished from heaven along with his angels who joined in the revolt (considered to a third of the total heavenly number). Their destiny along with all those who don't love God will be the Lake of fire (Isa 14:12-14; Ezek 28:12-19; Mt 25:41; 2 Pet 2:4; 1 Jn 3:8; Rev 12:7-9). These fallen angels are understood to be active in Satan’s Kingdom and some consider them to be evil spirits or demons.  Satan is also referred to as “the angel of light” as this is another deceptive tactic of his hiding his true nature (2 Cor 11:14). Two of the archangels remaining faithful to God and carrying out His purposes are named in the Bible – Gabriel (Dan 8:16, 9:21; Lk 1:19,26); Michael, also called a prince (Dan 10:13,21, 12:1; Jud 1:9; Rev 12:7).

When Stephen was being tried because of his faith, “they saw that his face was like the face of an angel” (Act 6:15).

The Bible instructs us to be hospitable for in the past people have looked after angels even though they were not aware of it at the time (Gen 18:1ff; Jdg 6:11-22; 13:2ff; Heb 13:2).

There is no indication in Scripture that each believer is assigned a specific guardian angel/s who continually watches over them. God is all-knowing and sees every believer at every moment, and He alone knows when one of us needs the intervention of an angel. The angels are continually seeing His face, attentive to Him and at His disposal to help a believer (Mt 18:10). God uses angels to minister to us. He neither needs us or them to accomplish His purposes, but chooses to use us and them nevertheless (Heb 1:7). As we have an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-loving God protecting us, with His Holy Spirit residing within each believer does it really matter whether or not we have a finite guardian angel protecting us? (1 Cor 3:16, 6:19). As God is our source of protection and guidance our focus is to be on Him, not any fellow creation who merely responds to His commands. The Bible does not encourage us to seek out angels or communicate with them. They carry out God's directives, not ours.

See also: demons, guidance (divine), Satan.