Angels

Angels (Notes taken from Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem)

Definition:

“Angels are created, spiritual beings with moral judgement and high intelligence, but without physical bodies” Wayne Grudem

Created Spiritual Beings

Angels have not always existed; they are part of the universe that God created. In a passage that refers to angels as the “host” of heaven, Ezra says, “You are the LORD, you alone; you have made the heaven, the heaven of heaven, with all their host…and the host of heaven worships you.” (Neh. 9:6) Paul also tells us that God created all things “visible and invisible” (Col 1:16)

Angels exercise moral judgement – some of them sinned and fell from their positions (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). Their high intelligence is seen in the fact that they speak to people in Scripture.

Since angels are “spirits” (Heb 1:14) or spiritual creatures, they do not have physical bodies (Luke 24:39)

Names, ranks and specifics

Other names:
Sons of God (Job 1:6; 2:1)
Holy ones (Ps. 89:5,7)
Spirits (Heb 1:14)
Watchers (Dan 4:13)
Thrones, dominions, principalities, authorities (Col 1:16)?
Powers (Eph 1:21)

Other kinds of Heavenly Beings: 3 others named in scripture
a) The “Cherubim” – guarding the entrance of Garden of Eden (Gen 3.24) – and they are associated with God at numbers times. The ark of the covenant also has two golden figures of cherubim
b) The “Seraphim” Only mentioned in Is 6:2-7 – continually worship the LORD.
c) The Living Creatures: mentioned in Ezekiel 1:5-14 and Rev 4:6-8 – they also worship God.

Ranks: There is some indications of rank – for example Michael is called archangel in Jude 9

Names: Only two angels are specifically named in scripture. Michael is mentioned in Jude 9 and Revelation 12:7-8 and Daniel 10:13,21. Gabriel is mentioned in Daniel 8:16 & 9:21 & again in Luke 1 as the messenger who spoke to Zechariah & Mary.

Numbers: No specific numbers – but we get an idea that its a lot – see Deut 33:2 & Ps 68:17. In Heb 12:22 “innumerable angels” and Rev 5:11 “myriads of myriads”.

Guardian Angels?

God clearly sends angels for our protection

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Ps91:11-12
But some people have gone beyond this idea of general protection and wondered if God gives a specific “guardian angel” Support for this idea has been found in Jesus’ words about little children. “in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt 18:10). However it may be that angels are playing the zone rather than man-to-man marking – There seems to be, therefore no convincing support for the idea of individual “guardian angels”.

The Power of Angels

Angels apparently have very great power.

“you mighty ones who do his word” (Ps 103:20)
“powers” (Eph 1:21)
“dominions” & “authorities” (Col. 1:16)
Angels are seemingly “greater in might and power” than rebellious human beings (2 Peter 2:11; Matt 28:2).
Though their power is great it is certainly not infinite.
Nonetheless, when the Lord returns, we will be raised to a position higher than that of angels (1 Cor 6:3)

The Place of Angels in God’s Purpose

Angels show the greatness of God’s love and plan for us.

In Hebrews 2:16 “For surely it is not with angels that his is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham” - God created two groups of intelligent, moral creatures and God forgives and saves us – but not the angels that rebelled. For whatever reasons God is concerned with us more than the angels.

Angels remind us that the unseen world is real.

The biblical teaching on the existence of angels is a constant reminder to us that there is an unseen world that is very real (eg 2 Kings 6:17) Elisha sees the angels of God.

Angels are examples for us.

In both their obedience (Matt 6:10) and worship (Isa 6:3)

Angels carry our some of God’s plans.

Eg messengers (Luke 1:11-19; Acts 8:26; 10:3-8,22; 27:23-24)
Eg judgement (2 Sam 24:16-17; 2 Chron. 32:21; Acts 12:23; Rev 16:1)
Eg patrol the earth as God’s representatives (Zech 1:10-11)

Angels directly glorify God.

Bless the Lord, O you his angels (Ps 103:20)
Holy Holy Holy (Isa 6:3)
Worthy is the lamb (Rev 5:11-12)

Our relationship to Angels

We should be aware of angels in our daily lives

Heb 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”

An angel shut the mouth of the lions (Dan 6:22); delivered the apostles from prison (Acts 5:19-20)

Cautions

Beware of receiving false doctrine from angels

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! (Gal 1:8)

Do not worship angels, pray to them or seek them

Worship of angels (Col 2:18) was one of the false doctrines being taught in Colossae. An angel warns John in Revelation not to worship him:

At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Rev 19:10)

Do angels appear to people today?

The fact that angels appeared in the Bible to people suggests that there is no reason to suspect that there isn’t the possibility of angelic appearances today. BUT we must evaluate what we see or hear and be cautious – because of false angels. Does what the say/do/appear like match up with what we know of God from the life of Jesus and the Bible?