Hes also called one of the chief princes in Daniel 10:13, and appears to lead Gods angelic army in Revelation 12: Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated (Revelation 12:78). vs. 7) when a sinner repents. Angels havent always existed. WebWe can range the famous angels and their duties as follows; Gabriel (Peace be Upon Him): The Archangel Gabriel (Alayhissalam) is one of the four greatest angels. And, of course, sometimes that is the cause of suffering, but personal sin is only one of the reasons Scripture gives for suffering. When they are mentioned, it is always in order to inform us further about God, what he does, and how he does it. Thrones are defined as being two wheels that have many eyes, or a chariot of God. 6:2), as are the symbolic creatures of Ezekiel 1:6 (cf. Romans 12:21 assures us that, through relationships with Jesus, we can overcome evil with good., Its important to know that we can count on God to send us help from angels. 10:1-3), and ministering spirits, which is perhaps more of a description than a name (Heb. It depicts Christ the King in the centre with nine angelic figures, each of them represents, higher row: 8 The Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck, Editors, Victor Books, Electronic Media. Fallen angels also have a king who is referred to as the angel of the Abyss (vs. 11). I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Angels in the Bible: What Do We Actually Know About Them? They have great power and autonomy over humans but do not come in close contact with us. The most likely reference here is to the angels (sons of God, cf. The Hebrew word for angel is mal`ach, and the Greek word is angelos. 3. The fact that angels are not omnipresent is made explicit when an angel comes to Daniel and says: I have come because of your words. References to an angel of the Lord in Luke 1:11; and 2:8 and Acts 5:19 lack the Greek article which would suggest an ordinary angel. if ( notice ) 3 Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, 1983, p. 434. Hebrews 10:29-31 says. The same is true with sinful man. Gen. 18:2; 19:1; Mark 16:3; Luke 24:4). Though a defeated foe (cf. They have a hierarchy based on their closeness to God and humans, as well as their duties. Unknown, unfamiliar, and unaccustomed are the meanings of the words Munkar and Nakir.. 41:18) and even four faces (Ezek. 25:41). Gen. 6:4; Job 1:6; 2:1) who came to earth and mingled with women. God created man and the animal kingdom in pairs with the responsibility and ability to procreate. In Matthew 18:10, Jesus refers toguardian angels that God has assigned to every child. 6). 6:3; Matt. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord. Behind the occult and idolatry is the work of Satan, the rebel of rebels. Used by permission. See Ephesians 1:21 and 1 Peter 3:22. In other words, how absurd to think that a creature should become the critic of the Creator or of what He is doing as the Sovereign Lord of the universe. 6:3).14. Isa. The tendency, however, has been to neglect it. 3:16). Angel Michael Greg Brown earned his MA in religion and MA in teaching from Trinity International University, a MRE from Liberty University, and a PhD in theology from Louisiana Baptist University. In Matthew 6:1, Christ warned, Be careful not to display your righteousness merely to be seen by people. These angels did not keep their positions of authority (ten heauton archen). Otherwise you have no reward with your Father in heaven. James 4:6 says, God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble. It is possible to rebel like Satan and thus be judged by God (1 Tim 3:6). 1, Abridged Edition, John F. Walvoord, Editor, Donald K. Campbell, Roy B. Zuck, Consulting Editors, Victor Books, Wheaton, Ill., 1988, p. 289. It appears from Revelation 12:3-4 that one-third of the angelic hosts chose to follow Satan. Mankind, including our incarnate Lord, is lower than the angels (Heb. Understanding the above scenario provides us with part of the answer to the age old question of how a God who is good could permit evil, especially if He is omniscient and omnipotent. Most Christian scholars agree that one-third of the angels fell. Most likely, a cherubs face must look like that of an ox (Ez 1:10, 10:14). This Lamb is alone able to accomplish what no one else in the universe is qualified and able to do. 14:6-7; Acts 12:23; Rev. Nevertheless, he became puffed up with pride over his own beauty and power. Yet for Mans Infirmity He appointed His Angels to Watch over Us.34, Hebrews 13:2 reads, Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it (NIV). To witness the submission and condescension of God incarnate, even to the death of the cross, was an awesome declaration of Gods character as holy and immutable. Do you know what group Lucifer was in before his fall from Gods grace?God hears our prayers directly, but he sends his angels to assist us and help out his human children.God has many angels at his command, and they are organized into nine different types of angels.Each group of angels has various functions in keeping Heaven in order and answering Gods children. 14:12-15). 14:20), yet it is limited (Matt. Even after sin entered the world, Gods good angels, who did not rebel against Him, are called holy (Mark 8:38). Though writing about their invisibility to mankind, Chafer has an interesting comment: One reason angels are rendered invisible to human sight may be that , if they were seen, they would be worhiped. (2) Also, the seraphim cleanse Gods people from sin. Some would argue that the text does not say that angels rejoice, only that there is joy in their presence. 5. There are now 3 Cherubim angels (Ophaniel, Rikbiel, and Zophiel) from the original 4 Cherub in Heaven; Lucifer was a Cherub before his fall from grace in Heaven over the free will of humans. Angels are not subject to the limitations of man, especially since they are incapable of death (Luke 20:36). God is infinitely wise. In Relation to Christ: with the plan of God centering in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, they naturally perform many services for the Savior. Genesis 2:1 tells us that the angels were made at some point before the seventh day of creation: Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them (host here refers to the heavenly beings). 12:4). 8 Will you really annul My judgment? They had seen Satan cast down from his exalted position and sentenced to the lake of fire because of his pride and rebellion, but in Christs incarnation and submissive life, even to the cross, they have the ultimate example of Gods holiness, love, grace, and mercy and the justness of Satans sentence. 8-9; 16). They sinned without remedy, and there is no atonement for them (II Peter 2:4; Jude 6). The book of Revelation, a book filled with references to angels, gives us the end resultthe final defeat of sin, death, and Satan with his fallen angels, and with paradise regained. That their knowledge is greater is also suggested by the fact they were present at some of the heavenly counsels, were involved in conveying revelation (Gal. Some have considered angels, including Satan, as merely the abstract personification of good and evil, but such is not at all in keeping with the teaching of Scripture. They are the type of angels that help us recognize that there is a God and that He has a hand on all the things that happen to us. 3:18-22; Col. 2:15). 28:2; Acts 5:19; 2 Pet. I am a fellow servant with you and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus. Good angels, Satan, and demons demonstrate that they have wills (Luke 8:28-31; 2 Tim. And though God has revealed some things to us, He has obviously left much that is not revealed. Names of Angels of God and Their Duties: 15 Archangels of the Bible Satan, in tempting Christ, quoted 91:11-12 (Matt. 1:11-12). They are like Gods priestly worship leaders who stay around the throne offering God worship and leading others in the same. 1:12). These are angels who did not follow after Satan in his rebellion. God is able to answer prayer. Angels are powerful and awesome in many ways, but, like us, they are only creatures and servants of the living God who alone deserves our worship. 66:3b). So John was told to worship God. The worship of angels (as with any other object of worship) distracts from the worship of God and attributes godlike powers to the object of worship. One of her most important duties is to help women heal during their monthly cycles. In essence, their counsel was that his suffering was caused by sin. This interpretation is expounded in the pseudepigraphical Book of Enoch (7, 9.8, 10.11; 12.4), from which Jude quotes in v. 14, and is common in the intertestamental literature and the early church fathers (e.g., Justin Apology 2.5). Nevertheless, angels are known to be messengers of God and Gods army. Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. of Angels Paul also tells us that the Lord will return from heaven with the archangels call (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Host is the Hebrew tsaba, army, armies, hosts. It is a military term and carries the idea of warfare. 8:38, Eph. The Thrones are mentioned by Paul the Apostle in the book of Colossians. This seems evident by Gods words to Job seen in chapters 38-40, but especially in the following verses: Job 38:2-4 Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge? They chose self-corruption, knowing exactly what they were doing. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. First, there is always a bent in man for the miraculous or supernatural, for that which lifts him out of the mundane and pain of life, even if for a moment, but there is more to this issue. Scripture reveals God to be perfect in holiness, love, benevolence, grace, and mercy. Jesus words in Matthew 18:10 seem to support the idea that individual people (or at least children) have guardian angels, in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven. But Jesus may only mean that angels are assigned to protect little children in general. This different hierarchy is called angelic choirs, which are also differentiated into three groups. More will be said on this later when dealing with the classification of angels. Concerning the sufferings of Christ, the glories that will follow, and the things announced to believers through those who preached the gospel by the Holy Spirit, Peter declared, things into which angels long to look (see 1 Pet. It may be that fallen angels left their habitation and inhabited bodies of human despots and warriors, the mighty ones of the earth.8. Scripture mentions three types: cherubim, seraphim, and living creatures. Since details about angels are not significant for that purpose, they tend to be omitted.3. Newsweek is right; modern society, so seemingly secular and hopelessly materialistic, desperately searches for some spiritual and supernatural meaning. Lets discuss the different types of angels as mentioned in the Bible. Regarding their fall, Bushwell writes: We infer that the angels which sinned did so in full knowledge of all the issues involved. Watchers: Watchers is an Aramaic word which means, vigilant, waking, watchful. Verse 17 may infer this is a special type of angel (if a special class is intended). Though theologians have been cautious in their study of angels, in recent years we have been bombarded by what could easily be called Angelmania. Christians share Christs seat at Gods right hand. Article Images Copyright , 10 Reasons Why the Trial of Jesus Was Illegal. They seem to function as guardians of the holiness of God, having guarded the way to the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:24). Angels are referred to as the host, which calls our attention to two ideas. Angels in the Bible appear to have a rank and order. The truth is, they have 4 faces, which are an ox, a lion, an eagle, and a human. WebHoly angels serve a variety of duties, including relaying messages, performing miracles, facilitating judgment, and ministering to God's people. + As Chafer writes, The fall of some angels is no more unanticipated by God than the fall of man. Exodus 25:22 describes this: I will meet with you there, and from above the atonement lid, from between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will command you for the Israelites. 1:18-21). 13 Frank E. Gaebelein, General Editor, The Expositors Bible Commentary, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, electronic media, 1997. We list the nine types of angels ( Most who hold to this latter view find further support in 2 Peter 2:4-6 and Jude 6-7.7 Still others believe they refer to despots, powerful rulers. 89:5, 7), of their organization for battle (Rev. Shortly after the creation of Adam and Eve, the devils attack on the character of God as unfair becomes immediately evident in the slanderous nature of his questions and statements to Eve in the temptation (Gen. 3:1-5). It is believed that there are actually 7 archangels, whose names are not mentioned in the Bible but are mentioned in Judaism. Archangel Uriel (Archangel of the North: Essence: Earth) 4. 8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. The Greeks thought of Tartarus as a place of punishment lower than hades. 10 Angels of God and Their Tasks The names of angels that must be known include: 1. Only God is omniscient (all-knowing) and all-powerful (omnipotent). 1:12; 3:1; 12:8). In Daniel 8:1516 Gabriel explained to Daniel the succeeding kingdoms of Medo-Persia and Greece as well as the untimely death of Alexander the Great. Since a number of passages specifically address the fact angels are spectators of what God does, we would be remiss to ignore this biblical truth for there is certainly a reason and a lesson to be learned from this (Job 38:7; Luke 15:10; 1 Cor. Hes mentioned in Daniel 8:16 and 9:21 as a messenger who comes from God to speak to Daniel. The word seraphim (singular is seraph) is probably a translation of fiery ones and probably stems from the fiery imagery often associated with the Presence of God (cf. But there is another truth regarding angels that needs to be kept in view. Much of how society thinks today in its enchantment with angels is clearly a product of his masquerade as an angel of light with his angels who also disguise themselves in keeping with his purposes. There are different kinds of angels in the Bible | carm.org However, since the term for angel means messenger and is also used of men, there is debate over whether these references refer to angelic beings or to the human leaders of the seven churches. Cherubim are mentioned ninety-two times in thirteen different Bible books (Gen, Ex, Num, 1 and 2 Sam, 1 and 2 Kgs, 1 and 2 Chr, Ps, Is, Ez, and Heb).1 God originally put a cherub outside of the Garden of Eden to keep humans from eating from the tree of life (Gen 3:24). Perhaps no aspect of their ministry to man is more talked about than the idea of a guardian angel. People often ask, Does everyone have a guardian angel? The concept that every person has a specific guardian angel is only by implication from the statement that angels do guard or protect as Psalm 91:11 declares. The angels as well as the celestial heavens are declared to be created by God. Therefore, though allowed by God, evil did not originate from God. 13:39-40). 7:2; 10:1). Debbie Lewis - Freelance Graphic Designer - Self-employed They consist of the Principalities, the Archangel, and the Guardian Angel. There are several qualities common to personality all of which angels possesspersonal existence, intellect, emotion, and will. It was after Isaiah saw the holy seraphim in worship and humility (suggested by the covering of their feet) exalting the Lord, that he then saw and confessed his own sinfulness and became a willing servant. While the Bible only specifically mentions one angel First, being the creation of a holy God, they were created perfect without any flaw or sin. 1:14) sent forth to serve the saints regardless of their high position and power. Job was a man who suffered tremendously. Because they surround the throne of God with the twenty-four elders (Rev 4:4 and 6), who apparently represent redeemed people, some have speculated that the living creatures represent creation before God. In the NT he is mentioned in Luke 1:11-20, 26-38. However, in the Book of Tobis, Raphael said to Tobias that he was one of 7 who stood before the Lord, where Michael and Gabriel considered to be the other two among the 7. As indicated previously, they observed Gods creation and rejoiced (Ps. Our tendency is to look at the Bibles answers through human reason and logic. His majestic splendor fills the entire earth! (v. 3). These angels are said to be messengers or armies of God, who carry out His missions, teachings, and messages to people on Earth. Angels who are highest ranking. 18 Lewis Sperry Chafer, Systematic Theology, Vol. Angels also model worship. This was new. Psalm 103:20 at least implies their greater strength in the statement, Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word. Then, 2 Thessalonians 1:7 refers to the return of the Lord with His mighty angels in flaming fire. Prayer is an act of worship, and just as holy angels worship only God, so should we. In the Tribulation they will be the agents God uses to pour out His judgments (see Rev. That angels are spirits may also be inferred from the following considerations: Demons (fallen angels) are described as spirits (Matt. Investigate what is being written in books and said in seminars and you will find numerous publications and teaching filled with what is nothing less than pure demonic deception. This likely emphasizes the superhuman authority of angels and demons exercised in relation to the affairs of the world (Eph. 1:1), (3) as soldiers in spiritual combat (Dan. Nevertheless, the believer recognizes that it is the Lord who does these things whether directly through using angels (notice Peters testimony that the Lord delivered him from the prison though God actually used an angel to accomplish it, Acts 12:7-10 compared with vv. 4. 2:9-10; Col. 2:10, 15).10. . 2:1-4; 5:23; 6:11-22; 13:3-22; 2 Sam. Both words mean messenger and describe one who executes the purpose and will of the one whom they serve. Virtues are known as the Spirits of Motion and control the elements. 4:9; 11:10; Eph. 1:12; Eph. If you have any questions, please review our, Wayne Grudem is research professor of Theology and Biblical Studies at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona. How many types of angels are there and what are they? WebThough theologians have been cautious in their study of angels, watchful. Verse 17 may infer this is a special type of angel (if a special class is intended). Then, along a similar line Paul wrote. The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. As mentioned, men are warned to never worship angels for they are only creatures. 20:10). But God is also merciful, gracious, and loving, so He provided a solution through the cross so that man could have eternal life. The four faces of the lion, ox, man, and eagle represent some of the mightiest representatives of Gods creation. However, if you search the Bible for mentions of angels, these images are actually not found. Those temporarily confined are in the abyss (Luke 8:31; Rev. Consequently, the church becomes a means of unveiling both the manifold wisdom and grace of God to angels, for in Ephesians 2:4-7 Paul wrote: But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 12:22, for instance, describes thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly.. See also Exodus 25:18-22; Heb. The Bible has a lot to say about themso much so, in fact, that it can be hard to say which of the things we hear about angels are rooted in Scripture. Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm, and said, 7 Now gird up your loins like a man; I will ask you, and you instruct Me. 4:6; 6:1). 38:7). Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. Evidently, there was a time of grace and testing for the angels before Satans fall, but they now remain confirmed in their fallen state just as those who die without Christ will remain in their fallen state to face the Great White Throne Judgment and eternal separation from God. 19:10; 22:9). 6:3; Rev. In the study of this moral problem certain facts emerge. Balaam could not see the angel standing in his way until the Lord opened his eyes (Num. 1:2). The tragedy is that our culture continues to pursue this independently of Gods revelation, the Bible. 11 and 17). The fallen ones await an ultimate and final judgment, For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment, (2 Pet. 9 Or do you have an arm like God, And can you thunder with a voice like His?. This suggests they do not have material bodies as humans do. The book of Job gives us a good illustration of his defaming accusations against believers and how, at the same time, he seeks to malign the character of God. However, only one name is mentioned in the Bible, and that is Michael. 1-3, 11, 14; 16:14).12 (emphasis mine). 10:19-22). The reference to the Abyss brings up another important element regarding the abode of the fallen angels. Satan is a rebel, a liar, a murderer, a deceiver, a slanderer, a tempter, a distorter, and one who opposes all that is good, righteous, and holy. That angels are created beings and not the spirits of departed or glorified human beings is brought out in Psalm 148. However, due to the ministry and abilities given to them in the service of God, they have access to the entire universe. This becomes even more of an issue when one considers the rebellion and accusations of Satan in light of the condescension of Christ whose entire life they witnessed (1 Tim. six The Powers or Authorities are closely related to the Holy Ghost. 5:11; with Matt. In Job 38:7, God says that all the angels shouted for joy when he created our planet. Perhaps the most famous is the beast found in Revelatio What happens after you die? 12:7), and of a king over the demon-locusts (9:11). People consider the Old Testament angels as Judaisms angels. The mission of the archangel is protector of Israel. by Matt Slick | Oct 2, 2013 | Angels, Questions. WebThere are 9 different kinds of angels mentioned in the Bible. Ryrie writes: Angels then qualify as personalities because they have these aspects of intelligence, emotions, and will. Though the exact time of their creation is never stated, we know they were created before the creation of the world. In contrast, living creatures have one face and six wings (Rev 4:7-8). In Isaiah 6:6-7, they touch Isaiahs mouth with burning coals to cleanse him from sin, so he can be prepared to serve and speak for God (v. 6-9). The common image depicted in society with regards to angels ranges from cute little babies with wings, to perfectly chiseled adult men adorned in white robes, to spirit beings emitting rays of light. In this he concludes his argument with a question designed to show that Christ, Gods very Son and the radiance of His glory who sits at Gods right hand, is superior to angels for he asked, Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? (Heb. We are told that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places (Eph. Angels frequently appear as messengers in the Bible, traveling from one place to another (see the verse above, where Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth). Lets discuss the different types of angels as mentioned in the Bible. Angels are quite a popular image in Christianity. 3:16). Gabriel also announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zacharias (Luke 1:1120). In his rebellion, he took with him one-third of the angels (Rev. They have never known the experience of sin.23. 1:27). Cherubim, who are mentioned the most in Scripture, are commonly seen guarding the presence of God and the things of God. By Christs incarnation He became lower for a little while (Heb 2:9), but this only applied to His humanity. They also observe Gods joy when a sinner repents (Luke 15:10).37 Angels are keenly interested in mans salvation in Christ and carefully observe Gods manifold wisdom in the unfolding of His redemptive plan (1 Pet. The Angels of Power appear in their celestial form as brightly colored, hazy fumes. (2) Gods Purpose Delayed: Because of the fall, as recorded in Genesis 3, Satan wrested the rule away from man (cf. 7 Things I Would Do Differently if I Were Raising My Children angels can appear on Earth in different ways, George Mason Universitys Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Ezekiel 10:15, 20 reveal them as cherubim. However, Angelology rests not upon reason or supposition, but upon revelation.9. In my bookWake Up to Wonder, I share a story about meeting an angel while hiking in the Grand Canyon. (2) Angels study the Bible more thoroughly than some humans do and gain knowledge from it (James 2:19; Rev. Good angels, Satan, and demons show emotions (Luke 2:13; James 2:19; Rev. God is enthroned above them (Ezekiel 10:122).
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