types of angels and their duties

Web9 Different Types of Angels Meanings and Descriptions. Wayne Grudems video lectures on Systematic Theology, The Intermediate State: What the Bible Tells Us. 2:9-10; Col. 2:10, 15).10. 1:1), (3) as soldiers in spiritual combat (Dan. For more on this whole issue as it applies to todays fascination with angels, see the study, Angels, Gods Ministering Spirits on our web page in the theology section. Perhaps there is no place where this is more clearly stated than in 1 Samuel 15:22-23. The angel told John in verse 9,Dont do that! 3:10, good angels; and 6:12, evil angels). We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. God could not judge sin in the creature if He was the author of the creatures sin. 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. The Sons Creation includes all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. six They usually take their Earthly forms as musicians, artists, healers, and scientists who work with the power of love/physics. The Third Sphere of Angels is said to be angels that are closest to humans. A consciousness of the reality of the vast hosts of angelic beingthe benefit derived from the good, and the opposition of the badcan be gained only through meditation upon the Scriptures that record these truths, and through prayer.46. 8 The Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck, Editors, Victor Books, Electronic Media. 16:14). Isa. 148:1-2; Heb. Theres no mention of the heavens in this second verse. So along came three friends who sought to counsel him, but with friends like these, who needs enemies? What amazing condescension! The sin problem is present when a moral creature chooses sin instead of righteousness. 12:22; Dan. WebMost angels fall between 29-34% spiritual level. Jesus teaches us to pray, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10), and in heaven Gods will is done by angels, immediately, joyfully, and without question. But as powerful as angels are, when Jesus returns, followers of Christ will be raised higher than them (1 Corinthians 6:3). By Christs incarnation He became lower for a little while (Heb 2:9), but this only applied to His humanity. 31:4). 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. For some of the various forms of divination see Deuteronomy 18:10-11.). 12:10). There are different types of angels with unique roles: archangels, cherubim, and seraphim, for example. Deut. Please reload CAPTCHA. He sought to show he was innocent of any wrong that had caused his pain. One of the key features of Revelation concerns the two kingdoms: the kingdom of the world (Satans kingdom) and the kingdom of God. As personalities we see them interacted with over and over again through the Bible. 13:6; Mark 16:5; Luke 24:4). 148:2, 5; Heb. 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. 53; Rom. In fact, they are believed to dwell in the heavens and only come to Earth when they have a task to fulfill, or when they are set to send us a message. It appears from Revelation 12:3-4 that one-third of the angelic hosts chose to follow Satan. The Living Creatures: These are angelic creatures who seem to be involved with revealing the glory of the God of Israel in His omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence (Ezek. 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. 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). . First, being the creation of a holy God, they were created perfect without any flaw or sin. 28:11-15; Isa. 4 And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven, and threw them to the earth (Rev. They had seen him as the governor of the universe; but never till now as a subject! 4:14). Does this mean we should not ask questions and look for answers to the mysteries of the universe? Angels are referred to as the host, which calls our attention to two ideas. 1:13). 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. Perhaps an inscription I once saw in an old church in Scotland states the balance well. 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. Second, it calls our attention to angels as a multitude of heavenly beings who surround and serve God as seen in the phrase Lord of hosts (Isa. WebAs part of Angel's All That & More Catering services, we are in charge of preparing, delivering, and serving bulk meal orders to clients based on their menu selection and event type. Michael leads the holy angels in battles for good to win over evil. Rev. Though theologians have been cautious in their study of angels, in recent years we have been bombarded by what could easily be called Angelmania. The term, devil, as used so often of Satan, means, slanderer, defamer, one who accuses falsely.40 This name reveals him in one of his key characterizations in Scripture. This is further supported by the fact they do not function as human beings in terms of marriage and procreation (Mark 12:25) nor are they subject to death (Luke 20:36). 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. 12:7). They are certainly greater in might and power than humans (2 Peter 2:11, see also Matthew 28:2). 10:13, 21; 12:1). 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? 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. (2) Gods Purpose Delayed: Because of the fall, as recorded in Genesis 3, Satan wrested the rule away from man (cf. Principalities are in charge of managing the Earthly duties of the angels below them. Surely it is comforting to know that God may protect, provide, and encourage us through His angels, but this fact does not always guarantee such deliverance, and certainly we should never presume on this provision of God. In addition, some angels are related to special functions given to them, at least in these last days. There is little revealed about their election, but apparently there was a probationary period for the angelic world and these, being the elect of God, remained faithful and are confirmed in their holy state in the service of the Lord. 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. This word underscores the fact that angels and demons have greater power than humans (2 Peter 2:11). The countless holy angels who serve as messengers of God are always ready to act whenever God gives them their next assignment. Their job is to rule over Earth and preside over the lower hierarchy of angels. Angels in the Bible appear to have a rank and order. Gabriel is the only other angel named in the Bible. So why did God allow it? The glory of Gods holy angels can inspire us to praise God for the wonders of his creation. 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9). 1:21; Col. 1:16; 2 Peter 2:10; Jude 8).27. 148:1-5). However, this may not be true. Angels also model worship. Obeying his own law as if he were a mere creature, and in the attitude of a servant! As the arch deceiver and antagonist to God, to the church, and to mankind as whole, Satan is the master of disguise. 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. 4:4). Through the four faces, they may also anticipate what God would do to bring salvation to man through His Son: (a) The face of the man suggests wisdom, compassion, intelligence and pictures Christs humanity as the Son of man, the special focus found in the gospel of Luke; (b) the face of a lion speaks of kingly appearance and pictures Christ as King which is Matthews emphasis; (c) the face of a bull or ox portrays a servant, the emphasis seen in Mark; and (d) the face of an eagle speaks of heavenly action and portrays the deity Christ, which is Johns emphasis. Seraphims are the highest class of angel. 1, Part 3, Abridged Edition, John F. Walvoord, Editor, Donald K. Campbell, Roy B. Zuck, Consulting Editors, Victor Books, Wheaton, Ill., 1988, p. 284. 72:18). Though it is only by implication, the Bible alone gives us an answer to the problem of evil, which lies, in part at least, in the angelic conflict briefly described in the preceding paragraphs. This group makes up the Seraphim Angels, Cherubim, and the Thrones. Paul Enns provides us with an excellent overview of most of the various rankings or classifications of the organized angelic world. Angels, however, were created simultaneously as a company, a countless host of myriads (Col. 1:16; Neh. Though they are never spoken of as created in the image of God, they may also be called sons of God because they possess personality like God. Pursue a deeper knowledge of God through self-paced college- and seminary-level online courses in Old and New Testament studies, theology, biblical Greek, and more. Fallen angels: The Bible also tells us that some angels have fallen from the glorious way that God had originally designed them to be. Worship God!, We also should be alert to how God may use his messengers, the holy angels, to send us messages. This is the explanation for the fall of angels and the fall of men.45. The major subject of the context is that of the false teachers (humans beings), however, due to verse 10, some believe the comparison is being made between the angelic majesties of verse 10, good angels and evil angels. The guardian angels are the ones that we, humans, are most familiar with and are the closest to. 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. Satan, as the anointed cherub, was not only created perfect, but he was exceedingly beautiful. 9:6; Ps. God is infinitely wise. The study of angels or the doctrine of angelology is one of the ten major categories of theology developed in many systematic theological works. Still, in some passages He distinguishes Himself from Yahweh (Gen. 16:7-14; 21:17-18; 22:11-18; 31:11-13, Ex. 4:16 and Jude 9. They are not divine and their worship is explicitly forbidden (see Col. 2:18; Rev. The Scriptures disclose the truth that the angels learn much about God from His activities through the person and work of Christ and through the church, especially in the unfolding of Gods plan of redemption. They remind us that we are a holy, priestly people who should be consumed with honoring and worshiping God in everything we do (1 Pet 2:9), and leading others to do the same. Good angels, Satan, and demons possess intelligence (Matt. In view of the struggle between the two kingdoms, there is a joyous celebration of voices raised in heaven at the sounding of the seventh trumpet in anticipation of what the seventh trumpet would accomplish.38 This surely includes the holy angels: Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there arose loud voices in heaven, saying, The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.. Angels nurture, counsel, and heal individual people for God. 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. They are sent to protect us, guide us, and comfort us. 19:10; 22:9). This may be intended to contrast the emptiness of the earth is with the heavens, where God already created angelic beings. As such, Satan not only becomes the classic illustration of the temptation and foolishness of pride in the creature, but pride becomes one of his chief snares by which he seeks to cause trouble among the people of God who are so prone to become puffed up over their own abilities or roles or over the abilities and roles of others, all of which are gifts of God. Job 40:4-5 Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You? 1:20; 4:11), D. They Were Active During the Early Years of the Church (Acts 8:26; 10:3, 7; 12:11), E. They Will Be Involved in Events Surrounding the Second Advent of Christ (Matt. Cherubim were considered to be angels that guarded sacred things. 3 Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, 1983, p. 434. Gods intention was for man to rule over this earth, never angels, much less the fallen angels. They can lie, tempt us to sin, and harm us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Christians believe that God made the angels when He made the Earth. So when we read the word angel we should think of it in this way. This is why Michael is one of the most prayed to guardian angels to combat evil and other supernatural beings by human beings for immediate help. The interest in angels is due in part to pendulum swings of society. Archangels appear in human form with huge wings set on their backs. 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. 9:2127). 8:29; 2 Cor. It would be sad indeed if we should allow ourselves to be such victims of sense perception and so materialistic that we should refuse to believe in an order of spiritual beings simply because they were beyond our sight and touch.1. The pendulum has swung back to mysticism as it is seen so prominently in the New Age movement, the occult, and in the cults. 5:8)41 and the devil,42 and from his activities as seen in Scripture, it seems only logical that Satan may have argued that God was unloving and that His judgment of Satan and his angels to the lake of fire was unfair and unjust. As an Amazon Associate, we earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases. 24:36). The book of Job with its revelation about Satan, the angels, Jobs trials and his responses to his suffering add important insight to our understanding and response to the moral problem of evil. Though this was a start in the right direction, it is clear from what followed that Job was humbled but not yet repentant so God questioned him further. As angelic creatures, they are subject to the limitations of their creatureliness. Ezekiel 28:14 (ESV) says, You were an anointed guardian cherub. 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). In Matthew 18:10, Jesus refers toguardian angels that God has assigned to every child. In their threefold proclamation, holy, holy, holy (Isa. 3 Now gird up your loins like a man, And I will ask you, and you instruct Me! 3:7) and lavished Solomons temple (1 Kings 6:26ff). They are described as each having six wings. 2:5 with 2:8b). They are normally invisible but can manifest themselves to us (Num. In his cunning, he disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor. In the process of Jobs dialogue with his three friends, Job sought to vindicate himself against their accusations. Their leader is Tsadkiel, who helps in emergencies when humans invoke him. In fact, many of the angels mentioned in the Bible do not resemble their popular image. Must a person confess Jesus with his mouth to be saved? 10:21; 11:1). In the statement, things into which the angels long to look, things are those things that belong to our salvation (vs. 10), and long to look is the same word used of the actions of John and Peter and Mary when they stooped down to peer into the empty tomb (Luke 24:12; John 20:5, 11). As suggested by the fellowship that can be observed in the Trinity between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Gods very being necessitated that He bring forth creatures for fellowship, but He did not create these creatures as robots who have no choice. Isa. 1:6; Rev. Note verses 7-9: Job 40:7-9. 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. This was not the king of Persia but rather a fallen angel under Satans control; he was a demon of high rank, assigned by the chief of demons, Satan, to Persia as his special area of activity (cf. Significantly, a number of passages speak of the angels as observers. However, these popular images of angels are not exactly true. This will be demonstrated later in this study. Web2. These facts will help us learn a lot about the angels in the Bible: what they are, why God created them, how their hierarchy works, and much more. As Ryrie writes, One has only to peruse the amount of space devoted to angelology in standard theologies to demonstrate this. 3:10; Tim. Fallen angels are those who, with Satan, rebelled against God before the Fall of Adam and Eve. Fallen angels, or demons, are In contrast, living creatures have one face and six wings (Rev 4:7-8). It is clear that God in creating angels and men created them as moral creatures with the power of choice.