05.20. The Angels

The Angels

CHAPTER XX The Bible reflects God’s knowledge of the universe rather than man’s; therefore, in the Scriptures, the angels, concerning whom man of himself could know nothing, are introduced with perfect freedom, being mentioned about one hundred and eight times in the Old Testament and one hundred and sixty-five times in the New Testament. The word angel means messenger, and in its Biblical use is sometimes employed of God, when as the Angel of Jehovah, He Himself serves as a messenger to men (Genesis 16:1-13; Genesis 21:17-19; Genesis 22:11-16); it is used of men (Luke 7:24; James 2:25; Revelation 1:20; Revelation 2:1; Revelation 2:8; Revelation 2:12; Revelation 2:18; Revelation 3:1; Revelation 3:7; Revelation 3:14); and of departed spirits of men (Matthew 18:10; Acts 12:15). Of the latter use of the word it should be noted that, though the departed spirits of men may be called angels, the angels are not departed spirits of men, nor do men at death become angels. The angels are a distinct order of creation and have been given a heavenly position, or sphere, above the sphere of man (Psalms 8:5; Hebrews 2:7; Revelation 5:11; Revelation 7:11). Three heavens are mentioned in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 12:2), and in the Old Testament the word heaven is plural. When entering the human sphere, Christ was thereby, for a little time made lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:9); when returning to Heaven, Christ again passed through the angelic sphere (Hebrews 4:14; Hebrews 9:24) and was seated far above principalities and powers (Ephesians 1:20-21).

Since we know that there are many forms of created beings of a lower sphere than man, it is reasonable to believe that, though invisible, there are beings of a higher order than man. Like all beings, other than the Godhead, the angels are created. In Colossians 1:16 mention is made of their creation, and in Ezekiel 28:13; Ezekiel 28:15, the creation of Satan -- one of the angelic order -- is mentioned in particular. The angels are always referred to in the masculine gender, and as to their number we read of "an innumerable company" (Hebrews 12:22, which word should be translated "myriads." Note Matthew 26:53; Daniel 7:10; Revelation 5:11). It is also implied that there is no increase of their number by generation (Matthew 22:30) and we know of no cessation of their existence by death.

If the angels have bodies, their bodies are of a spiritual order (1 Corinthians 15:44). When seen of men they have, for the time being, a material appearance (Matthew 28:3; Revelation 15:6; Revelation 18:1). On the other hand, those of the angelic company known as demons are seen to be seeking entrance into the bodies of the creatures of earth (Luke 11:24-26).

Two classes of angelic beings are to be distinguished:

I. THE UNFALLEN ANGELS

1. Their nature. The unfallen angels are the "ministering spirits" (Hebrews 1:14) who kept their first estate and are therefore designated as the "holy angels" (Matthew 25:31). In the Scriptures, these are in view in almost every reference to the angels. Of the holy angels, several are mentioned in particular as well as certain classes:

(1) Michael the Archangel, whose name means "who is like unto God" (Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:1; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7-10).

(2) Gabriel, whose name means "the mighty one," and to whom has been entrusted various heavenly messages (Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26-38).

(3) The Elect Angels (1 Timothy 5:21).

(4) Principalities and Powers, which term is sometimes used of all angels, and sometimes of only the fallen angels (Romans 8:38; Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 1:16; Colossians 2:10; Colossians 2:15; 1 Peter 3:22; Luke 21:26).

(5) Cherubim, or living creatures, who defend God’s holiness from the pollution of sinful beings (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:17-20; Ezekiel 1:1-18. Note also the original purpose for which Satan was created, Ezekiel 28:14).

(6) Seraphim (Isaiah 6:2-7).

(7) The Angel of Jehovah, which title belongs only to God and is used in connection with the divine manifestations in the earth and therefore is in no way to be included in the angelic hosts (Genesis 18:1 to Genesis 19:29; Genesis 22:11-12; Genesis 31:11-13; Genesis 48:15-16; Genesis 32:24-32; Joshua 5:13-15; Judges 13:19-22; 2 Kings 19:35; 1 Chronicles 21:12-30; Psalms 34:7). The strongest contrasts between Christ, who is the Angel of Jehovah, and the angelic beings is presented in Hebrews 1:4-14.

2. Their ministry. Of the ministry of the unfallen angels revelation declares:

(1) They were present at creation (Job 38:7), at the giving of the law (Galatians 3:19; Acts 7:53; Hebrews 2:2; Revelation 22:16), at the birth of Christ (Luke 2:13), at the temptation (Matthew 4:11), in the garden (Luke 22:43), at the resurrection (Matthew 28:2), at the ascension (Acts 1:10), and they will yet appear at the second coming of Christ (Matthew 24:31; Matthew 25:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7).

(2) The angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14; Psalms 34:7; Psalms 91:11). Though we have been given no communication or fellowship with the angels, yet we should recognize the fact of their ministry which is constant and effective.

(3) The angels are spectators and witnesses of the things of earth (Psalms 103:20; Luke 12:8-9; Luke 15:10; 1 Corinthians 11:10; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:12; Revelation 14:10).

(4) Lazarus was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22).

II. THE FALLEN ANGELS The fallen angels have been divided into two classes: (1) those that are free and (2) those that are bound. Of the fallen angels, Satan alone is given particular mention in the Scriptures.

It is probable that when Satan fell (John 8:44) he drew after him a multitude of lesser beings. Of these, some are reserved in chains unto judgment (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6; 1 Corinthians 6:3); the remainder are free and are the demons, or devils, to whom reference is constantly made throughout the New Testament (Mark 5:9; Mark 5:15; Luke 8:30; 1 Timothy 4:1). They are Satan’s aids in all his undertakings and share his doom (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

QUESTIONS 1. What is indicated as to the authorship of the Scriptures when they treat of angels as freely as they do of men?

2. a. What is the meaning of the word angel? b. Of what classes is the title used?

3. Where is the abode of the angels in relation to man and in relation to Christ’s present position?

4. What is revealed as to the gender of angels, as to their number, as to their increase, and as to their death?

5. Have the angels bodies?

6. What are the two general classes of angels?

7. Name the particular angels and classes of angels referred to in the Scriptures.

8. Who is the Angel of Jehovah?

9. In connection with what great events are the angels said to appear?

10. What relation do they sustain to the child of God?

11. What is said of the angels as witnesses?

12. What ministry was committed to them in connection with Lazarus the beggar?

13. Into what two classes are the fallen angels divided?

14. Describe the position and service of each of these classes.