ANGELS

“And of the angels He says: “Who makes His ANGELS SPIRITS and His ministers a flame of fire” – Hebrews 1:7

ANGELS are SPIRITS: “And of the angels He says: “Who makes His ANGELS SPIRITS…” (Heb.1:7a). Scripture is not silent on this class of spirit beings. However, the manner of their mention is without the kind of explicit description found with other subjects. References to angels appear to be incidental to other topics, as though they are not treated in themselves, but mentioned in order to inform us further about God. Yet, there is increasing discussion and fascination with angels, even by the secular world! While God would not want us to focus on angels unduly, ignorance of their place, roles and functions in the spirit realm may be injurious. Here are ten biblical facts about angels:

Angels only obey God – not Man: “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” (Psa.91:11). Also, “Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word” (Psa.103:20). Although only God can command His angels, they will also “do His Word” when we His saints give “voice” to “His word”!

Angels are the Elect or Chosen Emissaries of God: “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality” (1Tim.5:21).

Angels worship God: “All the angels stood around the throne…and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God” (Rev.7:11). True angels of God do not receive worship: “And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!” (Rev.19:10a). We must never worship angels: “Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind” (Col.2:18). People who worship angels are unknowingly worshiping fallen angels or demons, and treading on dangerous grounds!

Angels are Ministering Spirits sent by God: “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Heb.1:14). They can help, guard, protect, proclaim, minister, and execute the God’s Divine Will. They encamp around those who fear God and deliver them (Psa.34:7). An angel fed Elijah (2kgs.19:5-6). Angels troubled the waters of the pool of Bethesda (Jh.5:4). They opened prison doors (Acts 5, 12). They’ll fight against the Antichrist’s armies (Rev.12, 14); and send plagues on unbelieving nations (Rev.15-16). Angels could be assigned to nations (Dan.12:1).

Angels have great authority (Rev.18:1). They can destroy people and cities (2sam.24:16; 2Kgs.19:35; Acts 12:23).

Angels are Innumerable, yet they are a “company” – united in purpose: “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels” (Heb.12:22).

Some angels collect our Prayers: “Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne” (Rev.8:3). Prayers of believers are never wasted; angels offer their holy fragrance before God!

Angels are assigned to Children: “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven” (Mt.8:10).

Angels can assume human form: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Heb.13:2). But more often, they can appear to us in dreams, visions and trances.

Angels rejoice when a soul is saved: “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Lk.15:10).

The complete nature of angels is beyond human understanding (Jud.13:18). On this side of eternity, their nature will remain wonderful – mysterious or secret. But this we know: angels are not omniscient, omnipotent or omnipresent. Only God is!