Angels have been portrayed as beautiful humans with wings and glowing light complete with halos, harps and flowing white gowns. They have inspired all sorts of imaginative stories. But what and who are they really? So I researched angels and this is what I’ve learned.
The Hebrew word for angles is translated ‘hosts’ in the phrase ‘Lord of hosts’ actually means “armies”. God is “Lord of armies”. He organized them much the way armies are organized. God created angels with different degrees of ability and established them in ranks based on these abilities.
Angels were created by God (Genesis 2:1) and live for eternity (Luke 20:26). They were present when God created the earth (Job 38:1). Angels don’t marry (Matthew 22:30). They are wise and intelligent and can discern between good and evil (2 Samuel 14:17). They give insight and understanding (Daniel 9:22; Luke 15:10). They take an interest in human affairs (Daniel 10:14; Revelation 14:6).
Angels are spiritual beings and are not meant to be worshiped (Psalm 104:4; Revelation 19:10). Angels are messengers, ministers, warriors and worshipers of God. They are servants of Jesus (1 Peter 3:22) and most remain faithful to God except for some who rebelled (Revelation 5:11-12).
There are holy angels which are powerful armies that obey God’s commands (Psalm 103:20-21), serve as His chariots (Psalm 68:17), and are divided into legions (Matthew 26:53). Some are even under the command of other angels.
Michael is the only archangel in the Bible. Archangel means “chief or ruling messenger” (1 Th. 4:16; Jude 9). He and the angels under him wage war against Satan and his evil angels (Rev. 12:7).
Some angels are called cherubin and some are called seraphim. Ezekiel 1:1-28 gives a brilliant description of angels as four-winged creatures. In Ezekiel 10-20 they’re called cherubim. Cherubim appear to have the highest rank since they seem to have the closest relationship with God and are referred to more than any other rank of angels (Ezekiel. 1:5-24; 10:1-22).
Seraphim cover the unique presence of God and His throne and continually assert that He is holy (unique), Commander-in-Chief of the angelic armies of heaven, and glorified Sovereign of the earth. Isaiah 6:1-8 gives a description of seraphim.
The “four living creatures” in the midst of and around God’s throne in heaven continually exalt God by declaring His holiness, omnipotence, and eternality (Rev. 4:6-9). These are an exalted order of angels whose purpose is to worship God.
Princes are powerful angels assigned by God or Satan to positions of authority over nations to influence their decisions and actions (Dan. 10:13, 20-21; 12:1). The apostle Paul told believers, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Yet, if the “Lord of armies” is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31).
Most angels in the Bible have the appearance of a man and many have wings, but not all. Some are larger than life. Some have multiple faces and appear like a man, a lion, an ox or an eagle. Some are invisible, yet their presence is felt and their voices can be heard. Some have six wings (Seraphim) and some have two wings (Cherubim).
More fact about angels:
34 of the 66 books of the Bible refer to angels and are mentioned over 300 times. They are also referred to by other terms. There are many, many angels, but only 3 angels are mentioned by name in the Bible – Gabriel, Michael, and the fallen angel Lucifer (Satan).
Angels are angels and always have been. No one becomes an angel when they die.
Jesus spoke of angels (Matt. 18:10), stating that He could have had more than 12 legions of angels to protect Him (Matt. 26:53). He stated that angels will attend and serve Him at His Second coming (Matt. 13:41; 16:27; 24:30-31; 25:31).
John saw hundreds of millions around God’s throne in heaven (Rev 5:11).
Daniel saw a similar sight (Dan. 7:9-10).
All angels are ministering spirits who serve those who will inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).
Angels don’t have physical bodies (Luke 24:39, Eph. 6:12).
Angels can have temp bodies (Gen. 18-19 – 3 men appeared to Abraham). 2 who went to Sodom were angels (Gen. 19:1).
God created angels (Ps. 148:2-5, Col. 1:16).
Angels existed before the earth was created and witnessed the creation (Job 38:4-7).
Angels live forever and cannot die (Luke 20:36).
What about guardian angels?
One of the most common beliefs about angels is that each of us has a guardian angel looking after us in times of need. The Bible doesn’t say that each of person has a guardian angel, but we do know that God’s angels care about us and can intervene on our behalf when called by God to serve those who are to inherit salvation. There isn’t just one angle helping us, there are thousands.
Principle: Angels are messengers, ministers, warriors and worshipers of God.
Join me here next time -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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