Angels are frequent players in Scripture. Their activity is found in numerous books through out the Old and New Testaments.
The Creation of Angels
Angels had a beginning. According to Psalm 148:2-5, "He [God] commanded, and they were created." Thus, at only one particular point in time set forth by God, according to Scripture, all angels were given life. (Hebrews 12:22, Revelation 5:11) They do not die - angels are not subject to death as humans are.
Angels were created by the second person of the Godhead, namely, Jesus (John 1:3). The Apostle Paul further declared that, Jesus created everything found in Heaven and on Earth (Colossians 1:16-17).
Angels do not take marriage vows (Matthew 22:30). There was one exception, Old Testament, with the Nephilim.
"Sons of God"
Scripture, at times, refers to angels by the title of, "Sons of God" (Job 1:6,21), as when the entire realm of angelic beings sang praising Earth's creation.
Good Angels
Originally, angels were created without sin. They were pure. And like man, they were given freedom of choice.
All angels at one time enjoyed the face-to-face companionship of God. Those who refused to follow the rebellion were blessed. Their state of holiness for all eternity has been granted to them. These no longer have the ability to sin against their Creator.
For those who participated in the rebellion, they were cast out of Heaven to Earth (Revelation 12:4) and are doomed for all eternity. Ultimately, their fate will cause them to be sentenced to a lake of fire (Matthew 25:41). These angels are incapable of repentance.
The Dominion of Angels
Scripture tells the reader that the holy angels live in Heaven with God. They frequent Earth, however, as they execute God's will and directives.
John 1:51, describes angels "ascending and descending" to and from Heaven. They "encircle" God's throne (Revelation 5:12).
What is an Angel?
Nowhere in Scripture are angels described as transformed people who are deceased. This popular notion is erroneous. As previously mentioned, Jesus created all of the angels in one moment of time. Humans and angels are separate and distinct life forms.
The word, "angel" actually means messenger. For that matter, Scripture declares that humans are temporarily lower than the angels (Psalm 8:5), but humans will rise above them after death.
Angels Have Depth, Dimension
Angels are life forms with distinct personalities. They are not robots. Angles possess intelligence (extremely high intelligence), extensive emotional ability, able to think critically, and able to exercise their own moral will (2 Samuel 14:20, 2 Samuel 14:17, 1 Peter 1:12, Hebrews 12:22, Job 38;7, Luke 15:7, Revelation 22:8-9).
Angels do not want to be worshiped - worship is to be directed to God (Revelation 22:8-9). Perhaps, since human kind is prone to idol worship (according to Scripture), this invisibility is a gift. If the human eyes could readily witness these beings, humans would be tempted to misplace their adoration.
Angels are not readily seen by people, unless God so chooses to open the eyes of the beholder. They are invisible spirits working in the invisible and visible realms (Numbers 22:31, 2 Kings 6:17). Angels protect the people of God, and, if seen at all, may be seen as taking on the form of humanity (Hebrews 1:14, Matthew 28:2,3).
Sources:
- Ron Rhodes, Angels Among Us, Harvest House Publishers, 1994, pgs. 62-77.
- New American Standard Bible, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee 37234, no date of publication, pgs. 165, 329, 385, 512, 541, 635, 978, 1035, 1051, 1169, 1187, 1196, 1202, 1208, 1213,1218, 1223, 1231.
Jeannie Delahunt - Welcome! My Prelude I have many passions--problem, not enough time to indulge in all of them. Because I am mainly interested in ...
