Guardian angels
ANGELS.
Do you believe in angels? As a believer,
do you believe that you have been designated your own guardian angel? Ever
wondered what angels look like? Are you familiar with ‘Archangels?’ Or, have
you even thought much about the existence of angels?
Friends, these are
all very good questions don’t you think? The mention of angels is wide-ranging
in scripture. Depending on the Bible translation searched, these celestial
beings are referred to from 294 to 305 times in the Bible. References to angels
occur at least 116 times in the Old Testament and 175 times in the New
Testament. Did you know that!
These many references are
found in at least 34 books from the very earliest books (whether Job or
Genesis) to the last book of the Bible (Revelation).
Finally, there are
numerous references to angels by the Lord Jesus, whom Scripture declares to be
the creator of all things, which includes angelic
beings. Paul wrote, “For by Him
all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and
invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities (a reference
to angels)—all things have been created by Him and for Him” (Col. 1:16).
The Bible will be the
authority for this reading and not the speculations of men nor their
experiences nor what people think sounds logical. Amen
Angels. What
are angels? They are servants of God, described by the writer of Hebrews as, “ministering spirits, sent out to render
service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” Note Matthew 4:11. Angels are spiritual beings created by God to
serve Him, though created higher than man. Some, the good angels, have remained
obedient to Him and carry out His will, while others, fallen angels, disobeyed,
fell from their holy position, and now stand in active opposition to the work
and plan of God.
What do they look like? Angels appear in different forms depending
upon their order of creation. For
example, God’s messenger angel Gabriel, has the appearance of a man (Dan.
9:21). From Ezek. 28: 13, 14 we learn
that cherubim (plural for "cherub") are exotic and beautiful-covered
with precious stones. Ezek. 1:23 tells us that cherubim have
four wings, while seraphim (plural for "seraph") have six wings-two
that cover the face, two that cover the feet, and two with which to fly (Is. 6:2).
< Angels do
not look like this.
GUARDIAN ANGELS watch over us. Psalm 91:11, 12
Each of us has our own private guardian angels. Hallelujah! Are you happy about that revelation? Dr. Billy Graham, observing the plural in this text, concluded that each believer must have at least two angels who assigned duty it is to protect them. Ps. 91:4 speaks of God covering us "with his feathers" and mentions that we are "under his wings."
Since God has no feathers
or wings, some have suggested that these feathers and wings speak of our
guardian angels wings which protectively cover us to keep us from falling,
getting lost, or stumbling into unknown dangers in the unseen realm of the spirit.
THE NATURE OF ANGELS
ANGELS ARE CREATED BEINGS
The fact of their
creation is brought out in Psalm 148. There the psalmist calls upon all in the
celestial heavens, including the angels, to praise God. The reason given is,
“For He commanded and they were created” (Ps. 148:1-5).
The time of their
creation is never stated, however, we know they were created before the
creation of the world. From the book of Job we are told that they were present
when the earth was created (Job 38:4-7) so their creation was prior to the
creation of the earth as described in Genesis one.
The agent of their
creation is specifically stated to be Christ as the One who created all things
(cf. John 1:1-3 with Col. 1:16).7
The nature of their
creation is as a host or a company, simultaneously. Unlike human beings and the
animal kingdom created in pairs and who procreate, angels were created
simultaneously as a company, a countless host of myriads (Col. 1:16; Neh 9:6).
This is suggested by the fact they are not subject to death and they do not or
were not to propagate. They are nevertheless an innumerable host created before
the creation of the earth (cf. Job. 38:7; Neh. 9:6; Ps 148:2, 5; Heb 12:22; Dan
7:10; Matt 26:53; Rev. 5:11; with Matt. 22:28-30; Luke 20:20-36).
ANGELS ARE SPIRIT CREATURES
(1) Angels are spirit
beings.
Though at times they have
been given the ability to reveal themselves in the form of human bodies as in
Genesis 18:3, they are described as “spirits” in Hebrews 1:14. This suggests
they do not have material bodies as we do. Hence, 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). Mankind, including our incarnate Lord, is “lower than
the angels” (Heb. 2:7). Angels are not subject to the limitations of man,
especially since they are incapable of death (Luke 20:36). Angels have greater
wisdom than man (2 Sam. 14:20), yet it is limited (Matt. 24:36). Angels have
greater power than man (Matt. 28:2; Acts 5:19; 2 Pet. 2:11), yet they are limited
in power (Dan. 10:13).
Angels, however, have
limitations compared to man, particularly in future relationships. Angels are
not created in the image of God, therefore, they do not share man’s glorious
destiny of redemption in Christ. At the consummation of the age, redeemed man
will be exalted above angels
(1 Cor. 6:3).8 This also means they are not
omnipresent. They cannot be everywhere at once.
(2) All angels were
created holy, without sin, and in a state of perfect holiness.
Originally all angelic
creatures were created holy. God pronounced His creation good (Gen. 1:31), and,
of course, He could not create sin. Even after sin entered the world, God’s
good angels, who did not rebel against Him, are called holy (Mark 8:38). These
are the elect angels (1 Tim. 5:21) in contrast to the evil angels who followed
Satan in his rebellion against God (Matt. 25:41).9
(3) As created beings,
they are mere creatures.
They are not divine and
are not to be worshipped (see Rev. 19:10; 22:9). As a separate order of creatures,
they are both distinct from human beings and higher than humans with powers far
beyond our abilities in this present age (1 Cor. 6:3; Heb. 1:14; 2:7). But as
creatures they are limited in their powers, knowledge, and activities (1 Peter
1:11-12; Rev. 7:1). Like all of creation, angels are under God’s authority and
subject to His judgment (1 Cor. 6:3; Matt. 25:41).
An archangel is an angel
of high rank. Beings similar to archangels are found in a number of religious
traditions; but the word "archangel"
itself is usually associated with the Abrahamic religions of Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam.
Daniel
10:13 shows that warring angels have a chief prince,
Michael, who is also called an archangel, that is, one who rules over
others. Seraphim and cherubim seem to be
a slightly lower rank, just ahead of ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14). However, it may also be the seraphim and
cherubim fill a leadership role in worship while Michael leads the warring
angels.
As to the dark angels, Eph. 6:12 offers insight into the ranks
of the evil angelic realm principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of
this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places. From the information the Bible offers, we can
see that the angelic real is a distinctly structured society with different
levels of authority of power endowed to each according to God’s creative order.
Michael and Gabriel are
recognized as archangels in Judaism, Islam, and by most Christians. The Book of
Tobit—recognized in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, but considered apocryphal
by Protestants—mentions Raphael, who is also considered to be an archangel. are
venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with a feast on September 29 (between
1921 and 1969 March 24 for Gabriel and 24 October for Raphael) and in Orthodox
on November 21. The named archangels in Islam are Gabriel, Michael, Israfil and
Azrael. Jewish literature such as the Book of Enoch mentions Metatron as an
archangel, called the "highest of the angels" and the "heavenly
scribe", though acceptance of this angel is not canonical in all branches
of the faith. In Zoroastrianism, sacred texts allude to the six great Amesha
Spenta (literally "divine sparks") of Ahura Mazda.
Some branches of the
faiths mentioned have identified a group of seven Archangels, but the actual
angels vary, depending on the source. Raphael, Gabriel, and Michael are always
mentioned; the other archangels vary, but most commonly include Uriel as well,
who is mentioned in the book 2 Esdras.
Most archangels are
considered to be good angels. Satan, sometimes called Lucifer, is also
considered an archangel, but one who has fallen from God's grace and is
considered evil, leading fallen angels against God in the War in Heaven in the
traditions in which such a concept exists.
Biblical angels in the Bible
- Michael in the Hebrew language means "Who is like unto
God?" or "Who is equal to God?" St. Michael has been
depicted from earliest Christian times as a commander, who holds in his
right hand a spear with which he attacks Lucifer/Satan,
and in his left hand a green palm branch. At the top of the spear there is
a linen ribbon with a red cross. The Archangel Michael is especially
considered to be the Guardian of the Orthodox Faith and a fighter against
heresies.
- Gabriel means "Man of God" or "Might of God." He is the
herald of the mysteries of God, especially the Incarnation of God and all other
mysteries related to it. He is depicted as follows: In his right hand, he
holds a lantern with a lighted taper inside, and in his left hand, a
mirror of green jasper. The mirror signifies the wisdom of God as a
hidden mystery.
- Raphael means "God's healing" or "God the
Healer" (Tobit
3:17, 12:15).
Raphael is depicted leading Tobit (who is carrying a fish caught in the Tigris) with
his right hand, and holding a physician's alabaster jar in his left hand.
- Uriel means "Fire of God," or "Light of God" (III
Esdras 3:1, 5:20). He is depicted holding a sword against the Persians in
his right hand, and a flame in his left.
- Sealtiel means "Intercessor of God" (III Esdras 5:16). He is
depicted with his face and eyes lowered, holding his hands on his bosom in
prayer.
- Jegudiel means "Glorifier of God." He is depicted bearing a golden
wreath in his right hand and a triple-thonged whip in his left hand.
- Barachiel means "Blessing of God." He is depicted holding a white
rose in his hand against his breast.
- Jerahmeel means "God's exaltation." He is venerated as an inspirer and awakener of exalted thoughts that raise a person toward God (III Ezra 4:36). As an eighth, he is sometimes included as archangel.
...to be cont'd
Playwright Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
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