types of angels and their duties types of angels and their duties

10:13f; Rev. Divination like idolatry is demonic (see 1 Cor. As Ryrie writes, One has only to peruse the amount of space devoted to angelology in standard theologies to demonstrate this. Some also identify the four living ones of Revelation 4:6 as cherubim, though others feel these represent the attributes of God. The added description, a holy one in verse 13 may imply there are unholy watchers, i.e., demonic forces who are watching the affairs of men and seeking to influence and destroy. 45 Lewis Sperry Chafer, Lewis Sperry Chafer Systematic Theology, Vol. 1:24). Is It Different from the Spirit? 3:18-22; Col. 2:15). He has served over eighteen years in pastoral ministry, and currently serves as a chaplain and professor at Handong G More. In the past, society had swung from the gross mystical speculations of the middle ages to the rationalism of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Col. 2:15), Satan is not confined there now, but he and his fallen angels will be and this is a great point of anticipation in the Bible (cf. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Mankind, including our incarnate Lord, is lower than the angels (Heb. Our role is rather to talk to the Lord, who is himself the commander of all angelic forces. Just as nothing displays the splendor of a diamond in the light more than a backdrop of black velvet, so nothing could display the glory of Gods mercy, goodness, grace, and love as much as the blackness of mans sin. 5:11; with Matt. Likewise the plague which seems to be demonic is spoken of as coming from the Abyss (9:1-30). Here are the different types of angels in the first sphere. 23 For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24 saying, Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you. 25 "Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God, that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. While the Bibles revelation on the organization of angels is rather meager, it says enough to show us there does seem to be organization in the angelic world. He forgot his creatureliness and wanted to become like God (cf. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life, (Gen. 3:24). 6:12). And the dragon and his angels waged war (Rev. They Joined in Praise When the Earth Was Created (Job 38:6-7), B. They are protectors of humans and are usually depicted as warriors or soldiers with swords. 40 Greek, diabolos, an accuser, a slanderer, from diabollw, to accuse, malign., 41 Adversary, the Greek antidikos, was used of a legal adversary, an opponent in a lawsuit.. 7:1). Three other terms undoubtedly referring to angels are seraphim (Isa. Their devotion to Gods glory becomes exceedingly prominent and specific in Revelation. Still, in some passages He distinguishes Himself from Yahweh (Gen. 16:7-14; 21:17-18; 22:11-18; 31:11-13, Ex. In the Tribulation they will be the agents God uses to pour out His judgments (see Rev. When we come to worship, we come into the presence of innumerable angels (Hebrews 12:22). by Matt Slick | Oct 2, 2013 | Angels, Questions. But seemingly He chooses to employ the intermediate ministry of angels on many occasions. But this passage is directed to those who make the Lord their refuge. They are not treated in themselves. Hiking uphill, I hoped to get out of the canyon before dark. In addition, cherubim were part of the curtain decorations in the tabernacle and temple. . (Revelation 20:13). Though writing about their invisibility to mankind, Chafer has an interesting comment: One reason angels are rendered invisible to human sight may be that , if they were seen, they would be worhiped. That society is ignorant of this is not without reason. Ezekiel and Revelation speak of other kinds of heavenly beings known as living creatures around Gods throne (Ezekiel 1:514, Revelation 4:68). Not only is he a liar, a thief, and a distorer, but one of his chief characterizations is deception. Further, He cannot tempt the creature to sin (Jam. Unlike the cherubim who have four faces, the living creatures each have onethe face of a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle. 1). However, in the Book of Tobis, Raphael said to Tobias that he was one of 7 who stood before the Lord, where Michael and Gabriel considered to be the other two among the 7. Jude 1:6 And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day. Everyone has their own "personal angel" known as their Guardian Angel with us daily. Though other words are used for these spiritual beings, the primary word used in the Bible is angel. A highly organized hierarchy of angelic beings is referred to with the word thrones (qronoi), powers (kuriothtes), rulers (arcai), and authorities (exousiai). Most likely, a cherubs face must look like that of an ox (Ez 1:10, 10:14). Investigate what is being written in books and said in seminars and you will find numerous publications and teaching filled with what is nothing less than pure demonic deception. Micheal is said to be the only Archangel because he is the only one mentioned in the Bible, but some also believe that Gabriel is also an Archangel, while others believe there are 3 or even 7 Archangels. We are told that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places (Eph. That the Angel of the Lord is a Christophany is suggested by the fact a clear reference to the Angel of the Lord ceases after the incarnation. All miraculous power has its source in God. However, is this the proper depiction of angels as mentioned in the Bible? ); and thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers (who are all mentioned in Colossians 1:16, and who work on various assignments from God to help people on Earth). The Greeks thought of Tartarus as a place of punishment lower than hades. They carry out some of Gods judgments, bringing a plague upon Israel (2 Samuel 24:1617), smiting the leaders of the Assyrian army (2 Chronicles 32:21), striking King Herod dead because he did not give God glory (Acts 12:23), or pouring out bowls of Gods wrath on the earth (Revelation 16:1). Some are surprised by this truth, but the Bible teaches us that angels are spectators of Gods activities in the world and that they are especially keen on observing the unfolding of His plan of redemption. 14:12-15). 8 The Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck, Editors, Victor Books, Electronic Media. Web9 Different Types of Angels Meanings and Descriptions. This, of course, does not abdicate man from his responsibility to choose what is good nor can we blame Satan for our own sin, though he is always on the prowl to promote sin and to deceive and tempt us. We list the nine types of angels (Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Principalities, Powers, Virtues, Archangels, Angels) and their function, meaning, description, and purpose in the grand plan of God. Scripture names three categories of heavenly beings that appear to be types of angels: cherubim, seraphim, and living creatures.. Though a defeated foe (cf. Must a person confess Jesus with his mouth to be saved? They are seen on the throne of God, singing praises and worshipping God at all times. If angels can provide it, then angels it will be. (2) For human messengers bearing a divine message (Hag. Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (pp. Two golden figures of cherubim sit above the Ark of the Covenant, where God promised to dwell among his people (Exodus 25:22, see also verses 1821). Their description suggests a six-winged humanlike creature. Their jobs include praying for us, delivering messages from God to us, and rescuing us from danger in situations where our lives are at stake and its not yet our time to pass away. Behind the occult and idolatry is the work of Satan, the rebel of rebels. The fact that angels are not omnipresent is made explicit when an angel comes to Daniel and says: I have come because of your words. See also Psalm 80:1; 99:1. Of course, God is not obliged to use angels; He can do all these things directly. This group makes up the Seraphim Angels, Cherubim, and the Thrones. Archangels are some of the most popular angels known to man. Satan and his fallen angels also warn us against the evil nature and the dangers of rebellion in contrast with submission and obedience. And most importantly, what does the Bible say about them? By Christs death, burial, resurrection, and ascension He became far superior to angels as the last Adam and the second man (cf. They represent purity and royalty and miracles are attributed to them. In fact, the living creatures seem to function like priestly worship leaders, initiating heavenly worship. 14 Paul Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, Moody Press, Chicago, 1996, electronic media. In Relation to New Epochs: Ryrie points out that angels appear to be unusually active when God institutes a new epoch in the sweep of history and then outlines this for us: A. This may be intended to contrast the emptiness of the earth is with the heavens, where God already created angelic beings. An understanding of one of Satans names is helpful here and is loaded with implications. While these Bible verses tell us that God created angels, the Bible also suggests that they dont exist in the same way we do. This Lamb is alone able to accomplish what no one else in the universe is qualified and able to do. (He is called Michael your prince in Dan. Cherubim, who are mentioned the most in Scripture, are commonly seen guarding the presence of God and the things of God. 9 Lewis Sperry Chafer, Systematic Theology, Vol. First, as holy creatures they are concerned for the worship and glory of God that is His due as the holy and infinite Creator. 2:7-9). Fallen angels also have a king who is referred to as the angel of the Abyss (vs. 11). The Hebrew word for angel is mal`ach, and the Greek word is angelos. timeout This gracious plan of love was not only anticipated in the Old Testament, but was actually first announced to the serpent (the devil in disguise) in Genesis 3:16, which is significant in view of the angelic conflict and the slanderous accusations of Satan. Hes also identified as Gods messenger in Luke 1. In and the virgins name was Mary (Luke 1:2627). Archangel Gabriel, also known as St. Gabriel (Saint Gabriel), is the most famous of Gods messengers for delivering Gods message to Mary. 11:14-15). Only two angels are specifically named in Scripture. In Revelation 2-3, each of the seven letters to the seven churches is addressed to the angel of the church of In addition, they are each seen to be in the right hand of Christ in the vision of chapter one (Rev. All angels were created holy, without sin, and in a state of perfect holiness. What Is the Soul? The fallen angels serve Satan, the god of this world (aiwn, age) (2 Cor. . And, of course, sometimes that is the cause of suffering, but personal sin is only one of the reasons Scripture gives for suffering. 6:3; Rev. 19:10; 22:9). The Cherubim angels are the divine keepers of celestial records and hold the knowledge of God.The Cherub angels are sent to Earth when there is a great need with matters of most importance, like when humankind was expelled from the Garden of Eden.Ancient art depicts the Cherubim as sphinx-like and winged creatures with human faces. The reason given is, For He commanded and they were created (Ps. 5 Once I have spoken, and I will not answer; Even twice, and I will add no more. Thats where systematic theology is helpful: scholars like Wayne Grudem carefully organize everything the Bible says about a topic, so you can see it all at once. 6:1f; Dan. 22:22-31). (1) Cherubim are of the highest order or class, created with indescribable powers and beauty Their main purpose and activity might be summarized in this way: they are proclaimers and protectors of Gods glorious presence, His sovereignty, and His holiness. They stood guard at the gate of the Garden of Eden, preventing sinful man from entering (Gen. 3:24); were the golden figures covering the mercy seat above the ark in the Holy of Holies (Exod. The living creatures also have six wings, while the cherubim have four. 25:20; Isa. Michael also disputed with Satan about the body of Moses, but Michael refrained from judgment, leaving that to God (Jude 9). This suggests they do not have material bodies as humans do. Virtues. As an Amazon Associate, we earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases. Its possible that they believed an angel was simply guarding Peter at that time. Scripture reveals God to be perfect in holiness, love, benevolence, grace, and mercy. Archangel Raphael (Archangel of the East, Essence: Air) 3. But the Bible has some important words of warning regarding such a response and the story of Job, his trials, the activity of Satan and the good angels as mentioned in Job are instructive here. They have a hierarchy based on their closeness to God and humans, as well as their duties. Ryrie suggests three reasons for their superior knowledge: (1) Angels were created as a higher order of creatures in the universe than humans are. In Relation to the Church: Hebrews 1:14 describes their ministry as ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation. In this, however, Scripture points to a number of specific ministries: they bring answers to prayer (Acts 12:5-10), they help in bringing people to the Savior (Acts 8:26; 10:3), they may encourage in times of danger (Acts 27:23-24), and they care for Gods people at the time of death (Luke 16:22). But can we be any more specific? 3:16; 1 Pet. The use of cherubim in the decoration of the tabernacle and temple may also indicate their guarding function (Ex. But where God has given us revelation or where we find Gods answers in the Bible, whether by explicit statement or by strong implicit arguments, our need is to humbly submit to what it teaches and put the things that still perplex us on the top shelf for later understanding. 1:4-5; 10:15-20). In their holy state, unfallen angels are called sons of God in the sense that they were brought into existence by the creation of God (Job 1:6; 38:7). 16:1), but they will separate the righteous from the unrighteous (Matt. Theres no mention of the heavens in this second verse. Perhaps there is no place where this is more clearly stated than in 1 Samuel 15:22-23. 1:20; 4:11), D. They Were Active During the Early Years of the Church (Acts 8:26; 10:3, 7; 12:11), E. They Will Be Involved in Events Surrounding the Second Advent of Christ (Matt. Archangel Gabriel, on the other hand, is mentioned in Daniel 8:16, 9:21, and Luke 1. But, though created perfect and without sin, freedom of choice also meant the possibility, known from eternity by God, that Satan and mankind could choose against God, which both did. The Third Sphere of Angels is said to be angels that are closest to humans. 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col. 1:16; 2:10, 15). Good angels, Satan, and demons show emotions (Luke 2:13; James 2:19; Rev. In the New Testament, Paul tells us that God created all things visible and invisible, and specifically includes the angelic world with the phrase whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities (Colossians 1:16). 28:2; Acts 5:19; 2 Pet. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214 USA) providing information about products and services of HCCP and its affiliates. 10:21.) WebWest window of the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Somerton. 1:1), (3) as soldiers in spiritual combat (Dan. Ruling angels (Eph. Box 1353 |Nampa, ID 83653 USA1-800-803-8093, If you have any issues, please call the office at 385-246-1048 or email us at. But that was just romantic fun. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. Jesus Christ would be born a human baby and grow with his adult human hands to bless the world and deliver the New Testament through his holy disciples. Eph 1:20-22; with Eph 2:4-6 and Heb 2:9). 11:3; 1 Peter 1:12). The Psalmist exclaimed, Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders (Ps. 8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. In view of this ever present danger, Paul warned against selecting a new convert to a position of authority, lest he become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. Thrones are defined as being two wheels that have many eyes, or a chariot of God. Angels are but fellow servants and called upon to serve God as all Gods creatures should. Briefly, then, what the Bible teaches us about Satan and sin and suffering provides us with an answer to this moral dilemma. 4:8), (2) as messengers of God (Dan. These are the elect angels (1 Tim. In the present fascination of our culture, previously referred to as angelmania, the common conception of angels is that of winged creatures and most times as female. They Were Involved in the Giving of the Mosaic Law (Gal. 5:8)41 and the devil,42 and from his activities as seen in Scripture, it seems only logical that Satan may have argued that God was unloving and that His judgment of Satan and his angels to the lake of fire was unfair and unjust. The following three truths form an important element of Gods revelation: (1) Gods Purpose Declared: It was Gods intention that man would rule over this earth under Gods authority (Gen. 1:26; Ps. Though the problem of evil and Satan baffles the human mind, only Gods Word gives us a reasonable explanation as to the cause, course, and ultimate destiny of evil. Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. They are the burning ones who remind us to be zealous in our worship and service and also in cleansing ourselves from sin (Rom 12:11, 2 Cor 7:1). This is further supported by the fact 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). Gabriel communicates important messages, such as telling the Virgin Mary that God has chosen her to serve as Jesus mother on Earth (Luke 1:26-39). Angels are powerful and awesome in many ways, but, like us, they are only creatures and servants of the living God who alone deserves our worship. Psalm 91:11 mentions guardian angels for adults, revealing that for each person, God will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.Our guardian angels are constantly caring for us, following Gods instructions for how to do so well. Why? It is also used in connection with the seven churches of Asia, To the angel of the church in Some take this to mean a special messenger or delegation to the church as a teaching elder, others take it to refer to a guardian angel.