(Heb 1:14) Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
The word angel means “messenger” signifying heavenly intelligences whom God employs in carrying out his will in the world. They were created by God (Col 1:16-17) probably before creation (Job 38:4-7). There are countless numbers of them (Dan 7:10). They are highly organized into ranks (Eph 1:21) and together are called the heavenly hosts (Luke 2:13). Michael (Dan 10:13) and Gabriel (Luke 1:19) are named as chief angels (archangels – Jude 1:9). Angels are very powerful beings (Psa 103:20; 2 Kin 19:35).
The appearance of angels varies. Only cherubim and seraphim are represented with wings. Often in the Old Testament angels appear as ordinary men. Sometimes, however, their uniqueness is evident as they do things or appear in a fashion clearly non-human (Gen 16:7-11; Exo 3:2; Num 22:23; Judg 6:21; 13:20; John 20:12). Cherubim function primarily as guards or attendants to the divine throne (Gen 3:24; Exo 25:18). Seraphim appear only in Isaiah’s vision and there attend God’s throne and voice praises (Isa 6).
Angels in the Bible never appear as cute, chubby infants. They are always full-grown adults. When people in the Bible saw an angel, their typical response was to fall on their faces in fear and wonder. Though they are mysterious and awe-inspiring they are never to be worshipped (Col 2:18; Rev 19:10). And contrary to Hollywood, people do not become angels when they die or earn their wings! Though some disagree, there is some credence to the fact that there are guardian angels (Psa 34:7; Mat 18:10).
The role of angels appears to be: WORSHIPPING (Rev 4-5) . . . GUIDING (Mat 1:20; 2:13, 19) . . . PROVIDING (Gen 21:17-21; 1 Kin 19:5-6) . . . PROTECTING (Psa 91:11-12) . . . DELIVERING (Acts 5, 12) . . . STRENGTHENING AND ENCOURAGING (Mat 4:11; Acts 5:19-20; 27:23-25) . . . TRANSPORTING (believers to heaven when they die – Luke 16:22).
Some angels are evil (2 Pet 2:4; Jude 1:6). When Satan rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven (Isa 14; Eze 28) one-third of the angels rebelled with him (Rev 12:7-9). They became demons and under the authority of Satan oppose God and His people (1 Pet 5:8). God’s angels war against them and are influenced by the prayers of God’s people (Dan 10:2-3, 12-13; Eph 6:12-18).
On our first anniversary our VW van broke down in Palm Springs after a nice steak dinner. A man appeared from around a corner and helped us push-start it. He even wished us happy anniversary! When we turned around to thank him he was gone. “Angels watching over me!!”
Louie
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