Nature of Angels
By
Albert Gomez
• Lucifer
• Cherub-Cherubim
• Seraph-Seraphim
• Archangel
• Angels
• Angels general attributes
• God's angels ministry
• Dominions, principalities
• Satan's angels in the world
• Scriptural defense against angels
• Our understanding about angels
• Today's world involvement with angels
I. Introduction
The importance and popularity in the subject of angels have been always an interesting one; although most of the time, they are subjects that has been dealt with subjectively. The reality about angels, based on near three hundred Scriptures (103 times in the OT and 165 in the NT)[1], is the source from which common interpretation differs. The Hebrew word "malak", and the Greek word "angelos", for the OT and NT respectively, means agent/messenger. Under these two words, we can know the origin, attributes, function, and purpose related with their nature. Prophets, apostles, and Christ's believer are God's agents/messengers also. However, the difference between angels and men are evident from creation to salvation. Angels are spiritual beings (Heb. 1:14), individually created (Heb. 1:7; Col 1:16; Ps 148:2, 5; Neh. 9:6)[2], even before man was created (Job 38:7), and they have no chance to be saved (fallen angels, Matt. 25:41; Jude 6). They are of various ranks and endowments, but only one –Michael- is expressly called an archangel in Scripture.[3] Another important angel is Gabriel, although the Bible does not mention his status in the four times that his name appears (Dan. 8:16-17; 9:21-22; Luke 1:11-20; 26-38), he could be also an archangel (Book of Enoch chs. 9, 20, 40 presents him as an archangel, although there is not authority in the apocryphal books)[4] However, the chief angel seems to be Michael (Dan. 10:13)[5] (see poster, at the end on this paper). The nature of angels toward men is the focus on this paper. Describing their characteristics, activities or appearances before God and interventions from God to man, and the spiritual world reported in the Bible. We must consider that the angelic realm consists of God's angels and Satan's angels.
II. Angels' characteristics
A. Worshipers
The natural tendency of men is to worship them (Rom.1:25; Col. 2:18). Most of us think that this will never happen to us, well the apostle John taught the same thing in 1 John 5:21, "Little children keep yourselves from idols." And then, a few years later, he fell in the embarrassing experience of worshipping an angel, and he was rebuked for it (Rev. 19:10). This hard lesson he learned so well that he repeated the story again for our own benefit: "Then he said unto me: See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." (Rev. 22:8-9). Angels contrariwise, instead of being worshipped, have a very important role in worshipping God (Pss. 103:20-21; 148:1; Isa. 6:3; Heb. 1:6; Rev. 5:11-12).
B. They work for God
They have been involved in many occasions in the OT from the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2:4, guarding the tree of life, to the time that they departed from the temple (in the sight of Ezekiel, 10:18). In the NT Jesus explains how the angels will work in the harvest (Matt. 13:39, 41, 49), in the Second Coming of Christ (Matt. 16:27; 25:31), and in the gathering of His elect (Matt. 24:31). The angels had announced Christ's birth (Luke 2:10), and His resurrection (Matt. 28:5).
The expression Lord of Hosts as David Jeremiah says, "The word "hosts" brings quickly to mind the innumerable and powerful angels who make up heaven's armies. Its as if God wants us to envision those robust ranks of troops whenever we here him called by that name."[6] Some Scriptures that illustrate this idea are in 1 Samuel 17:45, Psalm 68:17, and 2 Kings 2:11-12.
C. Order of angels
In order to have a better understanding of the nature of angels and how they are related with God and with us, we must classify them in the order that follows:
1. Lucifer
The division between the angels and fallen angels begins with Lucifer, the most beautiful being ever created in heaven, as seen in Ezekiel 28: 12-14, who wanted to become God as result of pride. Another important source is in Isaiah 14:12-17, when this prophet was exposing the king of Babylon (and at that event), Satan was involved. History reveals interesting information about him. From this passage we infer how he uses people and circumstances for his purposes. A parallel situation, although not so extreme, is Peter's case where Satan had a notorious influence on him, whom the Lord Jesus rebuked (Matt.16:23).
2. Cherub – Cherubim
The biblical usage in the Bible for plural is cherubs, which is the equivalent for cherubim in Hebrew language. We know about them from Genesis 3:24, where God used them to guard the tree of life. Their name means "flaming sword". They were pictured on the curtain of the tabernacle (Ex. 16:1). They were part of the elements in the tabernacle, set around the ark, inside the Holy of the most Holy (Ex. 25:18-22; 37:7-9; Num. 7:89; 1 Sam. 4:4; 2 Sam. 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15; Pss. 80:1; 99:1; Isa. 37:16)[7]. Again, they were made for Solomon's temple in huge figures, decorating the walls, and the curtains which divided the sanctuary from the Holy of the most Holy (1 Kings 6:23-28; 2 Chr. 3:10-13; 5:7-8). However, the most vivid illustrations for cherubim are in Ezekiel 1:10; 9:3; 10:1-22. Here the description parallels with the book of Revelation: 4:6-9; 5:6-14; 6:1-11; 14:3; 15:7, and 19:4. The Psalms have records in the following two verses 18:10 and 99:1.
3. Seraph - Seraphim
These are creatures that prophesied, as we can appreciate in Isaiah 6:2-3, 6-7. The prophet describes them with three pairs of wings and human hands. They serve like the cherubim before the throne of God in worship.
4.Archangel
Michael is called an archangel in Jude 9, but Gabriel might have a similar rank, although under Michael's supervision (One of the chief princes, Dan. 10:13). The roles are totally different. Michael is the fighter for God, his name means, "who is like unto God" and Gabriel, "God's hero", His announcer.
5. Angels
a. Angels general attributes [8]
The basic characteristics of angels just to get a biblical picture, are the following:
• Spiritual beings (Heb. 1:14)
• Immortal (Luke 20:36)
• Holy (Matt. 25:31)
• Innumerable (Heb. 12:22)
• Wise (II Sam. 14:17-20)
• Powerful (Ps. 103:20)
• Elect (I Tim. 5:21)
• Meek (Jude 9)
• Sexless (Matt. 22:30)
• Invisible (Num. 2:22-31)
• Obedient (Ps. 103:20)
• Possessing emotions (Luke 15:10)
• Concerned in human things (I Peter 1:12)
• In human form at times (Acts 1:10)
b. God's angels ministry
Our God has created all of them: cherubim, seraphim, archangel, and angels. The purpose is to serve Him and to carry on different tasks on heaven and on earth. They did minister to Christ physically, believers, and unbelievers.
Announce His conception (Matt. 1:20-21)
Guide (Gen. 24:7,40)
Destruction (Gen. 19:13)
Herald His birth (Luke 2:10-12)
Provide for (I King 19:5-8)
Curse (Judges 5:23)
Sustain Him (Matt. 4:11)
Protect (Ps. 34:7)
Pestilence (II Sam. 24:15-17)
Witness His resurrection (I Tim. 3:16)
Deliver (Deut. 6:22; Acts 12:7-10)
Sudden Death (Acts 12:23)
Proclaim His resurrection (Matt. 28:5-7)
Gather (Matt. 24:321)
Persecution (Ps. 35:5,6)
Accompany Him to heaven (Acts 1:9-11)
Direct activities (Acts 8:26)
Judgment (Matt. 13:39, 41, 49; 16:27; 24:31; 25:31)
Angels are involved in special events, working along with God. They were present at the world's creation (Job 38:7), and at the giving of the law (Acts 7:53). In the future they will participate in Satan's binding (Rev. 20:1-3), and Christ's return (Matt. 13:41, 49; I Thess. 4:16). We must be aware that we are not instructed to call upon angels, but the Lord ("The Lord will hear when I call upon him", Ps. 4:3). Angels are sent by God according to His will, and not according to our own will.
c. Dominions, principalities
Power is unseen. The powers in existence, visible and invisible, which play such important role in heaven and earth, are in Christ's control (Col. 1:16-17).
In the book of Daniel an interesting episode took place, an angel with an important message for Daniel was delayed 21 days by the "prince of Persia" (demonic power). Then, Michael the archangel, came to rescue this angel (Dan. 10:11-13). This type of power struggle is going to be over one day. In the same book we read that, "The thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit …and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened." (7:9-10). The Lord Jesus is in charge to settle this old dispute. Though, we must still suffer through against dominions and principalities (Eph. 6:12). Therefore, as it is announced in Daniel, He will bring all things under His feet. He will cast down Satan from heaven with his angels by Michael the archangel (Rev. 12:7-9), and after that He will judge the great whore and redeem his people (19:1-9).
d. Satan's angels in the world
All angels are divided in two groups. One operates in subjection to God and the other in rebellion toward God. In addition, fallen angels/demons, are angels that rebelled along with Satan against God. This second group is under Satan's supervision (1/3 – Rev. 12:4). Consequently, some stand for good and others for evil according to their election. Curiously enough, John Calvin who fought so much against the free will of man, in his theological position, he believed in Satan's free-will position![9]
The understanding of angels takes any type of interpretation, specially when is far from biblical reality. Humans and angels are identified in this way: they do make their choices to follow the Lord or to reject Him and get under the power of Satan. If we think spiritually, we will find many similar options and decision making between them and us. Today's angel activities are more evident on fallen angels that it is with God's subjected ones. This fact becomes evident when we study their increasing contribution to channelers and new age teachers which supercedes the activities that are reported by God's people. The signs for the last days are right at the door. When liars, evil doers, and fortunetellers increase rapidly, we know that demonic activities are in display. Jesus spoke of the last days being like Noah's days. He mentioned their worldly life which was so indifferent toward God (Matt. 24:38-39; Luke 17:26-30). Nevertheless, I think that also means that demonic action that took place in Genesis 6:1-3, which was by fallen angels (sons of God) who mixed with the human race. These are already chained unlike the rest of them (Jude 6). Many times the apostle Paul gave warnings on this subject. He told the women to seek protection because of their vulnerability to bad spiritual influence. He recommended them to be under authority (parents, pastor) because of the fallen angels (1 Cor 11:10). Francis A. Shaeffer said, "More and more we are finding that mythology in general though greatly contorted very often has some historic base. And the interesting thing is that one myth which occurs over and over again in many parts of the world is that somewhere a long time ago supernatural beings had sexual (relations) with natural women and produced a special breed of people"[10] Moreover, without getting into the angelic invasion which is related with the end times, normally the demons are our enemies. As Robert Lightner stated, "Of course, Satan is the believer's enemy and he opposes believers (1Thess. 2:18). Yes, Satan is in this present age, "the ruler of the world," "the god of this world." And "the prince of the power of the air" (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2)"[11]
III. Men and angels
A. Scriptural defense against angels
One of devil's favorite tactics is the law, he is very "legalistic". He uses any strength of the law to accuse us (Rev. 12:10). But, the Bible provide us with the tools needed against these attacks,
• Resist the devil (James 4:7)
• Put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18)
• Firm in your faith (1 Peter 5:5-7)
• Submit to God (Rom. 6:10-14)
• Total dependence in Christ (1Cor. 1:30)
Demons (angels), posses an intellectual nature capable to express a supernatural knowledge. Fred Dickason said, "The wisdom of God is reflected in their created abilities."[12]
B. Our understanding about angels
We Christians must be careful how we handle Scriptures and experiences related with angels. Some of the following illustrations hopefully will bring some light to this subject. One of the most remarkable events with angels is written in 2 Kings 6:15-17. This passage shows us that although angels are invisible at times, God can allow us to see them. On this occasion Elisha's intercessory prayer (v. 16), was answered and God opened his servant's eyes to see them (v. 17).
Sometimes we have the tendency to define the nature of these spirit beings with one verse like the one found in Luke 24:39. The last part of the verse implies that by nature a spirit cannot be touched or seen. "Because angels are spirits, it is their nature to be invisible to humans."[13]
Nevertheless, Peter was wakened by the hand (smote/touched) of an angel (Acts 12:7), and in Matthew 28:2 we read that "The angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it." This action and many others are indicating physical participation of angels who are indeed spirits.
In addition, the activities of angels are not restricted to the past either. There are many reports from believers around the world, and specially missionaries who had been helped by angels. I think that the most reliable contemporary event took place in Africa's incident between missionaries and the tribe of MauMaus. In this case, "God gave a special vision of these angels to the MauMaus, but they kept invisible to Christians."[14]
Something that we can infer from these accounts, is that angels are normally unseen spirits that cannot be touched, but God can use them to do the opposite. Our trouble comes when we explain God's power according to our very limited understanding. A clear example of this, I found in Robert Lightner's view under the subtitle "Binding Satan" where he asks, Does this means God's ministers have the same ability today?[15] Well, all that he criticized on "deliverance ministers" who are claming special powers in ministry is true. However, one thing is to expose the boasting of the power of God these ministries claim to have, and another totally different thing is to limit God's capabilities according to dispensations. Otherwise, we should immediately drop the possibility of angels acting today like they did yesterday.
C. Today's world involvement with angels
Today's confusion about angels is enormous. I think that the reason dwells in spirituality outside the Bible. What happens in many instances is just a wish, by which people accommodate their philosophy. Related with the well known program "Touched by an Angel" Dave Hunt quotes the executive producer Martha Williamson saying, "One of the reasons I believe angels are so popular today is because angels are nonthreatening. So you get angel cookbooks…it becomes an angel religion…"[16] Mr. Hunt further down mentions, "That programs offer a generic god who forgives apart from Christ, no matter what one may have done. In a TV Guide interview, angel Della Reese explains, "We deal in spirituality [that anyone can accept]. That's a God [as you conceive him to be] thing." while Time point out:
These mighty [angelic] messengers and fearless soldiers have been reduced to bite-size beings, easily digested. The terrifying cherubim have become Kewpie-doll cherubs. For those who choke too easily on God and His rules…angels are the handy compromise, all fluff and meringue, kind, nonjudgmental …available to anyone as an aspirin…[17]
The so incredible part related with angels is that most of the spiritual mysteries people wonder about: like channeling, UFO's, spiritual guides, just to mention few, are the fallen angels activities. These demonic influences are all over this world. Humanists and intellectuals are under that influence without even knowing. An illustration on this I found reading on the influence and inspiration that Aquinas had with Dionysius in one of his works: Celestial Hierarchy, on which Calvin reflected, "You would think that the man had come down from heaven, and was relating not what he was learned but what he had actually seen."[18] My question is if Aquinas had the same type of help that the psychologist Carl Jung received from his personal spirit guide "Philemon"[19]
Therefore, the influence, guidance, and seduction taken place in today's world by angels are amazingly rich. Our entertainment industry, humanists, and psychologists are under this power. In other words, the spiritual world that interacts normally with the world is demonic (with falling angels). The angelic communication that comes from God serves/minister for specific purposes, at particular times, and exclusively under God's direction. There is not even one Scripture that indicates us that we should contact an angel, but God alone can use them for His glory (as we have seen in the Bible) according to His will. The Lord Jesus said, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matt. 26:53). Yes, God can ask them to do anything for Him, for that very reason they were created. Angels are not under our authority, but God's authority. As David Jeremiah wrote, "They are God's messengers to us, and never our messengers to God."[20] The Lord gave us the Holy Spirit (Heb. Ruach Qadesh Gk. Parakletos) as our Helper, Counselor, Comforter, Advocate who goes alongside with us. The Lord promised the disciples a helper, the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17-18), that the unsaved cannot receive, not an angel. However, this help does not cancel God's help and assistance toward us with angels' intervention. We must be absolutely sure that He may do that.
IV. Conclusion
The nature of God's angels, ministering spirits, consists in worshipping Him, serving Him and assisting believers under His directions. Believers, who walk in the spirit should seek those things which are above (Col. 3:1) and care and help, especially the brethren (Gal. 6:9-10) in God's love, and in the events that will take place in the last days. Demons, on the other hand, are interested in person to person communication for evil purposes, along with their leader Satan. They are seducing spirits that are working in men's lives (evil men are seduced by them, 2 Tim 3:12), and our hope is "that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." (2 Tim 2:26). Paul's teaching under the power of the Holy Spirit said, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."(1 Tim. 4:1). Let us them walk circumspectly.
Bibliography
*** All Scripture quotations in this paper are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
Dickason, C. Fred. Angels: Elect & Evil. Chicago, IL: Moody Press. 1995 ed.
Hunt, Dave. Occult Invasion. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers. 1998
Jeremiah, David. What the Bible Says About Angels. Sisters, OR: Malnomah Publishers, Inc. 1998
Lightner, Robert. Angel, Satan and Demons. Nashville, TN: The Word Publishing. 1998
Meroney, John. Religion and the Rating Game. Our Sunday Visitor, February 16, 1997
Nelson's Three-in-One Bible Reference Companion. Nashville, TN. 1982
New International Dictionary of the Bible. 1987
.Showers, Renald E. Those Invisible Spirits Called Angels. Bellmawr, NJ: The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministries, Inc. 1997
Thomas, I,D.E. The Omega Conspiracy. Oklahoma City, OK: Hearthstone Publishing. 1986
Zweitzig, Robert. Soteriology and Angelology. Philadelphia: Berean Bible Church
[1] Zweitzig, Robert. Soteriology and Angelology. Philadelphia. Berean Bible Church, p. 110
[2] Ibid.
[3] . Michael. The New International Dictionary of the Bible. 1987 ed.
[4] . Gabriel, The New International Dictionary of the Bible. 1987 ed
[5] Zweitzig, Robert. Soteriology and Angelology. Philadelphia. Berean Bible Church, p. 120
[6] Jeremiah, David. What the Bible Says About Angels. Sisters, OR: Malnomah Publishers, Inc. 1998, p. 65
[7] Cherubim. The New International Dictionary of the Bible. 1987 ed
[8] Nelson's Three-in-One Bible Reference Companion. Nashville, TN 1982
[9] Jeremiah. David. What the Bible Says About Angels. Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah Publishers. 1996, p.207
[10] Thomas, I.D.E. The Omega Conspiracy. Oklahoma City, OK: Hearthstone Publishing. 1986
[11] Lightner, Robert. Angels, Satan, and Demons. Nashville, TN: Word Publishing. 1998, p. 156
[12] Dickason, C. Fred. Angels: Elect & Evil. Chicago IL: Moody Press. 1995 ed., p.34
[13] Showers, Renald E. Those Invisible Spirits Called Angels. Bellmawr, NJ: The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministries, Inc. 1997, p. 11
[14] Ibid, p. 13 The author, Renald Showers, heard this account related in the 1950s by a fellow schoolmate in Bible school. She was the daughter of missionaries who experience the incident (reference, p. 22)
[15] Lightner, 0. Nashville, TN: Word Publishing. 1998, p. 157
[16] Hunt, Dave. Occult Invasion. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers. 1998, p. 385
[17] Meroney, John. Religion and the rating game. Our Sunday Visitor , February 16, 1997, p. 14
[18] Jeremiah, David. What the Bible Says About Angels. Sisters, OR: Mulnomah Publishers, Inc. 1996, pp. 128-129
[19] Hunt, Dave. Occult Invasion. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers. 1998, p.443. Hunt, after reading the material about Carl Jung explains that Philemon, ""like the "ghosts" that hunted Jung, could appear out of the thin air and just as suddenly disappear. Yet he seemed to have a tangible form and to be a real and independent entity whom Carl Jung eventually looked up to as his guru. And it was from such demonic that Jung learned his major theories, theories which heavily impact psychology today."" A similar situation is described about Freud's artifacts that were not only for decorative purposes. Hunt in p. 438 quotes, "One writer suggests…[that] Freud may have being practicing…an ancient form of magic in which consecrated statues representing spirits or transpersonal powers would engage the magician in imaginal dialogues and supplay him with invaluable knowledge." (Shirley Nicholson, Shamanism. The Theological Publishing House, p. 58, as cited in Martin & Deidre Bobgan, The end of "Christian Psychology" [East Gate Publishers, 1997], p. 105).
[20] Jeremiah, David. What the Bible Says About Angels. Sisters, OR: Mulnomah Publishers, Inc. 1996, p. 61