Lesson 2 – What About Angels?
At best, our perceptions of angels are primarily speculative, because few, if any, human beings have ever seen a messenger of God. And if we did, assuming we could,we may not have recognized him as such. Again, as a matter of fact, whatever information we have received from the Scriptures is as far as we can go in our search for inspired information. There is an abundance of non-inspired reference material and fictional entertainment for our reading and viewing pleasure. Just remember that my opinion is not inspired and what I want to believe about angels is not mine to bind on another person. We must be careful not to hold our perceptions so dearly to us that we forget that Jesus Christ has the pre-eminence of all things on earth and in heaven (Phil. 2:-11; Col. 2:9, 10,15-17).
Information from Scriptures
The English word for angel is derived from the Greek word angelos, which means messenger. It was an occupation as much as it was an identity. Their message was binding (Heb. 2:2). We learn from the Scriptures that angels are spirit beings (Heb. 1:14);they do not marry or give in marriage; therefore, they do not procreate, which means that they are not sexual beings (Matt: 22:30; Mark 12:25). But they are usually designated by masculine gender (see Zech. 5:9 for possible exception). They do not die (Luke 20:36). In the order of creation, they are a higher order of beings than humans, but lower than Christ except when He was incarnated (Ps. 8:4, 5; Heb. 1:6; 2:7). At some point some of them sinned, indicating free will, and were cast into a dungeon awaiting judgment (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). )
These Scriptures are not exhaustive. Consult your concordance or Bible encyclopedia for more information.
What might they look like?
Human beings, usually with the appearance of men, often with shining light all around them – Gen. 18:1, 2; Luke 2:9-15; 24:4; Acts 1:10; 12:7-10.
Creatures with wings – Ez. 1:4-14; 22-28. (Think about it – God is also described as having wings and feathers – Ps. 17:8; 91:4)
Wind and flames of fire – Ex. 3:20; Heb. 1:7
What are they called?
- Archangel named Michael – Jude 9
- Chief Princes – Dan. 8:25; 10:13
- Ruling angels – Eph. 3:10
- Seraphim– Isa. 6:1-3 – have to do with the worship of God.
- Cherubim– Gen. 3:22-24; Ex. 25:18-20; Ez. 1:4-14; 22-28; 10:15-22; 11:22 – have to do with guarding the holiness of God.
- Rulers and authorities, power and dominion – Rom. 8:38; Eph. 1:21; 3:10; Col. 1:16;2:10.
- Stars– Job 38:7: Rev. 1:20.
Ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation – Heb. 1:14.
How do angels fit into the scheme of things for Christians?
Does each of us have a “guardian”angel? Ps. 91:9-12; Matt. 18:10.
Are angels on earth today? Heb. 13:2.
What About Angels? – Sandra Mackey, Copyright © 2000