“All the angels were standing
around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They
fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God” (Rev.
7:11).
Our society tends to be fascinated
with the topic of angels. Just consider all of the movies, TV shows, books,
collectables and more that have something to do with angels. Oftentimes, I
discover when talking with others, that there is an incorrect understanding
about angels. Some want to deny their existence, however, this goes contrary to
both the evidence of the spiritual reality that we have been examining over the
last 3 months and the arguments from Scripture. On the other hand, most people
in society do believe in their existence. While some elevate them to a god-like
stance, although we are commanded not to worship them (Rev. 22:8-9). Even still
most do not comprehend just how amazing these creatures are and the role they
play in our lives.
The more we study these heavenly
beings through Scriptural accounts, the greater we will adore the very God who
created them.
Let’s begin with a Biblical
definition for angels. Angels are created spiritual beings, whom Jesus created,
and they are meant to serve God (Neh. 9:2; Ps. 148:2-5; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:14).
They were created either on the first or third day of creation. This conclusion
is made by examining the Lord’s words to Job when He said that the angels
“shouted for joy” in response to God’s wonderful work in creation (Job
38:4-7). Likewise, this passage states
that they rejoiced when God laid the foundations of the earth, which could be a
reference to day 1, when God made the earth; or a reference to day 3, when God
made the dry land.
Angels reveal God’s strength. Scripture says that they “excel in strength”
(Psalm 103:20). They are “innumerable”
in number (Heb. 12:22). Angels are immortal (Luke 20:36), highly intelligent (2
Cor. 11:3)and yet not all knowing (1 Peter 1:12). (Generally, they remain
invisible, yet can become visible at certain times (Num. 22:31; 2 Kings 6:17;
Luke 2:13). Yet as amazing as they are, God is greater (Psalm 148:5)!
Angels can make limited freewill
decisions (2 Peter 2:4). Unfortunately, some chose to sin without the option to
return to God once they sinned (Jude 6). Keeping with this thought process of
angels choosing to sin, it is important to note that angels do not marry (Matt.
22:30). The importance of this fact
contradicts the false teaching that they somehow married people and thus
reproduced a mixed race or an alien offspring (see http://eugenechristianchurch.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-spiritual-reality-et-phone-home.html
for more details concerning this topic).
Angels’ limited freewill points us
to the mercy that the Lord has for us. During this lifetime, regardless of what
we have done, God is still willing to forgive us (1 John 1:9). Yet Jesus only
died for mankind (1 Cor. 15:21-22, 45-47).
Even still, angels are incredibly interested in our salvation. Roger
Ellsworth in his book about angels comments at length concerning their desire
to study salvation. “Perhaps they study salvation out of amazement that God
could love those who had so grievously sinned against Him and were, therefore,
deserving of nothing but His wrath.”
Ellsworth goes on to say, “Perhaps
the unfallen angels study salvation out of amazement that the Prince of Glory,
the eternal Son of God, would stoop so low as to take unto Himself the humanity
of sinners, and in that humanity would suffer the hostility of sinners and die
on a Roman cross. Perhaps they study out of amazement at the peace and joy of
those who have received it...Or perhaps they are interested in the salvation
that is available to mankind because it brings glory to God.
If God’s mighty, immortal and
faithful ones (the angels) stand in awe of the plan of salvation, how much more
should those who are weak, dying, and sinful. If angels, who have never
experienced salvation, are so keenly interested in it, how much greater should
be the interest of those who have experienced it!” (Ellsworth, What the
Bible Teaches About Angels, pgs. 100-101).
Therefore, it is my prayer, that
over the next several months as we consider the topic of angels that your
relationship with the Lord will grow deeper, as you consider the God who
created them!
Because of God’s love,
Matt
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