The Truth About God’s Angels - Part 1
Angels are a mystery to us. The first thing we know for certain is that God is the essence of love. If He created it, He has a purpose for it and it will reflect His love. So, let’s look at what we know: we know that angels were created before time and before the creation of the world itself. We know that the word “angel” actually means messenger and the Bible tells us they serve God in many ways, with many roles. Along with being God’s messengers, angels are depicted as warriors and loyal servants; and, they are known to intervene in human affairs as directed by God, to guide us along the way of life and/or to protect us. The Bible also confirms that an angel’s primary desire is to praise God and that they appear in large multitudes to show their support and love for the Lord. Angels too, are aware of God’s redemptive plan and unite in a joyful celebration for those who repent of their sins, turning to God’s love. And, we know angels can take on many different forms since they are spiritual beings; however, we still do not have a definitive description as to how they look or an exact understanding as to their unique position within creation. Scriptures can offer a glimpse into the spiritual realm of angels, but so much is still unknown. Yet this we know for sure: The same God that created man, created angels and all of creation, with the same eternal purpose in mind. And that eternal purpose is to praise and glorify God, and enjoy Him forever!
“Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” Isaiah 43:7
TAKE THE ANGEL QUIZ - FACT OR FICTION?**********
Angels are powerful beings and should garner just as much of our praise as God does?
FICTION: Angels must never receive our worship. In Revelation 19:10, the apostle Paul fell at the feet of an angel to worship him. The angel instructed him, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Angels are servants and ministering spirits sent to encourage us during our lives on earth.
FACT: An angel describes himself as a servant in Revelation 19:10 (see above) and Hebrews 1:14 says, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.”
Angels are guardians who protect us from earthly attacks that would otherwise incapacitate us.
FACT: The third chapter of Daniel records the account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego in Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace. According to this passage, an angel joined the men and delivered them from the fire so effectively that the fire” had no power” over them. Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, who sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him….” (Daniel 3 28)
Angels rejoice in the throne room of God when even just one person comes to faith in Christ.
FACT: In Luke’s gospel, Jesus says, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)
Angels do not stand at the ready to go on assignment to protect God’s children.
FICTION: Scripture recounts many stories of angels delivering God’s people from peril. When Daniel miraculously survived a night in King Darius’ lion den, he triumphantly reported, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouth so that they have not hurt me” (Daniel 6:22). Also, later in chapter 10, an angel explained to Daniel that he had been dispatched to aid and encourage Daniel 21 days prior, but he had been delayed by the “prince (an evil, but powerful spiritual being) of the kingdom of Persia..…..and behold Michael, (depicted as a commander of the holy angels), came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia” (Daniel 10:13).
Angels do not play a role in any significant biblical stories.
FICTION: This could not be further from the truth! Angels are mentioned over 300 times throughout Scripture. Angels proclaimed Christ’s birth; they proclaimed Christ’s resurrection to the women who went to Christ’s tomb; and they will follow Christ into the Battle of Armageddon.
Before becoming the enemy of God’s kingdom, Satan was an angel named Lucifer who worshiped God in heaven.
FACT: Isaiah 14:12 recounts Satan’s fall from heaven this way: “How you are fallen from heaven, o Lucifer, son of the morning!” This fall was because Satan had imperial ambitions to ascend above the heights of the cloud and to be exalted like the Most High.
While there are good angels who worship and serve God, there are evil angels who fell with Satan.
FACT: Satan is sometimes called the prince of the demons. There is strong indication from the book of Revelations that when Satan fell, when Lucifer the angel became Satan the devil, he drew after him a third of the angel population. “His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.” (Revelation 12:4)
As evil angels, demons have the authority to possess a Christian.
FICTION: There are many stories of demon possession in the Bible; however, they do not involve believers. James 4:7 is clear: “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Did you catch that? A man or women living in obedience to Almighty God can not only ward off demons, but the devil himself will flee from such a person.
As believers, we cannot be controlled by the enemy or his angels because the Spirit of God dwells in us.
FACT: Once the Spirit of God has been poured into a person’s heart, He dwells there permanently. We must be careful not to “grieve” the Holy Spirit; yet we can live confidently knowing He will not leave us. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) and “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have, for He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Angels are fierce warriors of heaven, not harp-playing babies.
FACT: Throughout Scripture there are accounts of grown men cowering before angels in fear and attempting to worship them. We also have several descriptions of angels, which are unlike any baby this earth has ever known.
Jesus is referred to as the Angel of the Lord in the Old Testament.
FACT: Before His incarnation as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus appeared several times in the Old Testament and was referred to as the Angel of the Lord. Chapters 16, 22 and 31 from the book of Genesis all includes different accounts of our Lord’s involvement in the early affairs of men.
The Angel of the Lord appears to Hagar and speaks in the first person. (Genesis 16: 7-10)
The Angel of the Lord appears to Abraham on Mount Moriah and speaks as God in the first person (Genesis 22:16)
It is believed that the man who wrestled with Jacob was the Angel of the Lord identified in Genesis 31 and 32.
NOTE: The aforementioned Q & A was written by Dr. David Jeremiah, who says for centuries, people have been fascinated by stories of angel sightings, yet many contemporary beliefs about them are based on misconception and myth rather than solid biblical truth. Visit www.davidjeremiah.org to view additional resources such as his book entitled, “Angels” Who they are and how they help - What the Bible reveals.
