Chapter 3.2
Angels
Some people have entertained
Angels without even knowing it.
First
Word
Angels are mention 108 times
in the Old Testament, and 165 times in the New Testament. That’s 273 times, if we dismiss the notion
of angels; we are in essence rejecting the Bible.
They serve as a link between God and Believers. While they DO provide physical assistance, they DO NOT do
miracles nor do they do the work of the Holy Spirit. Believers have probably interacted with an angel
at one time or the other and didn’t even know it.
The following thoughts are just
interesting,
so just do with this information as
you think best.
Angel
Hierarchy
Angel
Hierarch: While I do not find an Angel Hierarchy in the Book,
I do find it in ancient literature on angels that has been passed down through
the ages. Angels seem to be divided in
descending order into three triads of “Choirs”
of angels. The term “Choir” is used perhaps because we find Angels singing and
praising God in the scriptures. There
are nine groups in the three triad of Choirs.[1]
First Choir: Cherubim,
Seraphim and THRONES*
Second Choir: Dominions,
Virtues
and POWERS*
Third Choir: Angels,
Archangels and PRINCIPALITIES* [2]
It
seems the third Choir; Angels and Archangels are the only ones that
interface with man. Some domination’s
pray to and worship images of angels, believing that some OT saints are now
angels.
This is a
perversion of the scriptures; Humans will never become Angels.[3]
Side Bar
NOTE: In the Jewish Kabbalah, as described by the Golden
Dawn, there are TEN archangels each commanding one segment of the “choirs” of angels. They even have the names of each Archangel. The Kabbalah is certainly interesting, but it
is not Inspired of God.
The hierarchy of angels in heaven includes a Divine Heavenly Council with creations called
the “Sons of God”. God
certainly does not need a heavenly council, but He chose to have one and they
seem to be made up of Thrones, Powers, Principalities, Dominions, Rulers, and Authorities.
These Sons of God were
given authority over the nations according to their number. Some students of
the Word believe there to be TEN members of this council since TEN is the Biblical
number for the “The Law”.
Not that
it matters, but I see it a little different; if we are just GUESSING; I’m guessing
there are SEVENTY council members; reflecting back and using God’s
Arithmetic; I see that THREE is the symbolic number for “the God head”; the Trinity and FOUR is symbolic of God’s handiwork.
Three plus four is SEVEN which is the
number for completeness. I prefer to
think of TEN, (the law)
times SEVEN (completeness), gives us SEVENTY, the Law in it fullness. God commanded Moses to establish 70 Hebrew elders and Jesus sent out 70 disciple/witnesses before Him into the towns. They
were sent out “two by two”; THE LAW required “two
witnesses” for a thing to be established.
There were 70 known languages at the time. Forgiveness was SEVENTY times Seven;[4]
Names
Titles and Categories
Michael’s name means “Who
is as God”.
Gabriel’s name means “God
is my strength”, other translations say “The mighty one”, “God
is great”, and “God’s Hero”.
Raphael’s name means "It is God who heals".
His name is mentioned in the second book of
Esdras in the Apocrypha, but not in the Bible. I
include it here only for “seasoning” because it is so often linked in other
writings with the names of Michael and Gabriel.
Other
names and titles; Secret Name, Watcher, Personal/Guardian Angel, Archangel,
Seraphim, Cherubim, Chief Prince, Angel of the Lord, Angel of Light, Angel of
the Church, Devil’s Angel, Evil Angel. [5]
Bodies
Adults: Scripture seem to indicate that there are NO
Female Angels, so they do not marry, they are all Male adults probably with a
body of a 30 year old person.[6]
(Same age as Christ when He started His
ministry on earth). There are no
Baby Angels; a “Cherub”
is not a cute baby with a little bow and arrow; they are Cherubim warriors who
will scare the Tater Tots out of you.
Bodies: Angels see God face to face; they are spiritual beings and
either possess’ bodies that are spiritual or they can assume the form of a man,
but still have their spiritual attributes. They can pass through material
objects and are not subject to distance or time. You can get the concept by
reading the scriptures in the footnotes below of Jesus while in His spiritual
body.[7]
Tall: Based on scripture,
it would seem that the Angels were much taller than the average Israelite;
maybe as tall as nine to thirteen feet in their natural form, but could appear
with the height of a common man.
Language: Angels have their own language and can
speak any other language and dialect,[8]
and have the face of God
Wings: Scripture only partially
addresses angel wings; much comes from other writings and may be just myth.[9]
Medieval theologians’ writings portrayed
Seraphim
angels with six wings,[10]
Cherubim
with four wings[11]
(one
set; 15 feet, tip to tip spread out) and ordinary angels with
only two.[12]
I see wings symbolically in scripture, as
just a way to let us understand that angels have the independent ability to
transport themselves anywhere at any time.
Nothing in scripture says that ALL angels
have wings or even need wings.
Giant
Angels
Sons of God: A
passage of scripture says; “When men began to increase in number on the earth
and daughters were born to them … the Sons of God saw they were beautiful and
married them.” This is a special
passage when you realize that daughters of men had always been born to men on
earth.
It seems at some point, a desire was awakened in some of the Angels (Sons of God) and they left their own
habitation[13]
and they took “whoever they chose” to marry and had sexual intercourse with
them resulting in a hybrid of giants.[14] Their selection for wives had no emphasis on
character, but only on beauty, probably marring more than one. Scripture seems to bear that is happened very
early in the life of man and again after the flood.[15]
These “Fallen” Devine beings are identified
as “Sons of
God” or Nephilim.[16] The majority of ancient biblical
versions, including the Septuagint, Theodotion, Latin
Vulgate, Samaritan Targum, Targum Onkelos and Targum Neofiti
interpret the word Nephilim to mean "GIANTS". Wikipedia;
I
think if you saw “something” nine feet tall with a wing span of fifteen feet
wide, it would scare the “Tater Tots” out of you. That’s why when you find
Angels mentioned in the scriptures, they always say “FEAR NOT” when they great you.[17]
Special Angels
of the Lord
Angel
means Messenger; some are Special Messengers that carry out the Devine
purpose of God. We find the Angel Gabriel
going between God and man; at another time Gabriel is sent to Nazareth where he
brings a message. We see The Angel
Gabriel as he interpreted the message of a vision. An Angel told Lot to get his family and hurry
out of Sodom, another time an Angel is carrying out God’s purpose when he
stands ready to give a haircut to the unsuspecting Balaam. [18]
Archangels
are also called a Chief Prince; they are in charge of other Angels and
go to war on behalf of Gods people.[19]
Seraphim’s meaning Burning
Ones are ministers of Gods Holy purpose; they are unearthly
beings with 6 wings and attend the throne of God.[20]
Cherubim’s meaning the Fullness
of Knowledge are Guardian
Angels that sport 4 wings, but sometimes are depicted with only two. They have specific assignments. They are NOT
small children or babies, but are full grown beings. Some are assigned to each side of the throne
of God, while others carry the Throne of God. Some Guard the Believer and others Guard the Tree of Life and even other Guard the Ark of the Covenant.[21]
Common Angels are multipurpose; they bring Praise, they
Guide, Encourage, Interpret as well as bring Judgment.[22]
Fallen Angels; the Book says, one third of the Angels (stars) created or about 50,000,000 fell
from heaven. The number that remained was 10,000 times 10,000 or
100,000,000. Running with that concept
would mean that there were 150,000,000 angels in Heaven at one time. Probably 10,000 times 10,000 of angels
actually means that the angels were innumerable.[23]
Principalities,
Powers and Ruler Angels: God created a group, both visible as well as
invisible; they are thrones, powers rulers and authorities that are just for
himself and for His plan. I just don’t
know what to call them, but they are located in heavenly places, and some seem
to have become bad actors.[24]
Everything that God created was very good, but then somehow it became
corrupted;[25]
it seems to me that some of the fallen angels were in these groups… Just saying
Past Activity: Martin Luther said,
“An angel is a spiritual creature created by God without a body, for the
service of Christendom and the church”. I am going to mention only a few of the 273
instances of Angel activity recorded in the scriptures; and this will be more
than you want to know.
Guarded the tree of life; stopped Abraham
from sacrificing Isaac. Had supper with Lot,
struck men blind trying to get in Lot’s house and dragged Lot and his family to
safety.
Told Sampson’ parents about his impending
birth. Told Abraham to free the
Israelites in Egypt. Provided a pillar
of fire and a pillar of cloud for safety; killed 70,000 with pestilence, fed Elijah
the prophet two meals, shut the mouth of lions and delivered three out of the
fiery furnace.
Told Mary about her virgin birth; told Joseph
to marry Mary. Told the shepherds about
a Saviors birth. Told Joseph to flee to
Egypt; told Joseph to go back to Israel.
Carried Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom; told Philip to preach to the Ethiopian.[26]
Angels
through faith conquer kingdoms, administer justice, shut the mouths of lions,
saved believers from being killed, turned weakness into strength, placed hedges of protection around the
Believer, blessed the work of their hands, and provided favor with others to
prosper them.[27]
Present Work and Activity: Billy Graham said
“Angels, who think, will, and display emotions are ministering servants who can
appear or remain invisible as they perform the tasks that God assigns them.”
They
are sent to the Churches with the testimony of Jesus Christ and long to see the
Gospel preached and rejoice when a sinner comes to Christ. Angels minister, serve and encamp around the
Believer guarding their way and delivering them from danger. They literally keep them out of harm’s way
and place a hedge of protection around them.[28]
They maintain the believer’s life during
the Believer’s assignment and interacts with them without their knowledge. There are even Special Guardian Angels just for
children.[29]
Believers will
finish their assignment before they die and at their death angels will escort them from this World into
Heaven for a royal welcome.[30]
Note:
completing the assignment does not bring on death; the total length of days is
set for everyone, but the days can be lengthened or shorten by your decisions
and actions.[31]
Future
Activity in the End Times the Angels will watch over the Church and
offer the prayers of the Saints on the Alter of God.[32] Jesus Christ is the Ladder of all the Angel’s activities;
their coming and going, and they will accompany Him at his return. For
the Believer, Christ is the Ladder
between this life and the life hereafter. He is the rungs on the Ladder; He is The Way, The
Truth and The Life.[33]
In
the End Times; with a trumpet blast, the Angels will weed out sin and evil and
gather the Elect; the Believers, from the four corners of the earth.[34] They will sound the seven trumpets and pour
out the seven bowls of God’s wrath. The Evil Angels will be judged; Michael the Archangel will fight with
Satan and his Angeles and they will be defeated.[35] The Good Angels will
bind Satan; throw him into the Abyss; lock and seal it for 1,000 years.[36]
In
the New Jerusalem, they will watch over all twelve gates. There
will not be anything to actually guard as no Evil will be there, however their
presence will be awesome to see.[37]
[1] Colossians 1:16 – God created Angels, Thrones,
Kingdoms, Rulers and Authorities
[2] Ephesians 6:12 – We wrestle against Principalities* Powers* Thrones*
[3] 1 Corinthians 15:39-40 –
Angel bodies are different from Earthly bodies
[4] Ezekiel 8:11 – Seventy Elders on the
Council of Israel -- Exodus 24:1 – Seventy Elders
of Israel were brought along to worship -- Numbers 11:16 – God told Moses to
get 70 elders for the council of Israel -- Luke 10:1 – Jesus appointed and sent out seventy disciples Two by Two – Matthew 21-22 - Forgive Seventy
times Seven
[5] Judges 13:17-18 – Angels Name is a secret
-- Daniel 8:15-16 - Angels Name is Gabriel -- Genesis 3:24
- Angels Name is Cherubim -- Isaiah 6:2 - Angels Name is Seraphim -- Jude 1:9 – Angels Name is Michael – Archangel -- Daniel
10:13 – Angels Name is Chief Prince -- 2
Corinthians 11:14 – Angels Name is Angel of Light -- Genesis
16:8-9 – Angels Name is Angel of the Lord -- Matthew
18:10 – Angels Name is Personal/Guardian Angels -- Revelation
1:20 – Angels Name is Angel of the Churches -- Daniel
4:13 - Angels Name is Watcher -- Matthew
25:41 – Angels Name is Devil’s Angel -- Psalm
78:49 – Evil Angels
[6] Matthew 22:30 – Angels are male only; and do not marry
[7] 1 Corinthians 15:39-40 – Angel bodies are different from Earthly bodies --
John 20:19 – Spiritual bodies can pass through doors and walls -- Luke 24:42-43
– Spiritual bodies can eat food -- John 20:27 – Spiritual bodies can be
physically touched if allowed -- Luke 24:39 – Angels can appear with flesh and
bones
[8] 1 Corinthians 13:1 –Angels have their own language -- Matthew 18:10 –
Angels see God Face to Face
[9] 2 Chronicles 3:11 Cherubim’s total wingspan was fifteen feet wide
[10] Isaiah 6:2 – Seraphim’s
have Six Wings
[11] Ezekiel -- 1:6 – Some
Angels have Four Wings
[12] Ezekiel 1:11 – Some
Angels have Two Wings
[13] Jude 6 – Some angels left
their own habitation. -- Deuteronomy
[14] Genesis 6:4 – The
Nephilim had sex with the women of the earth --
[15] Numbers 13: 31-33 –After
the flood of Noah the Spies saw the Nephilim; the Giants
[16] -- Genesis 6:1-2 – The
Nephilim were also known as “The sons of God” --
[17] Luke 1:30 – The Angel told the Mary – FEAR NOT --
Luke 1:13 – The Angel told the
Zacharias – FEAR NOT -- Luke
2:10 – The Angels told the Shepherds – FEAR
NOT
[18] Daniel 9:21 – The Angel
Gabriel going between God and man. -- Luke 1:26 – The Angel Gabriel sent to
Nazareth -- Luke 1:19 – The Angel Gabriel Brings a message -- Daniel 8:15-16 –
The Angel Gabriel interpreted the message of a vision -- Genesis 19:15 –
Carrying out God’s Purpose – Told Lot to get his family and hurry -- Numbers
22:31 – Carrying out God’s purpose; ready to give a haircut to Balaam
[19] Jude 9 – Archangel
Michael disputes with Satan -- Danial 10:13 – Michael – A Chief Prince fights
to bring the promises and answers to prayer to the Believer -- Daniel 12:1 –
Michael – the Great Prince fights for the Believer -- Revelation 12:7 – Michael
in charge of other Angels.
[20] Isaiah 6:2, 6 – Seraphim
attend to the duties of the throne of God
[21] Ezekiel 10:20-21 – Some
Cherubim carry the Throne of God -- Psalms 99:1
– Some Cherubim Guard the Throne of God --
Psalms 80:1 – Some Cherubim Guard the Believer --
Genesis 3:24 – Some Cherubim Guard the Tree of Life --
2 Chronicles 5:8 – Some Cherubim Guard the Ark of the
Covenant
[22] Matthew 26:53 – Common
Angels stand ready to be dispatched --
Psalms 148:2 – Common Angels are ready to Praise --
Genesis 28:12 – Common Angels carry out the
activities between heaven and earth -- Psalms 78:49 – Common Angels bring judgment, they can destroy.
[23] Revelation 5:11 –
100,000,000 GOOD Angels remain in Heaven.
-- Jude 6 – Some Angels did not keep their assignments in heaven and left -- Revelation
12:4 – One Third of 150,000,000 = 50,000,000 followed Satan -- Revelation 12:9
– On the Day of the Lord; The Angel Satan will be hurled to the earth with his
angels. -- 2 Peter 2:4 – God did not spare the fallen Angels when they sinned
[24] Ephesians 6:12 – We wrestle against spiritual wickedness; Principalities
powers and rulers of darkness -- Colossians 1:16 – God created the visible and invisible, Thrones and powers
rulers and authorities for Himself
[25] Genesis 1:31 – God said
everything that He had made was very good.
[26] Genesis 3:24 – Angels guarded the Tree of Life -- Genesis19:1-2 – Angels had Supper with Lot
-- Genesis 19:11 – Angels struck the
men outside Lots house blind -- Genesis 19:16 – Angels dragged Lot and his
family to safety -- Genesis
22:11-12 – Angels stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac -- Exodus
3:2-10 – Angles told Abraham to go and free the Israelites -- Exodus 13:21 – Angels provided a Pillar of
Fire and a Pillar of Cloud -- Exodus
14:19 – Angels protected Israel from the rear -- Judges 13:3 – Angles told barren parents about the Birth of Sampson
-- 2 Samuel 24:15-16 – Angels killed
70,000 men with a pestilence -- 1
Kings 19:5– Angels fed Elijah the prophet two meals -- Daniel 6:22 – Angels shut the mouth of Lions
-- Daniel 3:28 – Angels delivered three
out of the fiery furnace -- Luke
1:26-27 – Angels told Mary she would have a Virgin Birth -- Matthew 1:20– Angels told Joseph to marry
Mary -- Luke 2:8-9 – Angles told
the shepherds about a Savior being born -- Matthew 2:13 – Angels told Joseph to flee to Egypt to save the life of
Jesus -- Matthew 2:19-20 –
Angels told Joseph to return to Israel -- Luke 16:22 – Angels carried Lazarus to Abrahams Bosom -- Acts 8:26 – Angels told Philip to preach to
the Ethiopian
[27] Hebrews 11:33-34 – Angels
Past Work; administered justice, gained what was promised; shut the mouths of
lions, quenched flames,
[28] 1 Peter 1:12 –Angels enjoy watching the Gospel being preached -- Luke 15:10 – Angels rejoice at the salvation
of a Believer -- Hebrews 13:2 –
Interact unknowingly with the Believer -- Hebrews 1:14 – Angels minister and serve the Believer -- Psalms
91:11-12 – Angels guard you during your assignment,
Psalm 34:7 – Angels encamp around the Believer and
delivers them. -- Job
1:10 – Angels provide a hedge of protection
[29] Matthew 18:10 - Angels
are assigned to protect the children
[30] Isaiah 55:11 – The Believer’s assignment will be completed before they die -- Luke 16:22 – Angels Escort the believer to Paradise at death
[31] Deuteronomy 25:14-15 – You can lengthen your days by living right.
-- Exodus 20:12 – You can lengthen your
days by honoring your father and mother
[32] Revelation 1:20 – Angels watch over the Church -- Revelation 22:16 – Angels are sent to the
churches with a testimony --
Revelation 8:3 – Angels “Offer” the prayers of the Saints on the Alter
--
[33] Genesis 28:12 – Angels ascend and descend on the LADDER -- John 1:51
– Angels work only through the LADDER of Jesus Christ -- John
14:6 - Christ is the WAY and the TRUTH and the LIFE
-- Matthew 16:27 – Angels accompany
Christ at His return -- Matthew 24:31 –
Angels gather the Elect – With a
Trumpet blast
[34] Matthew 16:27 – Angels accompany Christ at His return -- Matthew 24:31 – Angels gather the Elect
with a Trumpet blast Matthew 13:40-41 –
Angels weed out the sin and evil -- Revelation 8:7 – Angels sound the Seven Trumpets of Judgment. --
Revelation 16:1 – Angels pour out the Seven Bowls of Wrath.
[35] 2 Peter 2:4 – Evil angels will be judged and sent to hell bound in chains
of darkness
[36] Revelation 12:7 – The Archangel Michael will fight Satan and his angels.
-- Revelation 20:1-3 – Angels will
seize Satan and bind him in the Abyss
[37] Revelation 21:12 – Angels watch over the gates in the New Jerusalem.
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