Definition and Nature:

Angels are celestial beings created by God, serving as His messengers and ministers. They are spiritual entities, possessing immortality and existing in the heavenly realms. Unlike humans, angels do not experience physical death, as they are not bound by the limitations of the earthly realm. Their primary purpose is to execute the will of God, offering guidance, protection, and delivering divine messages to humanity.

Biblical References:

The Bible provides numerous accounts of angels interacting with humans and fulfilling God's commands. In the Old Testament, angels are often depicted as messengers of God, delivering important revelations and instructions. For instance, in Genesis 28:12, Jacob dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it, symbolizing the connection between God and man.

In the New Testament, angels play a significant role in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. They announce His birth to the shepherds (Luke 2:9-14) and minister to Him after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11). Angels are also present at the resurrection, proclaiming the good news to the women at the tomb (Matthew 28:5-7).

Characteristics and Roles:

1. Messengers of God: Angels are primarily known for their role as messengers. The Greek word "angelos" means "messenger," highlighting their duty to convey God's messages to humans. In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive and bear the Son of God, exemplifying their role in divine communication.

2. Worshipers of God: Angels are depicted as worshipers who continually praise and glorify God. In Revelation 5:11-12, John describes a vision of countless angels surrounding the throne of God, singing praises to the Lamb.

3. Protectors and Warriors: Angels are also seen as protectors and warriors, defending God's people and executing His judgments. Psalm 91:11 states, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Additionally, in 2 Kings 19:35, an angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, demonstrating their power and might.

4. Guides and Comforters: Angels provide guidance and comfort to believers. In Acts 27:23-24, an angel appears to Paul during a storm at sea, assuring him of God's protection and the safety of all aboard the ship.

Hierarchy and Organization:

Scripture suggests a hierarchy among angels, with different ranks and orders. The archangel Michael is mentioned in Jude 1:9 as a leader among angels, and Gabriel is often seen as a special messenger of God. Colossians 1:16 refers to thrones, dominions, rulers, and authorities, indicating a structured organization within the angelic realm.

Conclusion:

Angels are immortal celestial spirits, created by God to serve His purposes. They are integral to the biblical narrative, acting as messengers, protectors, and worshipers. Their presence in Scripture underscores the reality of the spiritual realm and God's ongoing interaction with His creation. As believers, understanding the role of angels can deepen one's appreciation for the divine order and the unseen forces at work in the world.Luke 20:36
Neither can they die any more: for they are equal to the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Nave's Topical Index

Eldad and Medad
... mingles with us meaner things, 'Tis even as if an angel shook his ... anchor laid, remote
from home, Toiling, I cry, 'sweet Spirit, come,' Celestial breeze no ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/eldad and medad.htm

On Faith
... he told him plainly, "I am of thy fellow-servants, the Prophets;" [Rev.22] not God,
not an angel, not a human spirit. ... May they celestial joys rehearse,. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 122 on faith.htm

An Hymn of Heavenly Love
... Yet, O most bless??d Spirit! pure lamp of light,. ... Some little drop of Thy
celestial dew,. ... The brightest Angel, ev'n the Child of Light,. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/iv an hymn of heavenly.htm

A vision of the Last Day
... And the face of the Angel at the portal was ... forever shalt thou be, O, erring human
spirit!""thus rang ... be falling an infinite depth; the celestial music grew ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a vision of the last.htm

The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and ...
... the celestial plant is fixed in too barren a soil, and ... themselves, and obey the dictates
of my spirit, I hope ... of every saint, and of every angel that surrounds ...
/.../chapter xxvii the advanced christian.htm

Lorimer -- the Fall of Satan
... It is, consequently, inherently probable that celestial beings, as ... Next to the
grief-crowned angel, there is no ... cultivate a servile or an abject spirit, but to ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/lorimer the fall of.htm

Altogether Lovely
... If the flavour in a man's mouth was very sweetness, the angel's food which ... O for
a flash of the celestial fire ... Oh, when shall the Spirit's energy visit us again ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/altogether lovely.htm

His Childhood and Youth.
... He appears in the celestial beauty of unspotted innocence, a ... according to the
announcement of the angel Gabriel (Luke 1 ... him in a child-like spirit, but exciting ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/his childhood and youth.htm

Thomas Traherne and the Spiritual Poets of the Seventeenth Century
... Like Vaughan, who, in his "angel-infancy," could. ... Palace; and look upon the skies,
the earth, and the air as Celestial Joys: having ... Till your spirit filleth the ...
/.../chapter xvii thomas traherne and.htm

Exhortation to Abandon the Impious Mysteries of Idolatry for the ...
... who is the supramundane Wisdom, the celestial Word, is ... of the power of the air, the
spirit that now ... This fecundity the angel's voice foretold; and this voice ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter i exhortation to abandon the.htm

Who is the destroying angel? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the angel Moroni? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the angel of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

Angel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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