Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature:Angels are celestial beings created by God to serve as His messengers and servants. They are spiritual entities, possessing intelligence, will, and power, yet they remain distinct from human beings and the divine nature of God. As spirits, they do not possess physical bodies, although they can manifest in physical form when necessary to fulfill God's purposes. Biblical References: The Bible provides numerous references to angels, highlighting their roles and characteristics. In Hebrews 1:14, angels are described as "ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation." This underscores their primary function as servants of God, tasked with carrying out His will and assisting believers. Obedience and Service: Angels are exemplars of obedience, consistently fulfilling the commands of God without hesitation. Psalm 103:20-21 states, "Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command. Bless the LORD, all His hosts, you servants who do His will." This passage emphasizes their unwavering commitment to executing God's directives. Roles and Functions: 1. Messengers: Angels frequently serve as messengers, conveying divine revelations and instructions to humans. The angel Gabriel, for instance, announced the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ (Luke 1:11-38). 2. Protectors: Angels are often depicted as protectors of God's people. Psalm 91:11 assures believers, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." 3. Worshipers: In addition to their earthly duties, angels are engaged in the worship of God. Revelation 5:11-12 describes a heavenly scene where countless angels surround the throne, praising God and the Lamb. 4. Warriors: Angels also serve as warriors in the spiritual realm, engaging in battles against the forces of evil. Revelation 12:7-9 recounts the war in heaven, where Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. Hierarchy and Organization: Scripture suggests a hierarchy among angels, with certain angels holding specific titles and responsibilities. Michael is referred to as an archangel (Jude 1:9), indicating a position of authority. Similarly, the cherubim and seraphim are distinct classes of angels with unique roles, often associated with the presence and worship of God (Isaiah 6:2-3, Ezekiel 10:1-22). Moral Agency and the Fall: While angels are created as obedient beings, they possess moral agency. This is evidenced by the fall of some angels, led by Satan, who chose to rebel against God (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17). These fallen angels, or demons, now oppose God's purposes and seek to lead humanity astray. Conclusion: Angels, as celestial spirits, play a vital role in the divine order. Their obedience and service to God exemplify their dedication to His will. Through their various functions—messengers, protectors, worshipers, and warriors—angels continue to impact the spiritual and physical realms, fulfilling the purposes for which they were created. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 103:20Bless the LORD, you his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 6:10 Luke 11:2 1 Peter 3:22 2 Peter 2:11 Jude 1:6 Library His Childhood and Youth. The Origin of Evil. The Origin of Evil Heralds of the Morning. The Ascension of Christ Heralds of the Morning Thomas Traherne and the Spiritual Poets of the Seventeenth Century The Name Children Does not Imply Instruction in Elementary ... Miracles of Healing Unsolicited. How Two Natures Constitute the Person of the Mediator. Resources Is there an angel named Raphael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Satan an angel? | GotQuestions.org Is there an archangel (or angel) named Uriel? | GotQuestions.org Angel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit are Examples of Meekness Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit are Obedient Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit are Wise Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit of Different Orders Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Aspects of Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Called Angel of the Lord Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Called Morning Stars Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Called Principalities, Powers Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Created Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: do not Marry Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Elect Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Have Knowledge of, and Interest In, Earthly Affairs Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Holy Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Hosts Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Immortal Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Innumerable Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Men Called Angels Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Mighty Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Not to be Worshiped Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Worship God Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of At the Ascension Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of At the Tomb of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of At the Transfiguration of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of in Gethsemane Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Abraham Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Balaam Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Cornelius, in a Dream Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Daniel, in the Lions' Den Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To David, at the Threshing Floor of Araunah Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Elijah Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Elisha While he Lay Under the Juniper Tree Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Gideon Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Hagar, in the Wilderness Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Jacob, in his Various Visions Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Jesus, After his Temptation Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To John, on the Island of Patmos Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Joseph, in a Dream Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Joshua, "The Captain of the Lord's Host" Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Lot, in Sodom Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Manoah Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Mary, Concerning Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Moses Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Paul, on the Way to Damascus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Peter and John, While in Prison Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Peter, in Prison Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Philip Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the Fiery Furnace Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To the Israelites Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To the Shepherds Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Zacharias Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Zechariah, in a Vision Angel (A Spirit): Execute Judgments Upon the Wicked Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Announces the Birth of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Announces the Birth of John the Baptist Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Announces the Birth of Samson Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Guard the Way to the Tree of Life Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Law Given By Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Medium of Revelation to Prophets Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Ministers to Jesus After the Temptation Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Ministers to Jesus During his Passion Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Present at the Ascension Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Present at the Tomb of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Remonstrates With Balaam Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Warns Joseph to Escape to Egypt Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Will be With Christ at his Second Coming Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Will be With Christ at the Judgment Angel (A Spirit): Ministrant to the Righteous Angel (A Spirit): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Angel (Holy Trinity): One of the Holy Trinity: Called Angel of God Angel (Holy Trinity): One of the Holy Trinity: Called Angel of his Presence Angel (Holy Trinity): One of the Holy Trinity: Called Angel of the Lord Angel of the Churches: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |