Topical Encyclopedia In Christian theology, angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve various roles and functions. One significant function of angels, as revealed in Scripture, is their involvement in the eschatological events surrounding the judgment. This entry explores the role of angels in the context of the final judgment, as depicted in the Bible.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides several references to the presence and function of angels during the judgment. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus speaks of the Son of Man coming in His glory, accompanied by all the angels: "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne" (Matthew 25:31). This passage highlights the angels' role as attendants to Christ, underscoring their participation in the divine judgment process. Role in the Separation of the Righteous and the Wicked Angels are depicted as active participants in the separation of the righteous from the wicked. In the parable of the weeds, Jesus explains that at the end of the age, the angels will be sent out to gather the wicked for judgment: "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom every cause of sin and all who practice lawlessness" (Matthew 13:41). This imagery emphasizes the angels' role as executors of divine justice, ensuring that the righteous are distinguished from the unrighteous. Gathering of the Elect In addition to their role in separating the wicked, angels are also tasked with gathering the elect. Jesus describes this gathering in the Olivet Discourse: "And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other" (Matthew 24:31). This function underscores the angels' role in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, as they bring together those who belong to Christ. Witnesses to the Judgment Angels also serve as witnesses to the judgment, observing and affirming the righteous acts of God. In the book of Revelation, John describes a scene where angels are present as the Lamb opens the scroll, leading to the unfolding of divine judgments (Revelation 5:11-12). Their presence as witnesses highlights the cosmic significance of the judgment and the affirmation of God's justice. Conclusion In summary, angels play a crucial role in the events surrounding the final judgment. They accompany Christ in His glory, participate in the separation of the righteous and the wicked, gather the elect, and serve as witnesses to God's righteous acts. These functions underscore the angels' integral role in the divine order and the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan for creation. Through their involvement, angels demonstrate the majesty and justice of God as He brings history to its consummation. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 13:39,41,49The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 16:27 Matthew 24:31 Matthew 25:31 Mark 13:27 Library Concerning the Volitions and Free-Will of Our Lord Jesus Christ. From St. Luke's Eleventh ChapterOther Evidence that Christ Comes ... The Heavenly Workers and the Earthly Watchers On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ The Revelation and Career of the Anti-Christ. A vision of Judgement and Cleansing The Priesthood of Christ What is the Christian Home? The Old House and the New The Hiding-Place Resources Who is the destroying angel? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the angel Moroni? | GotQuestions.org Who is the angel of the Lord? | 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 |