Topical Encyclopedia Angels are spiritual beings created by God to serve as His messengers and to execute His will throughout the universe. They are mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, fulfilling various roles and functions. The nature, purpose, and activities of angels are subjects of great interest and significance within Christian theology.Creation of Angels The Bible affirms that angels are created beings, brought into existence by God. In Colossians 1:16 , it is stated, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him." This passage underscores that angels, as part of the invisible realm, were created by God through Christ, emphasizing their role within the divine order. Nature and Attributes Angels are spiritual beings, meaning they do not possess physical bodies like humans. Hebrews 1:14 describes them as "ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation." This indicates their primary function as servants of God, tasked with ministering to believers. Despite their spiritual nature, angels can manifest in physical form when necessary, as seen in various biblical accounts. Angels are often depicted as possessing great power and wisdom, yet they remain subordinate to God. Psalm 103:20 states, "Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command." This highlights their strength and obedience to God's commands. Roles and Functions 1. Messengers of God: One of the primary roles of angels is to act as messengers. The Greek word for angel, "angelos," means "messenger." Throughout Scripture, angels deliver divine messages to individuals, such as the announcement of Jesus' birth to Mary in Luke 1:26-38 . 2. Worshipers of God: Angels are depicted as worshipers who continually praise and glorify God. Revelation 5:11-12 provides a vivid image of angels worshiping around the throne of God, saying, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" 3. Protectors and Guides: Angels are often assigned to protect and guide God's people. Psalm 91:11 assures believers, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." This protective role is further illustrated in the account of Daniel in the lions' den, where an angel shuts the mouths of the lions (Daniel 6:22). 4. Agents of Judgment: Angels also execute God's judgment upon the earth. In the book of Revelation, angels are depicted as carrying out various judgments during the end times (Revelation 8:6-13). 5. Ministers to Christ: Angels ministered to Jesus during His earthly life, particularly after His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:11) and in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). Hierarchy and Organization Scripture suggests a hierarchy among angels, with different ranks and orders. Terms such as "archangel" (1 Thessalonians 4:16) and "cherubim" and "seraphim" (Isaiah 6:2-3) indicate varying levels of authority and function. Michael is specifically named as an archangel, a leader among the heavenly hosts (Jude 1:9). Angelic Rebellion and Fallen Angels While most angels remain faithful to God, Scripture also speaks of a rebellion led by Satan, a fallen angel. Revelation 12:7-9 describes a war in heaven, resulting in Satan and his angels being cast out. These fallen angels, or demons, now oppose God's purposes and seek to deceive and destroy. Conclusion Angels, as created beings, play a vital role in the divine order established by God. They serve as messengers, protectors, worshipers, and executors of God's will, reflecting His glory and power throughout the spiritual and physical realms. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 9:6You, even you, are LORD alone; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and you preserve them all; and the host of heaven worships you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 1:16 Library State in which Man was Created. The Faculties of the Soul --The ... On Creation The Prediction of the Events which Happened to Christ when He was ... Man the Vehicle for Exhibiting God's Perfections. Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ ... Security of Christians. The Doctrine of Angels. Confession of the Free-Will Baptists. AD 1834, 1868. The World was not Formed by Angels, or by any Other Being ... Refutation of Marcion's Objections Derived from the Cases of the ... Resources Angels ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgDo angels sing? | GotQuestions.org Can angels die? Can angels be hurt? | GotQuestions.org Angels: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Angels are Examples of Meekness Angels are Ministering Spirits Angels are of Different Orders Angels: Announced: The Ascension and Second Coming of Christ Angels: Announced: The Birth of Christ Angels: Announced: The Conception of Christ Angels: Announced: The Conception of John the Baptist Angels: Announced: The Resurrection of Christ Angels: Celebrate the Praises of God Angels: Communicate the Will of God and Christ Angels: Created by God and Christ Angels: Execute the Judgments of God Angels: Execute the Purposes of God Angels: Have Charge Over the Children of God Angels: Know and Delight in the Gospel of Christ Angels: Ministration of, Obtained by Prayer Angels: Rejoice Over Every Repentant Sinner Angels: Shall Attend Christ at his Second Coming Angels: Shall Execute the Purposes of Christ Angels: The Law Given by the Ministration of Angels: Worship God and Christ Related Terms |
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