Topical Bible: Angels: Execute the Purposes of God

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Angels, as divine messengers and servants, play a crucial role in executing the purposes of God throughout the biblical narrative. These celestial beings are depicted as powerful agents who carry out God's will, deliver His messages, and intervene in human affairs according to His divine plan.

Messengers of God

One of the primary roles of angels is to serve as messengers of God, conveying His instructions and revelations to humanity. In the Old Testament, angels frequently appear to deliver divine messages. For instance, the angel of the LORD appeared to Hagar in the wilderness, providing guidance and promises concerning her son Ishmael (Genesis 16:7-12). Similarly, an angel announced the birth of Samson to Manoah's wife, revealing God's plan for the deliverance of Israel (Judges 13:3-5).

In the New Testament, the angel Gabriel is sent to Mary to announce the miraculous conception of Jesus, the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). Gabriel also appears to Zechariah to foretell the birth of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:11-20).

Agents of Protection and Deliverance

Angels are often depicted as protectors and deliverers of God's people. In the book of Exodus, an angel is sent to guard and lead the Israelites out of Egypt, guiding them to the Promised Land (Exodus 23:20). The psalmist affirms this protective role, stating, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways" (Psalm 91:11).

In the New Testament, angels continue to act as protectors. When Peter is imprisoned, an angel of the Lord appears, freeing him from his chains and leading him out of the prison (Acts 12:7-10). Similarly, an angel reassures Paul during a storm at sea, promising safety for all aboard the ship (Acts 27:23-24).

Instruments of Judgment

Angels also serve as instruments of God's judgment, executing His justice upon the earth. In the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, two angels are sent to destroy the cities due to their wickedness, while also rescuing Lot and his family (Genesis 19:1-25). The angel of the LORD strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, delivering Jerusalem from the threat of invasion (2 Kings 19:35).

In the New Testament, angels are depicted as agents of judgment in the book of Revelation. They pour out the bowls of God's wrath upon the earth, executing divine judgment during the end times (Revelation 16:1-21).

Ministers to Jesus Christ

Angels ministered to Jesus Christ during His earthly life and ministry. After Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, angels came and ministered to Him, providing strength and support (Matthew 4:11). In the Garden of Gethsemane, an angel appeared to Jesus, strengthening Him as He prepared to face the crucifixion (Luke 22:43).

Furthermore, angels were present at key moments in Jesus' life, such as His resurrection and ascension. An angel rolled away the stone from the tomb and announced Jesus' resurrection to the women who came to anoint His body (Matthew 28:2-7). At His ascension, two angels appeared to the disciples, assuring them of Jesus' return (Acts 1:10-11).

Conclusion

Throughout the biblical narrative, angels are depicted as powerful and obedient servants of God, faithfully executing His purposes. Whether delivering messages, providing protection, executing judgment, or ministering to Jesus Christ, angels play a vital role in the unfolding of God's divine plan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 22:22
And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his ass, and his two servants were with him.
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Psalm 103:21
Bless you the LORD, all you his hosts; you ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
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Matthew 13:39-42
The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
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Matthew 28:2
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.
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John 5:4
For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatever disease he had.
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Revelation 5:2
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
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Library

The Doctrine of Angels.
... 3. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. ... oppose God's purposes (Dan.10:10-14); afflict God's
people (Luke 13:16; Matt.17:15, 16); execute Satan's purposes (Matt.25 ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of angels.htm

The Origin of Evil.
... Angels delighted to execute his commands ... counsels of God, Christ was a participant,
while Lucifer was not permitted thus to enter into the divine purposes. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /29 the origin of evil.htm

The Origin of Evil
... Angels delighted to execute his commands ... councils of God, Christ was a participant,
while Lucifer was not permitted thus to enter into the divine purposes. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 29 the origin of.htm

Of the Decrees of God.
... surprised the whole world of men and angels, that they ... And shall he decree, and not
execute it ... vain presumption of the infallibility of God's purposes, think it ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xiv of the decrees.htm

Putting God to Work
... His gracious designs on earth and to execute and make ... God, angels and men are subjects
of this wonderful law of ... Upon no other force are the purposes of God so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... 5. In Scripture, then, we uniformly read that angels are heavenly spirits, whose
obedience and ministry God employs to execute all the purposes which he has ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

The Sinner's Natural Power and Moral Weakness.
... sometimes can and sometimes can not execute their purposes ... it in its first infantile
efforts to accomplish its purposes. ... How do angels look upon this self-made ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xi the sinners natural power.htm

The Eternity and Unchangeableness of God.
... fear to God, they are ready to execute his commands ... glory, that spots even the cleanness
of angels, and stains ... Our purposes are soon broken off, and made of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture viii the eternity and.htm

The Infallibility of God's Purpose
... God shall exhibit the whole, he shall elicit both from men and angels tremendous
shouts ... It is a matter of joy that God does execute all his purposes for as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the infallibility of gods purpose.htm

The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
... come in his glory and all his holy angels with him ... set up, and power and authority
to execute judgment, and ... All the counsels and purposes of God have Christ for ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh and last vision.htm