Topical Encyclopedia Angels, as depicted in the Bible, are celestial beings created by God, serving as His messengers and ministers. Their holiness is a fundamental aspect of their nature, reflecting the purity and sanctity of their Creator. The holiness of angels is evident in their roles, their presence in the divine realm, and their interactions with humanity.Nature and Role of Angels Angels are often described as holy beings who dwell in the presence of God. Their primary role is to serve and worship Him, as seen in various biblical accounts. In Isaiah 6:2-3, the seraphim, a type of angelic being, are depicted as proclaiming the holiness of God: "Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they called out to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth.'" This passage highlights the angels' role in worship and their acknowledgment of God's supreme holiness. Angelic Presence in the Divine Realm The holiness of angels is further emphasized by their presence in the divine realm. In the book of Revelation, angels are frequently depicted as surrounding the throne of God, participating in heavenly worship. Revelation 5:11-12 states, "Then I looked, and I heard the voices of many angels and living creatures and elders encircling the throne, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands. In a loud voice they said: 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!'" The angels' proximity to God's throne underscores their sanctity and their role in the divine order. Interactions with Humanity When angels interact with humans, their holiness is often a defining characteristic. In Luke 1:11-13, the angel Gabriel appears to Zechariah, and his presence is described as awe-inspiring: "Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and overcome with fear. But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.'" The fear and reverence that Zechariah experiences highlight the angel's holy nature. Similarly, in Luke 2:9-10, the appearance of an angel to the shepherds is accompanied by the glory of the Lord, causing great fear: "Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" The angel's message and the accompanying divine glory emphasize the holiness inherent in their mission. Angelic Purity and Obedience The holiness of angels is also reflected in their purity and obedience to God's will. In Psalm 103:20, angels are described as mighty beings who carry out God's commands: "Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command." Their unwavering obedience and strength in fulfilling God's purposes are indicative of their holy nature. Contrast with Fallen Angels The holiness of angels is contrasted with the fallen angels, who rebelled against God and lost their holy status. Jude 1:6 refers to these fallen beings: "And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling, He keeps in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day." This distinction underscores the importance of holiness as an essential attribute of the faithful angels who remain in God's service. In summary, angels are consistently portrayed in the Bible as holy beings, reflecting the purity and sanctity of God. Their roles in worship, their presence in the divine realm, and their interactions with humanity all serve to highlight their holy nature, setting them apart as messengers and servants of the Most High. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 25:31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory: Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 649. apostello -- to send, send away ... personally commissions -- as with John the Baptist (Mk 11:2) and the twelve apostles (Mt 10:5; cf. also with His holy angels, Mk 13:27). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/649.htm - 10k Library Then Shall the Holy Angels Run on their Commission to Gather ... Whether the Angels, Besides Receiving from God their Nature ... Of the Friendship of the Holy Angels, which Men Cannot be Sure of ... The Service Common to the Holy Angels and Other Bodiless Ones. Of the Love of the Holy Angels, which Prompts them to Desire that ... Concerning the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels, and ... Of the Ministry of the Holy Angels, by which they Fulfill the ... Whether the Angels that Fell Partook of the Blessedness which the ... Whether those Angels who Demand that we Pay them Divine Honor, or ... Hark! Hark, My Soul! Angelic Songs are Swelling Resources Questions about Angels & Demons (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of angels? | GotQuestions.org Do angels appear to people today? | 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 |