Angels are Holy
Jump to: Torrey'sGreekLibrarySubtopicsTerms
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 25:31
When 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 ...
... Piece XXXVIII. Then shall the holy angels run on their commission to gather
together all the nations? Then shall the holy angels ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/piece xxxviii then shall the.htm

Whether the Angels, Besides Receiving from God their Nature ...
... with grace? And thus we are driven to believe that the holy angels never
existed without a good will or the love of God. But the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 9 whether the angels besides.htm

Of the Friendship of the Holy Angels, which Men Cannot be Sure of ...
... Chapter 9."Of the Friendship of the Holy Angels, Which Men Cannot Be Sure of in
This Life, Owing to the Deceit of the Demons Who Hold in Bondage the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 9 of the friendship of.htm

The Service Common to the Holy Angels and Other Bodiless Ones.
... CHAPTER IV. THE SERVICE COMMON TO THE HOLY ANGELS AND OTHER BODILESS ONES. For,
O Lord, I have cried, the Stichera, Tone 4. Similar to: As a virtuous... ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter iv the service common.htm

Of the Love of the Holy Angels, which Prompts them to Desire that ...
... Book X. Chapter 7."Of the Love of the Holy Angels, Which Prompts Them to
Desire that We Worship the One True God, and Not Themselves. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 7 of the love of.htm

Concerning the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels, and ...
... of the true God were appointed leaders, for the interpretation of things shaped
by Angelic visions revealed from God through Angels to holy men akin to the ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput ix concerning the principalities.htm

Of the Ministry of the Holy Angels, by which they Fulfill the ...
... Book X. Chapter 15."Of the Ministry of the Holy Angels, by Which They Fulfill
the Providence of God. And so it has pleased Divine ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 15 of the ministry of.htm

Whether the Angels that Fell Partook of the Blessedness which the ...
... Book XI. Chapter 11."Whether the Angels that Fell Partook of the Blessedness Which
the Holy Angels Have Always Enjoyed from the Time of Their Creation. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 11 whether the angels that.htm

Whether those Angels who Demand that we Pay them Divine Honor, or ...
... Book X. Chapter 16."Whether Those Angels Who Demand that We Pay Them Divine Honor,
or Those Who Teach Us to Render Holy Service, Not to Themselves, But to God ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 16 whether those angels who.htm

Hark! Hark, My Soul! Angelic Songs are Swelling
... II. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR Holy Days: St. Michael and All Angels 290. Hark! hark, my
soul! Angelic songs are swelling. 11.10.11.10.9.11 [1090]Pilgrims: ...
/.../holy days st michael and 2.htm

Resources
Questions about Angels & Demons (All) | GotQuestions.org

What is the purpose of angels? | GotQuestions.org

Do angels appear to people today? | GotQuestions.org

Angels: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Angels

Angels and Humans

Angels are Elect

Angels are Examples of Meekness

Angels are Holy

Angels are Innumerable

Angels are Mighty

Angels are Ministering Spirits

Angels are of Different Orders

Angels are Subject to Christ

Angels are Wise

Angels of the Seven Churches

Angels Singing

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: Minister to Christ

Angels: Ministration of, Obtained by Prayer

Angels: Not to be Worshipped

Angels: Obey the Will of God

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

Manoah (14 Occurrences)

Wormwood (10 Occurrences)

Tasted (18 Occurrences)

Mingled (62 Occurrences)

Belly (62 Occurrences)

Ascended (48 Occurrences)

Sweet (147 Occurrences)

Sour (15 Occurrences)

Smoke (98 Occurrences)

Stomach (40 Occurrences)

Eaten (211 Occurrences)

Honey (62 Occurrences)

Incense (167 Occurrences)

Ate (138 Occurrences)

Perfume (202 Occurrences)

King (25505 Occurrences)

Bel (3 Occurrences)

Dragon (20 Occurrences)

Bitter (203 Occurrences)

Roll (57 Occurrences)

Angels (99 Occurrences)

Angel (209 Occurrences)

Star (16 Occurrences)

Saints (117 Occurrences)

Rose (279 Occurrences)

Anger (387 Occurrences)

Prayers (99 Occurrences)

Mouth (534 Occurrences)

Christ (573 Occurrences)

Book (211 Occurrences)

Angels are Examples of Meekness
Top of Page
Top of Page