INTRO: With the increased interest in the paranormal these days there has recently, been an increased interest in the subject of ANGELS.
Some time ago, ago, a dear church passed along a magazine to me about angels. Among the so-called "revelations" that this book contains are:
Michael Landon = an Angel
Death is not a punishment for sin, “it is
just another realm that our spirit/soul goes
through in order to return once more.”
Perhaps the most troubling thing about the book was how far out of character it was with the Biblical Role of Angels in creation. Have you ever noticed that the Bible never gives a detailed description of the
angelic realm? Instead, I liken the treatment of angels in scripture to that of stage-hands in a drama. They do a lot behind the scenes but they themselves aren’t supposed to be seen at all.
One of the marks of the Colossian Heresy was ‘in the promoting of what we might call...ADDITIONS TO CHRIST. To them Christ was not unique, but one of many manifestations of God...& so they taught that Christ was not enough for salvation.
For them it was CHRIST + Philosophy(vs. 8), + Astrology(vs. 8), + Circumcision (vs. 11), + Religious Observance(vs. 16), + ANGELS(vs. 18)...
PAUL WARNS THE COLOSSIANS AGAINST AN EXCESSIVE
PREOCCUPATION WITH THE ANGELIC REALM.
{SCRIPTURE READING}
One of the favorite tactics of the Devil is to employ our curiosity to cause us to lessen our focus on the One who is most important in our lives I’m not suggesting that those of you who have expressed an
interest in this topic, have done so for Demonic reasons. I’m merely suggesting that this is a subject upon which we had best guard against going to seed. If anything you study lessons your focus on Christ Its best neglected. WE NEED TO GUARD AGAINST AN EXCESSIVE
PREOCCUPATION WITH THE ANGELIC REALM. The best way, I see,to do so is to understand what the Bible has to say about the NATURE & FUNCTION of Angels:
1.) THE NATURE OF ANGELS.
Because God’s revelation is not primarily concerned with a detailed exposition of Angels, we must draw much of what we know about angels from inferences rather than plain DIDACTIC statements.
There are a few straightforward DIDACTIC statements however. For Example: Angels = defined(Heb.1:14)
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to
serve those who will inherit salvation?”
So then, Angels = Spiritual Beings. Their Job = to minister to those who will be saved.
From Inferences it is possible to assert that:
a.) Angel’s are immortal (Luke 20:36) Jesus refers
to believers as those “...who can no longer die; for
they are like the angels.”
b.) Angel’s are Sexless. (Matt. 22:30) Jesus is
discussing the issue of marriage at the resurrection.
c.) Angels are usually invisible but may become
incarnate.
(Gen. 18)-> The angels who visited Abraham.
Resurrection (Luke 24:4) both described with a
human-like appearance.
d.) There are many (Heb. 12:22) “thousand upon
thousands”.
e.) They are created beings. (Ps. 148:2,5).
f.) They are NOT perfect (Job4:18)
’If God places no trust in His servants,
If He charges His angels with error...”
g.) Some are actually fallen. ( Jude 6)
...& Will be judged(Matthew 25:41)
h.) Others are “elect”[i.e. “chosen”] (1 Tim. 5:21)
i.) There is apparently some hierarchy in their
organization.
One is designated Archangel - Michael.
One is designated “God’s Messenger” - Gabriel
Some interpreters , like Dr. Billy Graham
include Seraphim & Cherubim to the list in
the rank order of angels. The problem = the
Bible’s silence regarding any relationship
between them and angels.
2.) THE FUNCTION OF ANGELS.
The Scripture reveals 3 functions of angels:
a.) WORSHIP & PRAISE OF GOD.(Rev 5:11-12, 7:11-42)
b.) COMMUNICATE GOD’S MESSAGE TO MAN.
ANGELOS = “Messenger”
The OT Law was mediated through them.
(Gal. 3:1, Acts 7:53, Heb. 2:2).
c.) MINISTER TO BELIEVERS.
-rejoice at conversion(Luke 15:10)
-spectators of our lives(1 Cor. 4:9)
-gather us at the 2nd Coming(Matt. 24:31)
d.) EXECUTE JUDGMENT UPON THE ENEMIES OF GOD.
-The Angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrians.
(2 Kings19:35).
-Herod is spoken of as having been killed by an
Angel.(Acts12:23)...
-John’s Apocalypse is full of prophecies of the
judgment of God administered by Angels.
(Rev. 8:6-9:2l, 16:1-17, 19:11-14).
Conclusion: IF WE REALLY WANT AN EXPERIENCE WITH AN ANGEL,THE BEST WAY WE CAN IS THROUGH A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST! In the drama of redemption, they are used by God as stage-hands to see that His redemptive will comes about in our lives.
