FAITHFUL ANGELS (Part 1)
It is believed that all angels were originally created without fault and like Adam in the Garden were placed on some sort of probation. They were theologically, during this time, posse non pecarre (able not to sin). But the probation period ended when Heaven’s chief angel, Lucifer, instigated a revolt against God. Lucifer was able to persuade one third of the angels to rebel with him. The angels who followed Lucifer became non posse non pecarre (not able not to sin), while the remaining two third were pronounced non posse pecarre (not able to sin).
From that point on the faithful angels are referred to as holy and elect angels and the fallen angels are known as the devil’s angels. This study will identify the ranks and characteristics of the faithful angels.
The Archangels
Michael
Michael is always seen as a General of God’s Army. He is specifically mentioned in four places in Scripture. In these passages, Michael helps a lesser-ranked angel get through to answer Daniel’s prayer (Daniel 10:13, 21). He will stand up for Israel during the tribulation (Daniel 12:1). He disputes with Satan concerning the dead body of Moses (Jude 1:9). He fights against Satan (Revelation 12:7).
Gabriel
Gabriel is always delivering important messages from God. He explained the vision of the Ram and Goat battle to Daniel (Daniel 8:16). He explained the seventy weeks to Daniel (Daniel 9:21). He predicted the birth of John the Baptist to Zacharias (Luke 1:19). He predicted the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26). He assured Joseph concerning the purity of Mary (Matthew 1:20). He warned Joseph about the plot of Herod (Matthew 2:13). He tells Joseph about the death of Herod.
Some Bible scholars also believe that Gabriel is the Angel of the Lord seen in the New Testament. If this is true, then Gabriel can be seen in the following occasions. He announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds (Luke 2:9). He strengthened Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43). He rolled the stone back at Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 28:2). He freed the apostles from prison (Acts 5:19). He sent Philip to the desert of Gaza to meet the eunuch (Acts 8:26). He instructed Cornelius to send for Peter (Acts 10:3). He freed Peter from prison (Acts 12:7). He executed wicked Herod for blasphemy (Acts 12:23). He assured Paul on the deck of a sinking ship (Acts 27:23). He will sound the trumpet at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
The Cherubim
The Description Of The Cherubim
1. Each has four faces. The face in front is as a man. The face on the right is as a lion. The face on the left is as an ox. The face in back is as an eagle.
2. Each has two pairs of wings. One pair spreads out from the middle of the back. The other pair is used to cover the body. These wings make a noise like waves crashing upon the seashore.
3. They have the legs of men; but their feet are cloven like calves’ feet, which shine like burnished brass.
4. They have four human hands, with one located under each wing.
5. They apparently travel in groups of four. The outstretched wings of each cherubim touch those of the remaining three companions, so that they form a square. When they move, they move as a group without turning their bodies.
The Duties Of The Cherubim
1. They kept Adam from the Tree of Life after the fall so he would not live forever in his sin.
2. Two cherubim were constructed at God’s command and placed at either end on top of the ark lid in the tabernacle Holy of Holies.
3. They appeared to Ezekiel.
4. Prior to his fall, Satan was the chief cherub angel (Ezekiel 28:14).
The Seraphim
Seraphim are mentioned only once in the Bible.
1. They have six wings. Two are used to cover their face, two to cover their feet, and two are used to fly.
2. They proclaim in a great chorus the majesty of God, crying out: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3).
3. The awesome sound of their mighty praises shakes the foundation of the heavenly temple.
4. Isaiah views all this in a vision. He is immediately convicted concerning both his sin and the sin of the Nation of Israel.
5. Isaiah is ministered to by one of the seraphim, who flew over to the heavenly altar and, with a pair of tongs, picked out a burning coal. He then touched Isaiah’s lips with it and said: “With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for" (Isaiah 6:7).
Living Creatures
These special Heavenly beings are in some ways similar to both the cherubim and seraphim, but seem to be in a separate class by themselves. Their number appears to be limited to four. It has been suggested that they now hold those privileges and responsibilities once assigned to Lucifer, before he became the devil.
1. John the apostle sees these four standing before the shining crystal sea in Heaven surrounding God’s throne.
2. They are covered with eyes, both in front and behind.
3. Each of the four has a different face. One has the face of a lion. One has the face of an ox. One has the face of a man. One has the face of an eagle.
4. Each creature has six wings. This is one of the differences between these creatures and the cherubim. The cherubim have four wings.
5. Without stopping day or night, they proclaim God’s praise, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8).
6. Each of the four living creatures will announce one of the first four great tribulation judgments of the seven-sealed book.
Ruling Angels
1. Principalities.
2. Powers.
3. Thrones.
4. Authorities.
5. Dominions.
6. Might.
While it is impossible to distinguish clearly among these six, it is nevertheless evident that they describe various levels of ruling positions assigned to angels, ranging perhaps from generals to privates.
Guardian Angels
The Bible does not state whether each believer has a specific guardian angel, or whether various angels on occasion simply protect and aid those who are saved.
Angels Associated With Horses And Chariots
In 2 Kings 2:11, 6:17; Psalms 68:17, Zechariah 1:8-11, and Revelations 19:14 these angels work closely with creatures of the animal kingdom in performing their ministry.
Names And Titles Of Angels
1. Ministers (Psalms 103:20-21; 104:4). This signifies their religious duties and spiritual service.
2. Host (Genesis 32:1-2; Joshua 5:14; 1 Samuel 17:45; Psalms 89:8). This name speaks of their military service.
3. Chariots (2 Kings 6:16-17; Psalms 68:17; Zechariah 6:5). This may refer to their swiftness.
4. Watchers (Daniel 4:13, 17). This speaks of their duties as supervisors and agents.
5. Sons of the mighty (Psalms 29:1; 89:6). This title may refer to their awesome strength and power.
6. Sons of God (Genesis 6:2, 4; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7). In Old Testament terminology, sometimes angels are called sons of God while men are called servants of God. In the New Testament this is reversed. Angels are servants and Christians are the sons of God.
7. Holy Ones, saints (Psalms 89:7; Daniel 8:13; Zechariah 14:5). This refers to their total separation to the will of God.
8. Stars (Job 38:7; Psalms 148:2-3; Revelation 12:3-4). This may indicate both their number and their brightness.
In our next study, we will look at the work and ministry of all of these “Faithful Angels”.
Series: Angelology [#3]
Wednesday Evening Bible Study August 20, 2003
Bel Aire Baptist Church
