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Where did angels come from? God created the angels prior to His creation of the earth (Job 38:7). All angels were created at the same time by God (Psalm 148:2-5). Humans do not become angels at the moment of death (see 1 Corinthians 6:3; 13:1). Do angels really walk the earth? Angels can take on the appearance of humans when the mission calls for it (Genesis 19:1-29; Hebrews 13:2) Is it OK to worship angels? No. The scriptures clearly teach us that worship is set aside for God (Exodus 20:1-5). God's holy angels are seen throughout the bible directing humans NOT to worship them, because they are "fellow servants" (Revelation 22:8,9). Why are they here? God uses angels in many assignments: Instrumental in answering prayers. (Acts 8:26) Giving guidance to believers. (Acts 8:26) God's messengers. (Acts 10:3-33) Guarding against danger. (Psalm 91:9-11) Escorting believers into Heaven at the moment of death.(Luke 16:22) Promote evangelism among unbelievers. (Acts 8:26-28) Restraining wickedness. (Genesis 19:4-11) Announcing God's judgments. (Revelation 14:6-10) Executing God's judgment. (Revelation 16:1-18)  |
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Does everyone have a "guardian angel"?
The bible teaches us that God's angels are guardians for believers, "for those who will inherit salvation" (Hebrews 1:14).
"Because you have made the Lord …your dwelling place…He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all of your ways."
(Psalm 91:9-11)
Do angels have names?
The only angels whose names are given in scripture (other than Lucifer) are:
Michael, whose name asks the question "Who is like God?" Michael is the highest ranking angel (called "Archangel"), also referred to as "chief prince". (Jude 9; Daniel 10:13)
Gabriel, whose name means "Mighty One of God", delivers important messages from God to mankind. (Luke 1:11-36; Daniel 8:16, 9:21)
What are the different "ranks" of angels?
Archangel- Michael, lead angel
Cherubim- Surrounding God's throne, guarding His holiness from contamination.(Ezekiel 1:1-18; 25:18,20)
Seraphim- "Burning ones," speaking of their burning devotion to God. They proclaim His perfect holiness. (Isaiah 6:1-5)
Thrones- Sit in the immediate presence of God. (Colossians 1:16)
Dominions- Ministering over specific domains carrying out the will of God. (Ephesians 1:20, 21)
What are "fallen angels"?
Fallen angels are probably better known as "demons". They were originally holy angels of God that rebelled against him (Jude 6). Lucifer, one of God's leading angels, became so impressed with himself that he desired to take God's place.
A master of persuasion, Lucifer convinced one third of the angelic population to join him as he rose up against God. (Ezekiel 28:11-19; Isaiah 14:12-17)
Lucifer and his rebel army lost the war and were thrust out of Heaven.
Now separated from God's power of goodness, Lucifer's name was changed to "Satan" (meaning "adversary" or "enemy") and the fallen angels became demons.
(Luke 10:17-19)
How do angels relate to Christ?
First, angels are subordinate to Christ (Hebrews 1:4-13)
Here are some ways angels have served Christ:
Announced Christ's coming birth to Mary (Luke 1:26-28)
Announced Christ's coming birth to Joseph (Matthew 1:20)
Proclaimed Christ's birth to the Shepherds (Luke 2:9,10)
Guarded Christ as a young child (Matthew 2:13-18, 20)
Cared for Jesus after His temptations (Matthew 4:11)
Strengthened Jesus at Gethsemane (Luke 22:43)
Appeared at the Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-6)
Appeared at the Ascension (Acts 1:9-11) Will descend at the Second Coming (Matthew 16:27; 25:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7)
Will worship Christ for all eternity (Revelation 5:11-14)
