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All about angels

 
Helen Thorne | Dec. 20, 2012

They’re everywhere at the moment. There are the small children – usually girls – swathed in white sheets and gold tinsel all poised to enter stage left and address the tea-towel clad shepherds and associated stuffed sheep with “tidings of great joy”. There are the cards we’re sending and receiving. There may even be one on the top of your tree. But what exactly are angels? And what do they do when they’re not announcing the birth of our Saviour? Here, this Christmas time, is a quick Q&A about our angelic neighbours:

How many are there?

Lots! They are described as being “innumerable” (Hebrews 12:22) and numbering “thousands and thousands” (Revelation 5:11). Heaven is thronging with angelic beings.

Can we see them?

Rarely. There are, of course, notable occasions when angels appear to humans (Luke 1-2) and it seems that there are times when we may meet angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2) but they are spiritual beings (Hebrews 1:14) and not usually visible.

How are they organized?

Not in families. Scripture indicates that they don’t get married (Luke 20:34-36). But there do seem to be some groupings. The archangel Michael is described as leading an angelic army (Revelation 12:7-8) so there’s clearly some order.

What do they do?

They worship God (Hebrews 12:22; Psalm 148:2). They protect us (Hebrews 1:14). They sometimes bring divine judgment (2 Samuel 24:16-17; Acts 12:23). They watch believers (1 Timothy 5:21). They rejoice when someone becomes a Christian (Luke 15:10). And they battle Satan’s minions (Revelation 12:7-8). As well as passing on the occasional message from the Lord (Acts 8:26). And they do all this in great power (Psalm 103:20).

Do they ever sin?

Yes. They seem to have the capacity to make moral decisions and some of them have chosen to rebel against God (2Peter 2:4). Those who have sinned have been sent to hell to await judgment – judgment that will be carried out by us! (1 Corinthians 6:3).

How should we relate to them?

It’s great to be aware that angels are real and working for the glory of God and our good.

  • They’re an encouragement - When we’re singing praises to God, they’re praising too.
  • They’re an example – Constant in their worship.
  • They’re a witness - When we’re sinning, they’re watching.
  • They’re a protection – Looking after us in line with God’s will.

 

But

 

  • There’s absolutely no point in praying to them. We have but one mediator between us and God and that’s Jesus (1Timothy 2:5).
  • They’re not God. To put our trust in them rather than our Saviour is idolatry and just plain wrong (Colossians 2:18).
  • So it’s entirely consistent with their revealed nature and will that they would much rather we think about Jesus than about them!

 

Emily

10:33 AM EST on February 1st
I BELIEVE IN ANGELS THEY ARE ALL AROUND YOU BOTH IN ANGELIC FORM AND HUMAN FORM BOTH ARE TO PROTECT YOU, HELP YOU, TEACH YOU, ENCOURAGE YOU, AND MOST OF ALL HELP YOU WITH YOUR WALK THE LORD. SOMETIMES IT CAN GET HARD LIVING UP TO THE STANDARDS OF GOD AND YOU NEED YOUR BROTHER AND SISTERS IN CHRIST TO HELP YOU DAILY TO ENCOURAGE AND MAYBE BE THE ANGELS GOD SENT TO HELP THE ONE WHO STRUGGLES TO GET THINGS RIGHT. SO YES I BELIEVE IN ANGELS AND YES IF EVER I CAN BE A ANGEL TO SOMEONE EVEN A LITTLE CHILD IN THE STORE WHO WANTS SOMETHING BUT I KNOW THEY CANT AFFORD IT AND MAYBE I CANT EITHER I TRY TO HELP CAUSE IN MY FAITH I DO LOOK DIFFERENT ON THE OUTSIDE AND MAYBE THEY CAN SEE THAT THE REAL JESUS LIVES IN ME. I ALWAYS TELL THEM JESUS LOVES YOU! !!