Angelology The Ministry of Angels

Great caution must be exercised in defining the work of angels Great caution must be exercised in defining the work of angels. There is no room for anecdotal evidence. Theology may corroborated in human experience but human experience never defines theology.

The Classification of Angels That the angelic hosts are highly organized comports with the nature of God who is not the author of confusion, (1 Corinthians 14:33) but in everything is the author of order. There are several references to the fact of organization in the spirit world. (Rom. 8:38; Eph 1:21; 3:10; Col. 1:16; 2:10, 15; 1 Pet. 3:22)

Archangels Michael (Jude 9, Dan. 10) charged with the defense of Israel (Dan. 12:1) and will lead the final cosmic conflict with Satan (Rev. 12:7-11) Gabriel brought special revelatory messages from God to certain individuals. To Daniel (Dan. 8:15-17; 9:21-23) To Zacharias (Luke 1:5-19) To Mary (Luke 1:26,27) Possibly to Joseph (Matt. 1:20) Lucifer (Ezek. 28:14)

Chief Princes – Dan. 10:13 Governing Angels - ruling angels both good and evil who are assigned to particular places with apparent authority and power. (Dan. 10) Cherubim – The first introduction to these beings happened when Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. (Gen. 3:22-24 ) The function of the cherubim seems to be to guard the holiness of God. Seraphim – attend the throne of God. All that is known about them is found in Isaiah 6:1-7. While it cannot be stated conclusively, it appears that the seraphim as the same as the living creatures of Revelation 4.

The Work of Angels Angels perform several functions through Scripture. “The 273 references in the Bible to angels are largely accounts of their activities, and by these a very wide field of achievement is disclosed.” Angels always perform their work at the bidding of God by means of His delegated authority and power. They are very much His messengers. Their work can be defined in terms of relationships.

In Relation to God They Praise God – Psa. 148:1,2; Isa. 6:3 They Worship God – Heb. 1:6; Rev. 5:8-13 They Rejoice in God’s Work – Job 38:6,7 They Serve God – Psa. 103:20; Rev. 22:9 The Appear before God – Job 1:6; 2:1 They are Instruments of God’s Judgment – Rev. 7:1; 8:2

In Relation to Dispensations They Joined in praise at Creation – John 38:6,7 They were Involved in Giving the Mosaic Law – Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:2 They were Active at the First Coming of Christ – Mat. 1:20; 4:11 They were Active during the Early Years of the Church – Acts 8:26; 10:3, 7; 12:11 They will be Involved in the Second Coming of Christ – Mat. 25:31; 1 Thes. 4:16

In Relation to Christ At His birth – Prediction (Mat. 1:20; Luke 1:26-28) – Announcement (Luke 2:8-15) During His Life – Warning (Mat. 2:13-15) – Directing (Mat. 2:19-21) – Ministering (Mat. 4:11; Luke 22:43) – Defending (Mat. 26:53)

After His Resurrection – Removing the Stone from the Tomb (Mat. 28:1,2) – Announcing the Resurrection (Mat. 28:5,6; Luke 24:5-7) – Present at the Ascension (Acts 1:10,11) At His Second Coming – At the Rapture (1 Thes. 4:16) – Accompanying His Return (Matt. 25:31; 2 Thes. 2:7) – Separating Wheat from the Tares (Mat. 13:39,40)

Of particular interest is the current ministry of angels Of particular interest is the current ministry of angels. Obviously the need for miraculous displays of power is passed since we now have the complete canon of the Scriptures. We no longer need validating miracles, or special ministrations on the personal level. We can turn to chapter and verse to find answers to our pressing questions. At the same time we ought not to assume that the unseen world is any less real or active. Every indication is that the approach of the end of the church age will intensify this activity.

We are not given specifics as to how angels minister to New Testament believers; we are not left to wonder if they do. (Heb. 1:14) Angels are often present and active without our cognizance. (Heb. 13:2) Angels are observational of the lives and affairs of believers. (1 Cor. 4:9; 11:10; Eph. 3:10) Angels are not omniscient and do not understand everything that God is doing. (1 Pet. 1:10-12 )

Angels perform functions that we do not understand Angels perform functions that we do not understand. Lazarus was carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom. (Luke 16:22) They will gather God’s elect at the end of the Tribulation. (Mark 13:24-27; Matthew 13:37-43) No one can read the book of the Revelation without an awareness of the intense activity and mighty power of angels during the Tribulation Period.

We must never transfer worship from God to any of God’s creations including angels. (Rev. 22:6-9) It must be understood that the worship of angels is absolutely cultic and precluded by Scripture. (Col. 2:16-19) All of this instruction concerning angels is comforting but must not become distracting. Our focus is not to be upon angels and their activity. Our focus must be upon God who directs and empowers the activity of angels. Grasping that principle becomes critical when we consider the fallen angels.