Bible Teaching About the Existence of AngelsThe Bible discloses startling facts about angels. Do they really exist, or are they just a figment in the mind of movie producers and artists? What do you think? Interesting question, isn’t it? Actually, the notion of these creatures is deeply embedded in the psyche of the human race. They have been called various names such as aeons, demons, or demi-gods. There is a universal belief among cultures of the spiritual world and beings that have influenced humanity and history - in other words, angels. For example, the ancient Tongan religion (South Pacific) believed in lower gods called ‘otua Pau’u (mischievous gods) that inflicted evil on the earth. Human souls, after separation from the body, were believed to exist in a shape like a body and dwelled in the happy regions of Pulotu. They could return to Tonga to inspire priests, relatives, or to appear in dreams. Sometimes they could appear in the form of a ghost. But, this is all just an illustration. What do you think is the Bible teaching about their existence? Come with me as we enter that spooky world - just kidding, let’s just talk about it.
The Bible Assumes the Existence of AngelsThe Bible simply assumes theie reality. The name means, “messenger.” Sometimes the word refers to man as messengers (Matthew 11:10). Generally, the messenger is seen as one who serves. Angelic beings are a distinct order of creation different from humans. Other names for these creatures are men, God’s host, the holy ones, sons of God, watchers, princes, principalities, powers, thrones, dominion (Genesis 32:2; Psalm 8:7; Genesis 6:1, 2; Job 1:6; 38:7; Psalm 103:20; Daniel 4:13; 10:13; Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 3:10). There are over 270 biblical references to angels. Created Directly by GodAngels are a superhuman order of heavenly beings created by God. Paul says, “For by Him (Jesus) all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things have been created by Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16; cf. Nehemiah 9:6; Ephesians 6:12). The time of their origin seems to be the beginning of the first day of creation. In Job 38:4-7, God describes His setting the foundation of the earth. It appears that while that was happening, “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:7; cf. Colossians 1:16; Exodus 20:11; Psalm 33:6). People were not created until the sixth day; consequently, the creatures observing and praising God’s foundational work could only have been angelic beings. Their Number is FixedThe Bible shows that these heavenly creatures do not reproduce (Matthew 22:30); consequently, the complete angelic host was created at once. Here are some of their characteristics. •They are vast in number (Hebrews 12:22; Revelation 5:11). They are wise, powerful, have personalities, are moral beings, are superior to people, but vastly inferior to God (2 Samuel 14:20; 2 Peter 2:11; Mark 8:38; 1 Peter 3:22; Hebrews 16). They are Organized and RankedThe Bible portrays these spirit beings as being highly organized and subject to authority. There is al least one archangel, “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you’” (Jude 9). There are also cherubim, seraphim, principalities and powers and thrones and dominions (Daniel 10:13; 8:16; Genesis 3:24; Isaiah 6:2; Ephesians 3:10; 6:12; Colossians 2:10; 1 Peter 3:22). The Bible reveals there is also the Angel of the Lord mentioned in the Old Testament. This Personage is the Lord Jesus Christ in an appearance to this world prior to the New Testament (cf. Genesis 16:7-14; 31:11-13). Angels Interact with his WorldThis is the, “so what” part of this Bible teaching about their existence. They are alive and well, and operate both in the heavens and on this earth. Yes. That is a fact of the Bible. Doesn’t that impress you? It sure does me? I told you it was a spooky world. We are told that, “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man…and the virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:26). You know the story. The following verses explain the conversation between the two. Another angel in the Bible is named, Michael (Daniel 10:13). Speaking of their existence, we read, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). In another place we are informed of their vital interest in the affairs of earth. Luke writes, “…there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). In another place we learn that, “Now it came about that the poor man died and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom” (Luke 16:22). Fallen, Evil AngelsThe real scary side of the Bible teaching about angels is the reality of evil angels (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:7-9). At first they were of the band of good heavenly creatures created by God. Unfortunately, they became corrupt following the creation week. Satan is a fallen angel, and tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden. They inflict much evil (Ephesians 6:11, 12; 1 Peter 5:8-10; 2 Corinthians 11:3, 13-15). They also know Christ, are unclean and fierce, and believe the Bible literally (Matthew 8:28, 29; 10:1; James 2:19). With this, Esmie and I hope this Bible teaching about these spirit beings will stir your interest, and lead you to more research into the subject. We wish you all the best in your study. Dr. Willis and Esmie Newman BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS1. Explain your opinion about angels.
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