THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS 2
PSALM 68:17; MARK 13:32
Introduction:
Angel – (Greek) – a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God.
The mythologies of nearly all the ancient nations speak of such beings as angels. In the Bible the angels of God are mentioned from Genesis to Revelations. They are mentioned 108 times in the Old Testament and 165 times in the New Testament.
I. ANGELS ARE ESTABLISHED BY THE TEACHING OF THE WORD OF GOD.
A. In the Old Testament.
1. Here they are mentioned as being great in number, Psalm 68:17 “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.”
2. Here they are mentioned as being great in strength, Psalm 103:20, “Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.”
B. In the New Testament,
1. Here the angels are ministering to the Lord Jesus, Matthew 4:11, “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. God does not share all of His knowledge with them.”
2. Here it is noted that the Lord does not share all of His knowledge with the angels, Mark 13:32, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”
II. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ANGELS
A. They are created beings, Psalm 148:2, 5, “Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 5-Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.”
1. When were they created? The Bible does not tell us this.
2. How were they created? “for he commanded, and they were created.”
B. They are spirit beings, Hebrews 1:13-14, “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
“Angels in their ordinary form of being are spirits without physical bodies. This does not, however, deny the possibility of their materialization.” (E. H. Bancroft)
C. Angels are personal beings to whom personal characteristics are ascribed; they are intelligent, voluntary, active and therefore personal agents, 2 Samuel 14:20.
D. Angels do not marry, Matthew 22:30, “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.”
E. Angels do not die, Luke 20:35-36.
F. Angels are swift beings, Matthew 26:53.
G. Angels are powerful beings.
1. They have superhuman power, Psalm 103:20.
2. They have delegated power, that is, they are not almighty, but the power that God gives them to accomplish His will, 2 Thessalonians 1:7.
H. Angels are glorious beings, Luke 9:26.
I. Angels are numerous beings, Revelation 5:11.
III. THE MORAL NATURE OF ANGELS.
A. All angels are created holy.
1. God’s character would not allow otherwise, Genesis 18:25.
2. God’s creative work demonstrates the fact, Genesis 1:21.
3. God’s record of their sin demonstrates the fact, Jude 6.
B. Many angels are obedient and confirmed in goodness, Matthew 25:31.
C. Many angels are disobedient and confirmed in wickedness, 2 Peter 2:4.
IV. WHAT DO ANGELS DO OR HOW ARE THEY EMPLOYED?
The Greek word “angelos” means “one sent,” “a messenger.” Holy angels then are God’s servants or messengers. They do His will in many ways.
A. Good angels…
1. Are involved in the direct worship of God, Matthew 18:10, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” See also Psalm 99:1; Isaiah 6:2; Daniel 7:10.
2. Rejoice in God’s work, Luke 15:10.
3. Execute God’s will, Psalm 103:20.
4. Guide and guard believers, Psalm 91:11; Acts 8:26.
5. Minister to God’s people, Hebrews 1:14.
6. Will accompany Christ at His return, Matthew 25:31.
a. They will aid in the separation of the righteous from the wicked, Matthew 13:49,
b. They will aid in the punishment of the wicked, 2 Thessalonians 1: 7-8.
B. Evil Angels…
1. Oppose God’s purposes, Zechariah 3:1, See also Daniel 10:10-14.
2. Afflict God’s people, 2 Corinthians 12:7.
3. Execute Satan’s purposes, Ephesians 6:11-12.