Angelology (The Doctrine of Angels)

I.       The Origin of Angels

A.     The Bible Confirms the Existence of Angels

1.        Two angels came to Sodom one evening (Gen 19:1).

2.        As Elijah lay and slept under a broom tree, an angel touched him (1 Kgs 19:5).

3.        The Lord Jesus said, “In heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Mt 18:10).

4.        Jesus has gone into heaven and angels, authorities, and powers are made subject to him (1 Pet 3:22).

B.     Angels Were Created by God

1.        “Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his host! ... Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created” (Ps 148:2,

2.        “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created” (Ezek 28:13–15).

3.        “For in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities—all things were created through him and for him” (Col 1:16).

4.        Angels were created before the creation of the heaven and the earth (cf. Gen 3:1; Job 38:6, 7).

C.     Names and Titles of Angels

1.        Cherubim (Gen 3:24; Ezek 11:22).

2.        Seraphim (Isa 6:2, 6).

3.        Angel of the LORD (Ps 34:7; Dan 6:22).

4.        Angel (Acts 12:7, 8).

5.        Holy ones (Ps 89:5–7; Dan 4:13).

6.        Host of heaven: the armies in heaven (1 Kgs 22:19; Rev 19:14).

7.        Heavenly host (Lk 2:13).

8.        Ministering spirits (Heb 1:14).

D.     The Habitation of Angels

1.        They are called heavenly messengers, and so they dwell in heaven (Mt 22:30).

2.        When they have finished their mission, they go into heaven (Lk 2:13–15).

3.        All the host of heaven have been standing beside the Lord on his right hand and on his left (1 Kgs 22:19; Dan 7:10).

4.        They dwell in the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb 12:22).

5.        They are sent forth everywhere (Ps 34:7).

II.    The Hierarchy Of Angels

A.     Angelic Population

1.        “A thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him” (Dan 7:10).

2.        The Lord came from the ten thousands of holy ones (Deut 33:2).

3.        You have come to the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in joyful assmbly (Heb 12:22; Rev 5:11).

4.        The population of angels is innumerable (Ps 68:17; cf. Job 25:13; 2 Kgs 6:17).

B.     Angelic Hierarchy

1.        The archangel’s name is Michael (Dan 12:1; 1 Thess 4:16; Jude 9).

2.        Dominions, principalities, powers, authorities, and dignities are the gradation of angelic status (Ps 82:1; Rom 8:38–39; Eph 1:20–21, 3:10; Col 1:16; 1 Pet 3:22; Jude 8).

3.        “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Mt 26:53). Six thousand soldiers form a legion. Therefore, we know angels have some form of organization.

III. The Nature Of Angels

A.     Angels Are Created Spirits (Heb 1:14)

1.        Angels can manifest in human form, but appear in other forms as well (Gen 18:1, 2; Isa 6:1–3; Jn 20:12).

2.        Angels can converse and dine with people (Gen 19:1–3, 12–22).

3.        Angels do not die since they are spirits, nor do they marry (Mt 22:30; Lk 20:35–36).

B.     Angels Are Perfect and Holy

1.        Angels are called holy angels or holy ones (Ps 89:5, 7; Mk 8:38).

2.        Angels are also called angels of light (2 Cor 11:14–15).

3.        At the Lord’s resurrection, an angel of the Lord is described as having a countenance like lightning and clothing as white as snow (Mt 28:3).

C.     Angels Are Humble and Subordinate

1.        Angels are not to be worshipped by us (Rev 19:10, 22:8–9).

2.        Angels glorify the Lord (Isa 6:2–3; Rev 5:11–12).

IV.  The Office Of Angels

A.     Angels Minister to God in Heaven

1.        Angels praise the Lord around the throne (Rev 5:11–13).

2.        Angels stand ministering the Lord before his presence (Dan 7:9–10).

B.     Angels Are Sent as Mighty Messengers

1.        Angels give warning to the chosen and save them (Gen 19:12–22).

2.        Angels announce God’s law (Acts 7: 38, 53).

3.        Angels report God’s message to people (Lk 2:10, 17).

4.        Angels fight against Satan and help the believers (Dan 10:21; Rev 12:7–8).

5.        Angels are in charge of human warfare (Rev 7:1–3, 9:13–15).

C.     Angels Minister to the Heirs of Salvation (Heb 1:14)

1.        They protect the saints (Ex 23:20; Ps 34:7, 91:11).

2.        They deliver the saints from dangers (Acts 5:17–20, 12:6–11).

3.        They instruct and comfort the disciples (Mt 2:12–13, 19–20; Acts 27:23–24).

4.        They escort the deceased saints to the heavenly home (Lk 16:22).

V.     The Power Of Angels

A.     Angels Have Supernatural Might

1.        They can seal the lions’ mouths (Dan 6:21–22).    

2.        They can open the locks of the jail (Acts 12:6–10).

3.        One angel can kill one hundred and eighty-five thousand men (2 Kgs 19:35; 2 Chr 32:21).

B.     Angels Are Mightier than Satan

1.        In a vision seen by Daniel, Michael defeated the prince of Persia (Dan 10:13–21).

2.        They have the authority to bind Satan (Rev 20:1–2).

C.     Angels Are Far Inferior to God

1.        Angels carry out God’s commands although they excel in strength (Ps 103:20).

2.        Angels are full of wisdom and perfect in beauty (2 Sam 14:17, 20; Ezek 28:12).

3.        Angels are neither omnipotent nor omniscient (Job 4:18; Mt 24:30; 1 Pet 1:10–12).

4.        We should not treat angels as our mediators, nor should we worship them (1 Tim 2:5; Rev 19:10, 22:8–9).

VI.  A Comparison Between Angels And People

1.        Angels Are Servants of God (Heb 1:5, 14).

2.        People are children of God (Lk 3:38; 1 Jn 3:1).

3.        Angels Do Not Get Married (Mt 22:30; Lk 20:35–36).

4.        People do get married (Gen 1:28).

5.        Angels May Commit Sin, But Should Not (cf. 2 Pet 2:4).

6.        In the same way, God’s sanctified people may commit sin, but should not (Heb 12:23; Rev 3:12). All creation should come under God’s path and his righteousness,whether angel or human.