The Truth Regarding Angels & Archangels

Throughout the ages mankind has been fascinated with angels. Some say they are real; others say they are imaginary. With swords and shields in hand battling evil, angels are commonly viewed as our protectors. Throughout history they have been the subject matter in countless sculptures, priceless paintings and historic buildings, to name a few. Artistic themes of angels range from depictions of messengers to brave warriors (as in the Archangel Michael, or St. Michael, slaying the beast with his sword.

Three of the best known angels include the Archangel Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer (Satan), who is also known as the fallen angel and the initial source of evil or first sin. So where does an angel come from, and how many different kinds of angels exist?

Just so we are clear, angels are not humans who died and became angelic when they reached heaven. Rather, angels are wonderful spiritual beings created by the one true God (known as I Am). The Bible does not specifically give a time when the angels were created, but it is probably before the earth, animals, or humans were created.

Angels have an individual personality and spirit, but not a human body like ours. They are actually sexless and do not get married (Matthew 22:30). Occasionally, an angel will appear to humans. In these instances an angel may have a temporary bodily appearance of a male (not female). Although some angels may look human or be brightly shining (still reflecting the heavenly, shining glory of God Himself), they are still creations of God. Their shining brightness is not self-generated, but reflected, as they seek to encourage mankind to worship God.

It is worth noting, angels never seek worship for the angels themselves, but only for God (Romans 1:24-25). Historically, when humans have tried to worship angels, the angels in biblical accounts stop the humans and turn all the adoration to God.

Glorious Full Set of Angels

Are Angels Divine?

No, angels are not divine. To be divine is defined as having the nature of or being a deity. Only the one true God is divine.

The Son (Jesus) and Spirit have made visible appearances on earth, while the Father remained in heaven. The Holy Spirit appeared when Jesus was baptized looking like a dove descending from the heavens and resting upon Jesus. At Pentecost after Jesus ascended bodily into heaven, the Holy Spirit appeared physically to be tongues of fire and a rushing wind to the believers. (These instances are not angels.)

During early human history, before Jesus was born, it is thought that some of the angelic appearances were actually the Son of God Himself. (Although many believe it was the pre-incarnate Christ, the Bible does not specifically say.) These instances are known as theophanies and are made at different times to various individuals when God was sending a message to someone, or mankind.

Sometimes the person in the appearance was called the angel of the Lord, a special title with more meaning than just angel. Interestingly enough, the angel of the Lord mysteriously came and departed, showing no time connection in history. He might eat food with humans (Abraham and Lot) or wrestle (Jacob) or obstruct their path (Adam and Eve, and later Balaam) as He delivered His message of hope or judgment to reveal the plans of God.

Jesus promised and warned He would come again and be known as Jesus, so theophanies are not necessary anymore. Jesus explained we know God through Him, and that is enough revelation. Since the ascension of Jesus into heaven, the angel of the Lord has not made additional appearances. This is because God has been perfectly revealed to man though Jesus Christ.

What Do Angels Really Look Like?

Angels may have several sets of wings, several pairs of eyes, several faces pointing four directions. They have been referred to as stars, mighty ones, or sons of God. Angels are also very strong and commanding (2 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Peter 2:11). Interestingly, they do not act on their own plans, but rather wait on the prayers of believers and to accomplish the will of God based upon His mysterious timing.

Angels may fly alone or work in groups as large as hundreds of thousands. Angels are not all powerful, all knowing, or omnipresent (everywhere), but God is (Mark 13:32). Angels may have military weapons like swords with scabbards and horse-drawn chariots for their mission assignments. Some angels are described with four wheels and may actually themselves be heavenly chariots (like the one the prophet Elijah rode into heaven, as seen by his associate, Elisha).

It is true that angels often carry swords. The sword of an angel represents the authority of God for the mission or proclamation.

Does the Bible Specifically Name any Angels?

In the Bible, only three angels are mentioned by name: the Archangel Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer (Satan).

• Gabriel
  Gabriel actually stands in the presence of God at His throne and delivers messages to humans at the direction of God. Gabriel was the messenger with the news of the birth of Christ and prophetic messages to Daniel and Zacharias (the uncle of Jesus). Gabriel brings news that is dear to the heart of God, coming right from the throne room of heaven. He speaks the message in a glorious way that always brings God praise and honor. The angel Gabriel is mentioned in Daniel chapters 8 & 9 and Luke 1.



• Archangel Michael
  Angels have rank, just like Roman soldiers in an army, and the top ranking angel is referred to as archangel.
  
  The Archangel Michael (St. Michael) is like a prime minister of heaven, according to Billy Graham in his book, Angels: God's Secret Agents. The term arch means chief, principal, or great. Apparently Michael is not only powerful in rank, but also mighty in strength.
  
  The Archangel Michael is mentioned in the Bible as a spiritual warrior more than as a messenger. There is record of the Archangel Michael fighting on the behalf of another angel and assisting him in delivering a message from God to Daniel. There was a vigorous spiritual battle at the time which prevented the first angel from delivering an answer from God to the earnest prayers of Daniel for three weeks. The messenger angel was delayed by demonic warfare and only broke through the battle lines when Michael helped win his battle for him.



• Lucifer / Satan
  The third angel mentioned by name in the Bible is another previously top-ranking angel, Lucifer (or Satan, the devil). He began as the highest ranking, most handsome and gifted of all the angels. It is uncertain if he was actually an archangel or not. What is certain is that Lucifer is a created being that God made. He was a good angel initially, as were all the angels.
  
  Some think Satan has always lived and is an equal evil power to eternally fight the opposite good power of God. No, the truth is that Satan is a created being made by a holy God for good. Satan chose to twist his purpose and began to sin and rebel against God.
  
  The initial sin Lucifer committed was pride. He wanted to be the most high god and be the supreme ruler (Isaiah 14:9-15). The consequence for the actions of Satan was to be cast out of heaven for eternity. Some of the angels also rebelled and chose to follow Satan. They became known as fallen angels which we now call demons. Satan and his demons are now expelled from the blessings of God and roam throughout creation.
  
  The remaining two-thirds of the angels in heaven, along with Gabriel and the Archangel Michael, chose to remain good servants of God.

Angels are Organized

The exact ranking system of angels is not known to us, but the good angels have levels of authority, or orders, which the Bible mentions: archangel (chief angel, so apparently only one), angels (hundreds of thousands), seraphim, cherubim, principalities, authorities, powers, thrones, might, and dominion (Colossians 1:16; Romans 8:38). These orders may refer to their created differences, purposes, or rank, or a combination. Sometimes the rank of an angel refers to national or larger geographic areas of their control (Acts 6:15).

The Bible says angels rank above unregenerate humans, but below those whom God redeems and adopts into becoming His sons and daughters. This is their ranking with mankind (Luke 20:36; Romans 8:17).

Many times, angels bring judgment from God on nations, families, or individuals. It may be through disease and death, by the mysterious slaying of an army in the night, by standing guard with sword in hand to prevent human mobility or disobedience, and by blowing horns and breaking open seals of judgment from God. Angels are part of the everlasting plans of God and explain or dispense judgments of God at the right time in various ways (Daniel 8:16 and 9:21). The books in the Bible of Daniel and Revelation describe many of these judgments.

Life as an Angel

Do angels sing? The Bible does not answer this question, but does clearly specify angels worship God and continually praise Him and keep His presence full of sounds of adoration: Holy, Holy, Holy. One of the most beautiful ways to worship known on earth is through music. It makes sense that they sing, but the Bible does not say this specifically. The Bible does record what is said (spoken) by angels around God in heaven, and that may be a form of music in heaven. Humans probably sing music in heaven, but it is unknown if angels do.

What do angels sound like? When angels speak to humans, they sound masculine in voice and urgent with the instructions. There is a need to respond quickly in obedience. Encounters with Lot, Peter, Gideon, and Philip included imperatives to be fast to move and obey God.

Do angels eat? Psalms 78:25 states that angels eat the same honey-flavored food that the Israelites saw on the ground daily in the wilderness. The Israelites called it manna, which literally translates into, What is it? Manna was provided by God Himself. It was able to be cooked into recipes, but had a short shelf life preventing most storage efforts. At that special time in history, manna was also eaten by humans, not just angels.

Are there baby angels? The Bible does not describe any baby angels. This concept arose from Greek and Roman mythology and permeated biblical artwork, but the Bible never describes them this way. Cherubim in the Bible are described in Ezekiel 10 as having wings and hands, being full of eyes all over their bodies, and with eyes even on their mysterious wheels. Cherubim have four faces pointing in four directions and seem to be symbolic of heavenly realities. They are hard to imagine and perhaps even harder to understand, but they are high ranking angels and important to God.

Which Angels Are Closest To God's Heavenly Throne?

Seraphim worship the name and character of God. This is praise for who God is, not what He has done. God loves to hear this worship from angels and from mankind, too. It is more than thanksgiving; more than praise for work well done; it is praise and adoration for His Being.

The word for seraphim comes from a Hebrew word for love or burning ones or nobles. Seraphim are positioned above the throne of God, which explains why they were the figurines God chose for the lid of the earthly Ark of the Covenant for the Tabernacle, the worship center of Israel.

The seraphim are described in Isaiah 1:1-6, and also chapter 7. They speak to each other the praises of God, and are indescribably beautiful. They are angels with three sets of wings. One pair covers their eyes, one pair covers their feet, and with the third pair of wings they fly. Yes, some angels do fly.

What Do Angels Actually Do?

Many verses in the Bible describe the protection of angels over humans, and their assignments to protect and guard individual people. It is correct to think of guardian angels as a large, male angel in a white robe who is strong, unwavering in love and obedience to God, and assigned to individuals, cities or nations. There is possibly a life-long assignment of guardian angels to people individually, but this point is vague in the Bible.

The purposes of angels include: to worship God in heaven, serve Him and carry His messages such as answers to prayers of the saints. They assist with carrying out the plans of God for blessing or judgment in heaven and earth. They also defend, protect and bring comfort (or even food) to the people of God in times of need (Acts 27:23-25 and Matthew 18:10). Psalms 91:11 states, He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Some thoughts and comments from Billy Graham are helpful at this point.

At the same time, both angels and the Holy Spirit are at work in our world to accomplish the perfect will of God. Frankly, we may not always know the agent or means God is using - the Holy Spirit or angels - when we discern the hand of God at work. We can be sure, however, that there is no contradiction or competition between God the Holy Spirit and the commands of God to the angelic hosts. God Himself is in control to accomplish His will - and in that we can rejoice!

God uses angels to work out the destinies of men and nations. He has altered the courses of the busy political and social arenas of our society and directed the destinies of men by angelic visitation many times over. We must be aware that angels keep in close and vital contact with all that is happening on the earth. Their knowledge of earthly matters exceeds that of men. We must attest to their invisible presence and unceasing labors. Let us believe that they are here among us. They may not laugh or cry with us, but we do know they delight with us over every victory in our evangelistic endeavors. Jesus taught that there is joy in the presence of the angels of God when one sinner repents (Luke 15:10).

Spiritual Battles Continue Today

Part of the mission of angels is fighting in spiritual warfare against corrupted demons, i.e., the third of the created angels who chose to sin and rebel against God and follow Satan.

When Satan rebelled against God, it cost him everything - position, looks, residence, and his future (Revelation 12:7-9). Satan still pretends sometimes to be an angel of light, but that is only to deceive, not to serve the plans of God. Satan and the demons were expelled from a residence in heaven to a judgment in hell and ultimately the everlasting, horrible Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:10.)

In the meantime, Satan and his fallen angels attempt to deceive, manipulate, thwart, and destroy and kill everything God has made and planned for creation, believing they someday will overcome heaven and even God Himself. They desire and work for the destruction and death of everything God calls good. They will never win over God or the heavenly host, nor will they win ultimately over creation. That has already been settled forever. Just as angels should not be worshipped, they also should not be feared by Christians.

War! What War, and Who Wins?

Ever since Satan was expelled from heaven, he and the fallen angels have been at war with God and His good angels. Satan and his forces are driven to ruin mankind and rob God of the glory due to His name. There is a deep hatred within Satan against God and against those God loves. Since God loves humans, Satan heaps incessant vengeance on mankind at every opportunity.

Satan is at the head of the present world system. He is the real, but unseen power and influence behind the rulers and nations of the world. At its core, Satan and his fallen angels seek to rule the hearts and minds of the rulers of nations, stirring them up to act in opposition to the will of God. All of the efforts of Satan are focused on thwarting the purpose of God, to defeat God and to allow Satan to take over as the supreme ruler of all.

The Bible explains that Holy God will not tolerate sin and that the penalty for sin is death. Since all people have sin in our lives, death was our fate - but God gave us a path to forgiveness.

Satan suffered a defeat when the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, died on the cross on Mount Calvary and paid the penalty for all the judgment and damnation for the sins of mankind. Jesus took the sins of all mankind on Himself (as the perfect, innocent, and willing sacrifice) and died on the cross on behalf of us all. Because of this, Satan and the demons have no accusations left against mankind. The penalty for our sins has been paid in full by Jesus. Satan no longer has any rights to rule creation or individual human beings.

Another defeat over Satan is that the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, rose from the dead three days after His death on the cross. The body of Jesus coming back to life (His physical resurrection) proved His astonishing victory was not only a victory over sin, but a defeat over death and the grave as well! Satan lost this battle.

How To Pray On The Armor

Through the centuries, the spiritual war among the angels has been raging. It can be found in the levels of heaven, on earth and in the celestial universe. It even reaches down to the pit of hell itself. To help humans, God has provided His followers directions on how to be a child of God, as well as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. God also uses His angels to help us in ways we never know.

Christian Victory in Demonic Struggles

Angels often assist mankind in unseen ways, but sometimes they intervene in a visible form. Many spiritual experiences have been recorded by people relating their own spiritual journeys. The angelic records for this study are drawn only from the Bible, to be faithful to the record of God regarding angelic work on earth.

For Christians struggling with daily life on earth or against the attacks of Satan, God provides the following:

1. Spiritual Armor
   The spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:10-20 as the full armor of God. This includes being strong in the Lord and the power of His might, and praying to stay in touch with our commander in chief. The pieces of the armor are based upon the Roman armor Paul saw on the prison guard he was chained to. These pieces include; the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, sword of the Spirit, and above all, praying at all times.



2. The Protection of God
   God has covered us spiritually with the blood of Jesus Christ, which He gave up at Calvary and His crucifixion. We are bought out of slavery to Satan with the blood of Jesus, not by our own good deeds or acts of piety (Ephesians 2:8-9), but by the grace of God alone. Satan has no right to control the Christian in any way.
   
   One of the primary modes of attack Satan uses is to deceive a child of God into thinking he is still a slave to sin or to demons. Demons impress a belief of helplessness to live right. Remember hearing statements like, The devil made me do it, or I just couldn't help myself.
   
   The truth is found in Jesus Christ, who has liberated us from that slavery to sin (Romans chapter 8).



3. Direct Access to God Through Prayer
   God allows us to enter His presence with our prayers of thanks and praise (Psalms 100:4). The angels who worship in the presence of God at all times are known as seraphim and cherubim. They guard the purity of the worship and allow any believer in the Lord Jesus Christ to come boldly into the throne room of God with requests and concerns at any time.
   
   Our access to God through prayer is without ritual or further sacrifice because Jesus has already cleansed us from all sin. The simplest believer may approach the one true God of the universe without fear because Jesus prepared the way. A Christian may receive mercy and answers to those requests, grace to help in time of need. (Grace has been described best as God's Riches At Christ Expense.)



4. The Sword of the Spirit - The Word of God
   God gave mankind His Word, the Bible, and preserved it through the centuries. It is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, both of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). The Word of God brings and preserves life and helps angels do their heavenly work on earth.
   
   The Bible also contains prophesies to explain what God is doing and will do in the future on earth, including angels assisting with many of the judgments of the last days. (See the books of Daniel and Revelation for more information.)



5. The Name of Jesus
   The name of Jesus - just His name alone - is mighty and makes demons flee. Demons hate the name of Jesus, but angels love it. Christian believers who treasure the name of Jesus will not swear using the name of God; it is too dear and holy.



6. Truth and Obedience
   Walking in truth and obedience to God and the Bible is a form of protection not only for a believer, but over the entire household and their property. This is known as walking in love and choosing to walk in the light of the ways of God. In contrast, when we do things our own way (our own will, without God), we are walking in darkness and preferring a lifestyle of sin. Ephesians 4:27 commands, Do not give the devil an opportunity. Walking in truth and obedience reduces our sin and allows fewer opportunities for Satan to attack us.



7. Worship and Fellowship In Church
   Going to church to worship and be with other Christians (even though the church members are imperfect) is a protection against the spiritual attacks of the demons and their lies. This can be a refuge to stay walking in the truth of God for everyone.
   
   The Bible has many passages about being of one mind, in agreement with God. See Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 for the strengths and benefits of unity, especially verse 12: and if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.
   
   (Additional references on this subject are available at the end of the article.)



8. Scripture Memory
   Scripture memorization actually renews the human mind, cleanses it, purifies it. Scripture helps the emotions follow what is known to be the better way to live and think as God designed. It helps erase bad memories and heal psychological illnesses as well (Ephesians chapters 4 and 5).

These are just some of the tools and resources God has given for spiritual victory for humans. Angels assist with many of these, and demons fight to keep them from happening. The struggle is real.

Do Angels and Demons Still Scare You?

If you are still afraid of angels and demons, perhaps you are scared about many spiritual matters. What happens when you die? Does God love me forever? Will He let me into Paradise with Him, the angels, and the saints?

You do not have to be afraid. You can have peace and courage in any circumstance, even in an angelic or demonic encounter, or in the face of death.

• God loves us and sent Jesus Christ for us to bring forgiveness of sin and everlasting life. (John 3:16)
• Mankind sins and deserves death as a result. (Romans 3:23 and 6:23)
• While we were still in sin, Christ Jesus died for us. Judgment for our individual sins has been satisfied with Jesus' sacrifice for us. (Romans 5:8)
• If we confess sin, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. (I John 1:9)
• When we have Jesus, we have everlasting life. We accept Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection as payment of our debt to God and thank God for what He has provided for us. (I John 5:11-12)
• In the same way that we cannot make ourselves right with God, we cannot make ourselves be good Christians, either. It is all walking by faith in Christ- both getting the new life and forgiveness, as well as living the rest of your life in a way that pleases Him. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The only reason God will judge people subsequent to the salvation of Jesus at the cross is on this basis: Did you accept Christ as your sacrifice for your sin, as your Savior and Lord, or did you reject this priceless gift from God?

Safe Allies with God and Angels

Becoming a child of God also makes you an ally with good angels in spiritual battles. There will be times when we fight for Christ's kingdom side by side with the angels and archangels, or with angels all around us.

Those who choose Jesus will be safe in this life, in heaven, and for eternity. In life's struggles when we feel pain, suffering, or loss, there is still a victorious protection, joy and peace beyond human understanding.

However, those humans who choose sin and rebellion, rejecting Christ, will receive the same judgment prepared for the demons and Satan – the everlasting Lake of Fire, loneliness and torment. Those who reject Christ will also be vulnerable in this mortal life to every evil plan waged against them.

We urge you, with the same expediency an angel would use, to choose Christ today and be forever His own. Then, you have nothing to fear!

CLICK HERE to learn more about Jesus, peace with God, and the good news of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The war is already won by Jesus, so knowing what angels do from the Biblical instruction helps Christians act effectively and courageously, living by faith, praying always. We do this because the victory is already secured by Jesus Christ and His work on our behalf. Romans 8:31 celebrates this truth, if God be for us, who can be against us?

For Additional Study

For more information on angels, please see the Bible itself. A concordance in the very back of your Bible will help you find verses on angels and angel stories, listed topically. Here are some Bible verses that will help you begin your study:

Angels were especially busy visiting the earth for the miraculous birth, earthly life, and saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Verses on angels intervening in human stories in the Bible include but are not limited to:

Additional scriptures on being of one mind are:

References:
• New American Standard Bible
• Ryrie Study Bible Expanded Edition
• Angels: God's Secret Agents, by Billy Graham
• Unger's Bible Dictionary, by Merrill F. Unger
• The Prophet Isaiah & Expository Notes on the Prophet Isaiah, by H. A. Ironside
• Dictionary.com

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