"Angels: Good or Bad?"

Introduction:

âHave you ever met an angel? (Heb 13.2) How would you know if the angel was good, or bad?

The existence of and activity of angels is taken for granted in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. In some cases its hard to distinguish between the direct intervention of God, of Christ, of the Holy Spirit and angels. This “problem” really emphasizes the unity that exists among the heavenly beings and how God works through His messengers – the angels.

References to angels in connection to the life of Christ are many – from His birth through His resurrection and ascension. Angels ministered to the early Christian church. And the book of Revelation mentions angels more than seventy times.

Perhaps the most definitive text regarding angels is Hebrews 1.14. From man’s standpoint, the angels ministry to man is most significant and helpful. Eternity will reveal the breadth of the functions of these created beings in relation to the universe. In eternity man will be “equal to the angels” (Luke 20.36; Matthew 22.30). The relationship between angels and men in the plan of redemption indicates the possibility of a unique relationship throughout eternity.

People who met angels in the Bible:

Adam & Eve             Gen 3.24

Abraham             Gen 15.1

Moses             Numb 21.34; Deut 3.2

Joshua               Josh 8.1

Jeremiah             Lam 3.57

Daniel                Dan 10.12,19

Zechariah             Luke 1.13

Mary                 Luke 1.30

Shepherds             Luke 2.10

Peter                 Acts 12.7

Paul                  Acts 27.23,24

John                 Rev 1.17,18

Commonly asked Questions:

·        Who are the angels?

Angels, being of a higher order than humans (Psalm 8.5), were created by God to enjoy intimate fellowship with God (Revelation 1.1; 3.5; 5.11). They are of superior strength than man, and obedient to God’s Word (Psalm 103.20), they function as servants or “ministering spirits” for believers (Hebrews 1.14). Though generally invisible, at times they appear in human form (Genesis 18, 19; Hebrews 13.2). It was through one of these angelic beings that sin was introduced to the universe (Ezekiel 28. 11-17; Isaiah 14.12-15).

·        How many angels are there?

We don’t know exactly, but there must be billions of them (Revelation 5.11).

·        Do angels have wings?

At least some do. Several descriptions in the Bible describe angels with “wings” – some have six wings. But not every angel is described as having wings. Wings may be optional. Or they may be used to help us understand their swift flight. However, wings are not necessary for their swift flight and wouldn’t help in outer space.

·        Who do the angels work for?

Angels are either on God’s side or they are against God – working with Satan. You can tell which side they are on by their fruit – the impact in your life. If they are working for God, they will be manifesting the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22,23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

·        What do the angels do?

Angels have several functions: serving believers (Hebrews 1.14), protecting the helpless (Matthew 18.10), helping to proclaim God’s messages (Revelation 14.6-12), and executing God’s judgments (Acts 12.1-23; Revelation 20.1-3).

·        Is the Devil just a myth?

The devil is not  myth, or a symbol or legend; he is very real. Originally Satan was an angel of God, but through his own pride, he became corrupt, his original name was Lucifer, meaning “son of the morning” (Ezekiel 28.11-17; Revelation 12.7-9; Isaiah 14.12-15). The devil positioned himself as God’s enemy, and he constantly tries to hinder God’s work, but he is limited by God’s power and can do only what he is permitted to do (Job 1.6-2.8).

The name Satan means “accuser” (Revelation 12.10). He actively looks for people to attack (1 Peter 5.8,9). Satan likes to pursue believers who are vulnerable in their faith, who are spiritually weak, or who are isolated from other believers.

Even though God permits the devil to do his work in this world, God is in control. And Jesus has complete power over Satan – He defeated Satan when He died and rose again for the sins of mankind. One day Satan will be bound, then destroyed. (Rev 20.2-3, 10).

·        Where did the Devil’s angels come from?

When Lucifer (Satan) rebelled in heaven (Revelation 12.7-9) he took one third of the angels of God with him (Rev 12.4). These “fallen” angels are referred to as “demons,” “evil spirits,” or “devils.” They are against God and His people.

·        How does Satan do his work?

Gen 3.1…He is a Tempter

Job 1.6-7…He is a Troubler

Rev 12.10…He is an Accuser (Zech 3…Joshua, the High Priest)

2 Cor 11.14…Satan himself masquerades as an angle of light

1 Peter 5.8-9…describe him as a “lion” seeking whomever he can devour

·        Should I fear the Devil?

You certainly need a healthy respect for him because he is trying to “devour” you (1 Peter 5.8-9). Jesus defeated him in the wilderness of temptation (Matthew 4) and at the cross. He continues to use the same temptation he used on Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3) to get us to distrust God and try to live on our own. He knows if he can get us to live apart from God, he will succeed in devouring us. Peter reveals the key in our daily walk – to flee from the Devil and stay close to God.

·        Is “spiritual warfare” for real?

The Bible refers to spiritual warfare as being real. It is a battle that every human being is involved in. It is serious because Satan is intent on destroying every one of us. We have all kinds of “spiritual armor” that we can use (Ephesians 6.10-20), and God has not left us. Therefore God’s people have nothing to fear, because “greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world” (1 John 4.4).

·        What will happen to Satan and his angels?

In Matthew 25.41 Jesus predicts the destruction of Satan and his angels by fire – Hell fire! Revelation 20.10 says he will be throne into the “lake of fire” and he will never recover. In eternity we will be safe from him forever.

·        Some Christians believe that God assigns a guardian angel to every believer. Is that so? What texts support this idea?

Ps 34.7…the angels of the Lord watch over those who love Him

Ps 91.11…He will command his angels concerning you

Matt 18.10…Certain angels are assigned to watch over children and they have direct access to God

Hebrews 1.14…God sends His angels to serve us.

We need to thank God often for the support we receive – thought most often unseen – from these heavenly messengers. Open your eyes!