Who Are Angels

Who are angels? Luke 2:8-14 “angel of the Lord” The heavenly host

Why study angels?

•         Universal fascination with angels – Christmas, the arts, spiritualism

•         Angels = spirit world:  validates God as Creator, search for eternity

•         Too many myths, untruths: Satan transforms to angel of light - 2 Cor. 11:12-15

•         Their work surrounds us

•         They validate the priority of Jesus’ redemptive work

Angels defined

•         “An angel is a spiritual creature without a body created by God for the service of Christendom and the church.”  Martin Luther

•         Term means “messenger”

•         Created by God: Colossians 1:15-18; Hebrews 1:14

•         Made before creation: Genesis 3

•         Free will: Luke 10:18; Isaiah 14:12-15

•         Good and evil- Rev. 12: 7-12;

•         Spirit beings, but can manifest in different forms for our sake

Different types of angels

•         Cherubim: guard the holiness of God

•         Seraphim: serve in matters such as worship, purified Isaiah for service

•         Four Living Creatures: Rev. 4 describes as unique

•         Archangel: Michael –Jude 9; warrior and leader of warriors

•         Heavenly hosts – unspecified angels

Myths

•         We worship angels: Col. 2:18; Matt. 4:8-10; Rev. 19:10

•         Personal, guardians angels

•         We become angels when we die – We are the redeemed! Hebrews 1:14

•         Angel ministry

•         Worship God

•         Further God’s plan of Redemption

•         Serve the Redeemed