Angelology Views

Highway to Heaven was a TV-Show in the nineteen-eighties that portrayed a being (Michael Landon) from Heaven on earth for a specific mission. This particular being was an angel in search of his wings so that he could, once again, enter Heaven. The depiction given throughout the show reveals that angels have wings, they can lose their wings, and they help humanity live upright lives. The Bible offers a very different picture of angels then that of the common depiction of angels among modern society. Angelology is the study of angels: who they are, what they do, and their origin. These unique beings are seen throughout Scripture several hundred times. To understand angels, one must examine what an angel is, what types of angels exist, and what duties they have throughout creation.

Being

The idea of angelic beings is referred to over one hundred times in the Old Testament and one hundred and seventy-five times in the New Testament. Gregg R. Allison explains these beings are “the category of creatures that have been created as immaterial (without a body) beings.”[1]  This immaterial being is called an angel, which means “messenger”. In the Scripture, Angels were created at one time (Psalms 148:2–5). Angels are eternal in a particular sense: they were created but will exist forevermore (Luke 20:36). With this in mind, angels do not marry (Matthew 22:30). Angels are wiser and more knowledgeable than mankind (Matthew 8:29). Angels are stronger than humans (Psalm 103:20). Angels are faster than humans (Daniel 9:21). Angels had one decision of free will according to their only decision to follow God or reject Him and be cast out of Heaven (Isaiah 14:12-14). They are under God but above man until man is glorified (Psalm 68:17). Angels are only spirit–while man has a material and spiritual being. Angels being superhuman is not necessarily a proper definition. Graham A. Cole suggests, “It might be better to describe these celestial beings as ‘suprahuman’ (‘supra’ beyond the man) to reflect something of their celestial origin or habitat.”[2]

Types

Another main concept of angelology is the classifications of angels. In the spiritual realm, there exists a hierarchy of authority in Heaven and Hell. In the Biblical text, five main types of angels have been recorded: angels, cherubim, seraphim, demons (fallen angels), and Lucifer.

Three angels are specifically named in the Bible: Michael (the Archangel), Gabriel, and Lucifer. Michael is the archangel–probably ranked the highest among all other angels. Gabriel is the messenger angel. Lucifer was put in charge of the Cherubim.

Cherubim are a type of angel that have four faces and four wings. There does not exist specific names of cherubim in the entire Bible. The Cherubim protected God’s holiness and worshipped Him. Cherubim sat on top of the Ark of Covenant and was the seat for God to sit upon (Exodus 25:22).

Seraphim, meaning “the fiery ones”, are unique angels. Seraphim are six-winged angels that covered themselves before Holy God in His throne room (Isaiah 6:2). This type of angel spends every moment proclaiming the majesty and glory of God. Isaiah 6:3 declares, “And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!’”[3]

Demons are angels who decided to reject God and were sent out of Heaven for all eternity. Revelation 12:9 explains, “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”[4]  According to Henry C. Theissen, some demons (fallen angels) were imprisoned in Hell while others were allowed on earth to tempt and torment.[5]

The greatest of all demons was the angel that sparked the Great Rebellion in Heaven: Satan, the Adversary. Originally, Satan was known as Lucifer (which means “Light Bringer” or “Morning Star”). Satan was in the high position of watching over the Cherubim (the highest order of angels) according to Isaiah 14:12-14. Seeking to be like God, he tempted other angels–and soon humans as well–to take the throne of God.

Duty

Understanding who angels are and what kinds of angels exist, it is essential to understand the duty of angels. All angels have specific jobs that they must follow. Angels have four main duties seen throughout Scripture: they proclaim God’s message, protect God’s children, praise God’s majesty, and pacify God’s enemies.

The main duty of angels is to speak and act on behalf of God. The most notable event in which an angel spoke to man giving a message is with Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1:20-21 and Luke 1:26-56). Luke 1:5-38, Joshua 5:13, Judges 13:9, Judges 6:11-23 are but a few examples of how angels spoke on behalf of God to declare a message from God.

Angels protect God’s chosen people during certain situations of life. Billy Graham reveals that angels “superintend the events of our lives and protect the interests of the Lord God, always working to promote His plan and to being about his highest will for us.”[6] Many do not realize that an angel is helping them or helped them through difficult or horrifying occasions (Hebrews 1:14). This idea is also seen in the gospel of Matthew where angels ministered or strengthened Christ after His temptation from Satan (Matthew 4:11).

Another duty of angels is to worship God. This is seen in the Seraphim. Revelation 5:11-12 speaks of myriads of angels (innumerable number of angels) worshipping God and singing hymns of praise in His honor.

The fourth primary duty of an angel is to wage war against the powers of darkness: demons and Satan himself. Angels can be seen throughout Scripture from the Angel of Death, to the angel before Balaam, to the angels fighting with Elisha, to the angels fighting demons in Heaven, and then to judgment where angels will bind Satan forever.

Conclusion

         Angels were created at one time to eternally glorify God. These beings of supernatural powers had one choice when war was brought forth in Heaven over the throne. Those who chose rebellion were cast out of Heaven. The angels that remained faithful continue to glorify God by singing praises to Him, waring against darkness, sharing God’s message, and helping God’s children in times of need. Those who were cast out of Heaven have become known as fallen angels (or demons). These demons roam creation seeking to bring all of humanity to Hell–an order given by the Great Deceiver. Overall, God has already won the war. Satan and his fallen angels are a defeated foe before the war is even over.

Bibliography

[1]Gregg R. Allison, The Baker Compact Dictionary of Theological Terms (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2016), 18.

[2]Graham A. Cole, “Angels, their Kinds, and Heavenly Activity,” in Against the Darkness: The Doctrine of Angels, Satan, and Demons (US: Crossway, 2019), 2.

[3]Isaiah 6:3 (ESV).

[4]Revelation 12:9 (ESV).

[5]Henry C. Thiessen, Lectures in Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Group, 1999), 137.