Long before the creation of man and the earth, God created powerful spirit beings to act as His agents and messengers. Created in many forms for varying functions, God also gave them free moral agency. Some, led by the cherub Helel, now called Satan, the Adversary, chose to rebel against God's government, and transformed themselves into demons. Only two other angels are named in the Bible: Michael and Gabriel. The remaining, faithful angels now function as ministering spirits to help mankind attain salvation.
Scripture References:
Job 38:7; Psalm 91:11-12; Ezekiel 1:5-14; Ezekiel 28:14-17; Isaiah 14:12-15; Ephesians 6:12; Daniel 10:13; Revelation 12:7; Luke 1:19; Hebrews 1:7, 14
From the Library: Angels
Hebrews (Part Eight): Greater Than Angels (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Angels, as part of God's creation, play a significant role in His administration of the world. They were actively involved in the giving of the law at Mount Sinai and the establishment of the New Covenant with Israel as they departed Egypt, as noted by Stephen in Acts 7:53 and by Paul in Galatians, though their specific actions …
God's Ministering Angels
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsAngels, those remarkable beings created to be ministering spirits to those seeking salvation, reflect and express God's love as His peerless agents. They provide protection, assistance, guidance, and comfort to His creation and to Jesus Christ, exemplifying lives of service to God and man. God has charged His angels with our …
The Angel and the Apostle
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeHebrews 1-2 establish Christ's superiority over angels, but notably do not mention the Angel of the Lord. Instead, the author handles the Angel differently.
The Ministry of Angels
Article by Martin G. CollinsAngels, as personal spirit beings, possess minds of greater capacity and ability than humans, capable of attitudes, purposes, and intentions. Yet, they hold no authority apart from God, for all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ, as stated in Matthew 28:18. As chief servants of God Almighty, angels execute …
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Twelve): The Son's Superiority Over Angels
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughIn the epistle to the Hebrews, a significant discussion arises concerning the role of angels in comparison to Jesus Christ as High Priest under the New Covenant. Some Jewish converts struggled to accept Jesus in this role, reasoning that angels, as mighty and seemingly eternal spirit beings who dwell in heaven and move easily …
Angelic Responsibilities
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsAngels were endowed with the capacity to think, reason, and form attitudes. Their function was and is to be God's messengers and ministers to His creation.
Hebrews (Part Seven): Greater than Angels
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The book of Hebrews systematically proves Christ's superiority to patriarchs, prophets, the Levitical Priesthood, and angels, establishing His credentials.
Do Angels Live Forever?
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHow will God deal with the demons? Here are four common assumptions made regarding Satan's and the demons' fate, along with a cohesive explanation.
For more resources, please see the library topic for Angels