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Hebrews (Part Eight): Greater Than Angels (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Angels, as revealed in the biblical accounts, serve as vital components in God's administration of creation. They are described as ministers employed to execute God's will, functioning as servants in the governance of His creation as He sees fit. Their role is evident in significant events, such as their involvement in the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, where Israel received the law by their direction or disposition, as noted by Stephen in Acts 7:53, and ordained by them, as mentioned by Paul in Galatians. Though the specifics of their participation remain a mystery in Exodus, their presence underscores their practical purpose in God's operations. These beings are not mere decorative messengers but possess a measure of liberty in carrying out their responsibilities. They are spirit, not automatons, and are choice-making creations, somewhat akin to mankind. God refers to them as saints and holy ones, indicating a high standing and a godly righteousness. They are highly intelligent, of tested character in obedience to God's laws, and can be trusted, coming close to being eternal beings. Their consistent closeness to God places them in a position of knowledge and trust above others, including humans. Angels are portrayed as higher, greater, and far more trustworthy than mankind in their natural state. They are not tied to Planet Earth, traveling between heaven and earth in service to God, as seen in various biblical narratives. Psalm 103 highlights their obedience and strength, which extends beyond physical might to intellectual capacity, enabling them to control natural forces like weather with awe-inspiring power before human witnesses. In Psalm 104, they are depicted as part of the natural world, actively involved in God's governance. In Daniel 7, a vision shows countless angels ministering around God's throne, a busy hub of activity, emphasizing their vast numbers and active roles. Revelation 5 further illustrates this with a figure of 10,000 times 10,000 angels, suggesting a population near that of a large nation, all purposefully engaged in God's service. Their appearances in Scripture often evoke fear and awe, as seen with Mary and others, yet they provide reassurance and guidance, such as at Jesus' tomb. Despite their elevated status and glorious powers, angels remain in subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ, even during His time as a man, for He is their Creator. As their Creator, He holds authority over hundreds of millions of angels, ready at His command. Now ascended to the right hand of God, His position is immeasurably higher than any angel, who are still mere creatures in comparison to His divine nature.
Angelic Responsibilities
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsAngels, as created beings, are higher than man currently and serve as God's servants, messengers, and representatives in His universe-ruling government. They are commissioned to minister to the spirit-born children of God, who are His spiritual heirs. The holy angels, remaining submissive to God, are powerful, responsible, and loyal beings tasked with serving the faithful elect of God. As stated in Hebrews 1:13-14, they are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation, meaning they provide service to the saints under God's direction. The ministry of holy angels to the elect includes guiding, providing for, protecting, delivering, comforting, and gathering, according to God's will. They help save us from premature death and accidents, aiding us in reaching eternal life, though they cannot grant it themselves. Their service is an inspiring proof of God's care for the members of His church. For instance, in Genesis 24:7 and 40, God sent an angel to guide Abraham's servant in finding a wife for Isaac, ensuring the success of the mission. God has also commissioned His angels to provide for His people, as seen in I Kings 19:5-8, where an angel provided food and water to Elijah in the wilderness, sustaining him for a long journey. Similarly, angels protect the elect, as illustrated in Psalm 91:11-12, where God gives His angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways, bearing us up in their hands to prevent harm. In Daniel 6:22, God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, protecting Daniel in the den because of his innocence and respect for authority. Angels are also tasked with delivering God's people from danger, as shown in Acts 12:7-11, where an angel rescued Peter from prison, guiding him to safety. In Psalm 34:7, the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, delivering them from peril. Their role extends to comforting and gathering the elect in the future, under God's authority, though these aspects are not detailed here. Holy angels, though greater in power and ability than humans now, remain servants with no authority apart from God. They are dedicated to helping us attain salvation and levels in the God Family far beyond their own, showing absolute loyalty and dedication to the Great God. As Revelation 22:8-9 warns, angels must not be worshipped, for they are fellow servants, and worship is reserved for God alone. Under God's protection and direction, their ministry serves to guide, provide for, protect, deliver, comfort, and gather us, always in service to His will.
Can Angels Marry Women?
'Ready Answer' by John ReissGenesis 6:1-4 has confounded many Bible students who have trouble determining who the 'sons of God' were, leading them to unbiblical interpretations.
Heirs of Salvation
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamAs we complete our spiritual walk, we will attain the dominion God promises in Psalm 8, a psalm that has all mankind as the subject.
Heirs of Salvation
'Prophecy Watch' by Ronny H. GrahamAs God's children, we have not received the fullness of the inheritance. We will not possess the entire inheritance until the first resurrection.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Eight): Hebrews 1
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHebrews 1 delivers a knock-out punch to skeptics like many first-century Jews who claimed He falls short in qualifying as our High Priest and Savior.
Hebrews (Part Nine): Chapter 1: Jesus' Exultation and Christianity's Claims
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews 1:3 and Psalm 2 explain how Jesus becomes something He previously was not. Because of Christ's qualifications, Christianity has a claim on all mankind.
The Spirit World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough many popular notions of angels come from non-biblical sources, the Bible offers the most accurate insights into their role, nature, and function.
Hebrews (Part Ten): Chapters 1 and 2
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God created angels as ministering spirits to take care of the heirs of salvation. The Bible is filled with examples of angels rescuing God's people from harm.
The Eternal Privileges of the Bride
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJust as a bride gains a new identity, name, and inheritance through marriage, God's chosen saints, share Christ's very life, glory, and eternal prospects.
God's Throne
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSolomon's opulent throne pales miserably in comparison to God's heavenly throne, surrounded by angelic beings, demonstrating the perfection of His government.
Life Is Service (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the American mindset does not feel inclined to serve, outgoing service to others yields the maximum joy and fulfillment one can possibly attain.
The Model Prayer (Part Five): Your Will Be Done
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prayer's third petition requests, not only that God's purpose be fulfilled, but particularly that the individual follow His will more fully.