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Hebrews (Part Eight): Greater Than Angels (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God refers to angels as saints and holy ones, indicating a high standing approaching godly righteousness. They are highly intelligent beings of tested character in terms of obedience to God's laws, trusted and nearly eternal in nature. Angels and archangels are considered the highest of God's creatures, with heaven as their home, placing them above mankind in creation. They are not tied to Planet Earth, traveling between heaven and earth in service to God, showcasing their elevated position. Psalm 103 describes them as obedient and excelling in strength, which includes intellectual strength to control natural forces like weather, demonstrating powers that astonish human witnesses. In Genesis 19, their ability to command natural forces to destroy a city reveals the awesome powers at their disposal, used constructively under God's permission with a degree of liberty. Psalm 104 portrays them as God's ministers, employed to execute His will in governing creation, synonymous with servants. Daniel 7 suggests a vast number of angels actively ministering around God's throne, indicating their significant involvement in divine administration. Revelation 5 mentions a figure of 100 million angels, emphasizing their immense presence and purposeful activity under God's command. Despite their exalted status, glorious powers, and usefulness in God's governance, angels remain in subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ, their Creator, who holds an immeasurably higher position even above their esteemed rank.
Angelic Responsibilities
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe holy angels, created by God through Jesus Christ, are powerful and purposeful beings, distinct from fallen angels who rebelled under Lucifer's leadership. Unlike their fallen counterparts, holy angels remain submissive to God, serving as His loyal messengers and representatives in His universe-ruling government. They are commissioned to minister to the faithful elect of God, providing guidance, protection, and comfort under His direction. Their strength is immense, as their voices thunder and they hold power over the elements, earth, sea, and atmosphere, always heeding the voice of His word. Holy angels do not desire to become human, for they are higher than man currently is, created to serve God and assist His spiritual heirs. They do not marry, cannot have sex, and their nature regarding death remains a mystery, though they cannot die by their own hand or choice. Their responsibilities include both positive and negative duties: they guide, provide for, protect, deliver, and comfort the elect, while also bringing destruction, curses, pestilence, and persecution to sinners as directed by God. Their ministry to the saints is a profound proof of God's care, ensuring protection from premature death and accidents, and aiding in the journey toward eternal life. God has tasked His holy angels with specific roles such as guiding events for the benefit of His saints, providing for their needs, and offering protection from calamities and evils. They are personal in their care, bearing up the elect in their hands to prevent harm, as seen in various accounts of divine intervention. Beyond protection, they deliver God's people from danger, comfort them in trials, and are poised to gather the elect at the return of Christ. Though greater in power than humans now, holy angels operate under the complete authority of God and Jesus Christ, never to be worshipped, but always appreciated for their absolute dedication and loyalty as servants helping the saints attain salvation.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Nine)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAngels, referred to as holy ones, hold a significant place in God's creation, as seen in various scriptural contexts. In Matthew 21:33-46, the term "saints" is understood as "holy ones," which in that context refers specifically to angels. Psalm 68:17 describes their presence at Sinai, noting the chariots of God as twenty thousand, even thousands of thousands, with the Lord among them in the Holy Place, portraying angels as drivers of God's military might. Galatians 3:19, as mentioned by the apostle Paul, further acknowledges their role, while Psalm 104:4, quoted in Hebrews 1:7, depicts them as spirits and ministers of flame and fire, serving God as He deems fit. Positioned at the top of the divine governmental hierarchy, angels exude brilliance and are far more glorious than human beings, yet they remain subject to the Lord Jesus Christ. Daniel 7:9-10 and Revelation 5:11-13 reveal their vast numbers, with a thousand thousands ministering to the Ancient of Days and ten thousand times ten thousand standing before Him, totaling around 100 million angels surrounding God's throne. Despite their elevated status and innate powers within God's governance of creation, angels are still created beings, and Jesus Christ, their Creator, holds a station immeasurably higher, having ascended to the right hand of God the Father.
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.
The Rapture and Trumpets
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe delusion of the pre-Tribulation 'rapture' concept, made popular by the Left Behind books and movies, hopelessly messes up the timing of Bible prophecy.