It’s important for Christians to study the angels and to understand their purpose in God’s Kingdom. Another importance is being able to differentiate between good angels and bad angels (called demons).  The history of angels through Biblical time is also important for understanding their past, present, and future purposes.

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Why Study Angels Today?

From Genesis to Revelation, angels are written into the Scriptures. The word “angel” is mentioned in the Bible 282 times; the words “archangel” and “Seraphim” are mentioned twice; “cherubim” is mentioned 57 times.[3] Satan a fallen angel is not included in this study of angels, although I will mention him as a reference only. With over 300 Scripture references to angels, the topic is important for theological discussions and teaching. Erickson defines angels as “..those spiritual beings that God created higher than humankind, some of whom have remained obedient to God and carry out his will, and others whom disobeyed, lost their holy condition, and now oppose and hinder his work.”[4]

Billy Graham sold over three million copies of his book, “Angels: Ringing Assurance That We Are Not Alone,” and in the beginning he writes: “During my ministry I have heard or read literally thousands of stories. Could it be that they were all hallucinations or accidents or fate or luck? Or were real angels sent from God to perform certain tasks?”[5] Clearly, angels exist based on eyewitness accounts in the Scriptures. “When they are mentioned, it is always in order to inform us further about God, what he does, and how he does it.”6] Today, books and movies about angelic experiences are on bestseller lists, an indication that fascination with angels has not dissipated over time.

Many scholars believe that angels did not exist before creation and are, in fact, created beings. Erickson explains, “It is not explicitly stated in Scripture that angels were created, nor are they mentioned in the creation account (Gen. 1-2). That they were created is clearly implied in Psalm 148:2,5…”[7] The Bible says, “Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. (Psalm 148:5).  The first ministering angel is revealed in Genesis 16, and the first fallen angel is identified in Genesis 3 (the serpent). “The Bible describes the host of angels as being innumerable. There are so many that they cannot be counted.”[8] God determines the number and names the stars in Psalm 147:4.  He knows the hairs on the head (Matt. 10:30). We assume he knows the number of angels and their names.

Studying angelology should not result in angel worship. Dr. David Jeremiah warns us that angels must never replace God in our lives or receive our worship.[9] He elaborates, “Angel worship is no more acceptable to God than the worship of money or power or self-indulgence.”[10] Billy Graham gives similar warnings in his book on angels. One danger of angel worship is dependence on angels, calling upon angels, and elevating angels above their level of authority. Another danger is their ability to deceive as the devil, evidenced in the Garden of Eden. The danger of false identity through angel dependence can weaken Christians. “Such majestic beings as angels can help lift our eyes from this troubled and temporal earth. But they are meant to draw our gaze to the Lord, not to themselves.”[11]  While Romans 8:29 assures us that they cannot separate us from God, they can certainly deceive us.

What Are The Activities Of Angels?

Affirming their existence, what exactly are angels created to do? A modern Christian might typically answer: “They deliver messages and protect me.” Others will profess to a guardian angel from birth. In A Study of Angels” by Edward Myers, we learn that angels have defined activities based on Scripture testimony:

22 Activities of the Angels

1. Drive Spirit horses ( 2Kings2:9-12)
2. Guard gates (Rev. 21:12)
3. Wage war (Rev. 12:7-9)
4. Rule nations (Daniel 10:13-21)
5. Help individuals (Matt 18:10)
6. Execute judgments (2 Sam. 24:15-17)
7. Minister to saints (Hebrew. 1:14)
8. Praise God (Rev. 5:11-14)
9. Strengthen in trial (Matt 4:11)
10. Lead sinners to gospel workers (Acts 8:26-38)
11. Appear in dreams (Matt 1:20-21)
12. Minister before God (Rev. 8:2)
13. Bind and guard Satan (Rev. 20:1-3)
14. Gather together God’s elect (Matt 24:31)
15. Harvest God’s crop (Matt13:36-43)
16. Protectors of saints (Psalm 34:4-7)
17. Accompany Christ at His return (Matt 16:27)
18. Receive departed saints (Luke 16:22)
19. Gave laws and revelations (Dan. 8:19)
20. Impart God’s will (Acts 5)
21. Brought answers to prayer (Dan. 9:20-23)
22. Present in the church (1Tim. 5:21)

Source: “A Study of Angels,” Edward Myers[12]

This list of angelic activities does not include the activities of demons, as my article refers only to angels in good standing with the Lord. Information about demonic activities can be found in Myers’s book or in similar books on the study of angels.

What Are The Problems in Angelology

Theological problems in angelology create much confusion and aversion to understanding. Different faiths profess angelic experiences not documented in the Bible.  A common misunderstanding is the ability to “summon angels.” Dr. David Jeremiah explains, “…their service can never be summoned by you or me, and their presence can never be predicted. They’re as near as they’ve ever been, but they’re also just as far away.”[13]

Culturally, we are instructed as Christians to call upon angels for help. A Google search results in articles about calling upon your angels: this is dangerous information, as a new Christian or someone weak in faith will be drawn towards quick solutions in times of persecution or trial. When the called angel does not appear, or the end result is not favorable, faith is weakened, and the door to unbelief is widened. Christ sends angels through heaven and earth. “Solely in obedience to his will are they sent to serve us.”[14] They are sent, not called. In my Part 1 article, an example of two cars colliding before me, I called upon Jesus and not the angels. Perhaps He sent them. When heaven opens, angels ascend and descend (see John 1:51).

Another problem with misunderstanding in angelology results in misguided religion. “Angels made Muhammad and Joseph Smith famous.”[15] Two men claimed their angel experiences were the cornerstone of their faith. “While meditating in a cave, Muhammad began to have violent seizures and frightening visions, allegedly from the angel Gabriel…An angel of light (or angels of the light) appeared to Joseph Smith in a similar fashion as with Muhammad.”[16] Two religions were founded in angelology: Islam and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

References:

[3] The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. http://biblegateway.com

[4] Millard J. Erickson, Introducing Christian Doctrine: Second Edition, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2001), 155.

[5] Billy Graham, Angels: Ringing Assurance That We Are Not Alone, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 9.

[6] Erickson, 155.

[7] Ibid., 156.

[8] Myers, 23.

[9] Dr. David Jeremiah, Angels: Who They Are and How They Help…What the Bible Reveals, (Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah Books, 2006), 52, 54.

[10] Ibid., 55.

[11] Ibid., 56.

[12] Myers, 37-50.

[13] Jeremiah, 69.

[14] Jeremiah, 65.

[15] Terry Law, The Truth About Angels: Angelic Encounters From a Biblical Perspective, (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House Book Group, 2006), 34.

[16] Ibid., 32-33.

Related Articles

Are Angels Real Part 1: Introduction to Angelology

https://www.biblecafe.org/are-angels-real-part-1/

Are Angels Real Part 2: What Angels Do

https://www.biblecafe.org/are-angels-real-part-2/

Are Angels Real Part 3: Do Guardian Angels Exist

https://www.biblecafe.org/are-angels-real-part-3/