Are Angels Real: Part 3

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Do We Have Guardian Angels

Guardian angels are frequent topics of conversation within the Christian community, but do they really exist?  Psalm 37:4 says an angel encamps around the man who fears God. This angel is not identified as a guardian. Terry Law disagrees, saying, “Personally, I believe everyone has a guardian angel assigned at birth…however, this is not specifically spelled out in the Bible.”[17] While his book is subtitled “Angelic Encounters From a Biblical Perspective,” he offers no Scriptural validation for his guardian angel theology. The assumption is based on his personal testimony, similar to my testimony of avoiding two dangerous auto accidents.

A clue to his insertion of this claim is found in his research statement: “One poll showed that 63 percent of Americans believe they have guardian angels.”[18] If the author disproves “guardian angelship,” then 63 percent of his audience would be displeased. In contrast, Myers argues, “The term ‘guardian angel’ is not found in Scripture, but the concept probably comes from this verse (Matthew 18:10).”[19]  In contrast, Erickson writes: “In the absence of definite didactic material, we must conclude that there is insufficient evidence for the concept of guardian angels.”[20]

A thorough examination of angel classification can be found in Myers’ book “A Study of Angels.” He sorts these created beings into five categories: Angels (ordinary), Cherubim, Seraphim, Archangels (Michael and Gabriel, possibly Satan), and demons. Notice the absence of guardian angels as a category. Angels are usually unseen and invisible to the human eye. We see their activities and receive their messages as evidenced throughout the Scriptures.

How Does The Bible Deal With Angels

As mentioned in my introduction, angels are mentioned more than 300 times in the Bible. We are given information about their form, duties, and relationships with others. In the Bible, angels never appear as female, or as animals or birds…humans don’t “evolve or transform into angels” either.[21] 

However, some believe Zechariah 5:9 indicates the appearance of a female angel. Other scholars disagree.

Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were two women, coming with the wind in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven. Zechariah 5:9  NKJV

It’s common to hear when someone dies the comforting words “Heaven gained an angel,” yet these words are not validated in Scripture. Nothing in the Bible says angels indwell inside human beings, [22] according to Dr. Jeremiah. Yet the Bible does say angels are observed by humans, often presenting as brilliant light. We should not assume their power is limitless based on their shape and form. “Since angels never die, the ones we see in heaven will be the same angels we read about in the Bible.”[23]

Why Has So Little Attention Been Given to Angels in Recent Years

As evidenced by the three million Billy Graham books sold in 1995, angelology was given much attention ten years ago with its publication. Culturally, discussions about UFOs, extraterrestrial beings, and angel sightings were of interest to that generation. Today, the focus has shifted towards life-after-death experiences and interest in heaven as a geographic location. The modern generation is more scientific and apologetic in nature. Proof is valued more than something that cannot be seen. Many angel sightings have been viewed with skepticism. Are angels real? It’s become an internal question as fewer Christians know how to defend the theology of angels.

Pastors and preachers have rarely delivered sermons on angels and demons. “Holy angels (in contrast to demons) are always pointing us in the right direction: toward God.”[24] In spite of this, modern religion tends to ignore the supernatural and anchor itself to proven testimony. Persecution is intense, and the modern Christian defends their faith through observed obedience rather than doctrine and theology.

Gabriel is mentioned once a year during Christmas.  In Scripture, “This mighty angel shows up to answer prayer, interpret dreams, and release the word of God. If Michael is secretary of war, then Gabriel is vice president of communication.”[25] Yet we are not speaking of him inside our churches.

How Does The Reality of Angels Deepen Our Faith and Understanding

It would deepen the faith of Christians if pastors and preachers would sermonize on angelology. “Angels are of a higher order than man, but they are of a lower order than God.”[26] Through the study of angels, we learn that angels are real in Biblical and modern times. This helps us understand how God delivers messages and protects us. Our faith is deepened when we realize that angels are present and active. The Book of Revelation gives us many directions on the future role of angels during the Second Coming of Christ.

Dr. David Jeremiah explains, “I don’t have a fixation on angels, but I’m more convinced than ever that they are far more involved in our world than most of us realize. I believe they certainly do intervene here, both visibly and invisibly.”[27] As we study angelology, we deepen our understanding of God’s magnificent kingdom. We are not alone, and both angels and demons engage in spiritual warfare. We learn through Bible examination that “The angels’ praise and service of God give us an example of how we are to conduct ourselves now, and what our activity will be in the life beyond God’s presence.”[28]

Educating Christians on the doctrine of angels would benefit the church. “Many times, the church, collectively and as individuals, does not stand on our position in Christ. As a result, we fail to engage the legions of angels standing ready to assist.”[29 There is a hesitancy of acceptance and approval when pastors preach what is deemed acceptable and avoid more difficult subjects, such as Holy Spirit or angel theology. As more churches are non-denominational, the debates on angels are avoided. The truth is, according to Billy Graham, “If you are a believer, expect powerful angels to accompany you in your life experiences.”[30

Imagine what the body of Christ could do with this expectation: less fear, more Jesus.

Are Angels Real

The Bible tells us many things about angels. In relation to Christ’s ministry on earth, angels predicted his birth (Luke 1:26-28), announced his birth (Luke 2:8-15), protected him (Matt. 2:13-15), strengthened him (Luke 24:43) and stood ready to defend him (Matt 26:53. Later, angels announced his resurrection (Matt. 28:1-2).[31]

Our local churches commonly refer to these angels during Christmas and Easter services. Regarding the Second Coming of Christ, angels predict his return (Acts 1:11), accompany his return (Matt. 23:31), worship him (Hebrews 1:6), gather groups of men (Matt. 24:31), and gather the wicked for judgment (Matt. 13:39-43; 2 Thess. 1:7-10).[32] It’s less common to discuss angelic roles in the future tense.

Billy Graham warns Christians: “The devil is alive and more at work than any other time. The Bible says that since he realizes his time is short, his activity will increase.”[33] While there is a tendency among modern Christians to study demons and discuss spiritual warfare, there is a tendency towards ignorance about the existence of modern angelic beings in this century. Death is a common human experience, and angels accompany Christians to heaven. “Death means separation…our temporary home here and our permanent home there may be separated by an immense stretch of enemy territory. It’s a trip angels must take often, so it will be a great comfort to have them at our side as we traverse it ourselves.”[34]

It would be comforting for pastors to speak of these angels prior to the funeral service or celebration of life ceremony. For those assisting grieving Christians, it’s wise to remember “The Bible says we shall be like angels (Luke 20:36), but never that we will become angels.”[35] Deceased children are not angels in heaven.

“Angels speak. They appear and reappear. They are emotional creatures. While angels may become visible by choice, our eyes are not constructed to see them ordinarily any more than we can see the dimensions of a nuclear field, the structure of atoms, or the electricity that flows through copper wiring. Our ability to sense reality is limited…”[36] Telling a friend you experienced an angel is bound to be met with resistance and modern skepticism. Similarly, you would not tell someone you saw something outside of the perception of reality.

We are people of little faith, demanding proof and intelligent documentation before we accept the invisibility of angels and demons. Billy Graham, a man with a history of great faith, says this: “I do not believe in angels because someone has told me about a dramatic visitation from an angel, impressive as such rare testimonies may be. I do not believe in angels because UFOs are astonishingly angel-like in some of their reported appearances. I do not believe in angels because ESP experts are making the realm of the spirit world seem more and more plausible. I do not believe in angels because of the sudden worldwide emphasis on the reality of Satan and demons. I do not believe in angels because I have seen one- because I haven’t. I believe in angels because the Bible says there are angels; and I believe the Bible to be the true Word of God.”[37]

Unlike humans, angels in the Bible are not offered salvation or repentance. We read about angels who are fallen, bound for eternity, or faced with a future in the fiery pit! “Notice that there is no mention of angels being given the opportunity to repent. So far as we know from Scripture, there is no chance of redemption for angels that sin.”[38] Their access to God and Jesus elevates them above human existence, and with privilege comes consequences. “The good angels praise God continually, communicate his message to us, minister to us, execute judgment on his enemies, and will participate in the second coming.”[39]

How does my personal study of the angels support or disprove my initial three encounters mentioned in the introduction? I’ve learned “We must not create or reshape angels according to our own fancy.”[40] In the encounter with my brother, it was probably an angel who delivered a message, and angels were protecting me. “Angels get different instructions for different people in different circumstances.”41] I needed protection in this dangerous situation.

Likewise, when my life was spared as two cars almost collided before me, it was the work of invisible angels.

Regarding the dime delivery, that is still questionable in my mind and unanswered. Nothing in Scripture supports this method of communication, though it’s supernatural to me. I will continue praying and seeking wisdom from the Holy Spirit regarding the meaning of so many dimes and their unusual locations when I discover them!

Be Blessed!

References:

[17] Ibid., 63.

[18] Law, 63.

[19] Myers, 41.

[20] Erickson, 157-8.

[21] Jeremiah, 51.

[22] Ibid., 51.

[23] Ibid., 116.

[24] Ibid.,17.

[1] [25] Ron Phillips, DMin, Angels and Demons: The Complete Guide to Understanding How They Operate, (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House Book Group, 2015), 27.

[26] Myers, 16.

[27] Jeremiah, 24.

[28] Erickson, 160.

[29] Phillips, 77.

[30] Graham, 37.

[31] C. Fred Dickason, Angels: Elect and Evil: Revised and Expanded, (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 1995), 98-99.

[32] Dickason, 100.

[33] Ibid., 18.

[34] Jeremiah, 198, 201.

[35] Myers, 3.

[36] Graham, 37.

[37] Graham, 19-20.

[38] Myers, 33.

[39] Erickson, 156.

[40] Jeremiah, 50.

[41] Ibid., 182,

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/