B06 Angels

F. ANGELS

These are spiritual intelligences, the first in rank and point of time among created beings . Job 37:7; Psalms 8:5; Hebrews 2:5; Hebrews 2:7; 2 Peter 2:11. People of all ages, nations, and religions have believed in their existence. In the Scriptures they are called by various names, such as angels or ministering spirits, Hebrews 1:7; Hebrews 1:14; Sons of God or morning stars, Job 38:7; Seraphim, Isaiah 6:2-6; Cherubim, Ezekiel 9:22; Watchers, Daniel 4:13; Daniel 4:17; Principalities and powers, Romans 8:38; Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 6:12. They are represented as innumerable. Hebrews 12:22; Matthew 26:53; Psalms 68:17. As being employed of God in behalf of the righteous on earth. Genesis 19:15-22; Psalms 34:7; 53:20-21; Daniel 6:22; Daniel 9:21-22; Acts 12:7; Acts 28:23; Luke 16:22; Hebrews 1:14; Hebrews 12:22. To execute his judgments against the wicked, and hence called evil angels. Psalms 78:49; Isaiah 37:36; Acts 12:23; Revelation 15:6. They were divinely appointed to proclaim the Messiah’s advent, Luke 2:9-14; to worship him, Hebrews 1:6; to minister unto him in his trials, Matthew 4:11; Matthew 26:53; Luke 22:43; (90. What is said of angels? Has their existence been generally believed? What are they called in the scripture? What of their number? Employment?) to attend his ascension and announce his second advent, Acts 1:9-11; when they will accompany and serve him as his agents at the general judgment, Daniel 7:9-10; Matthew 13:39; Matthew 13:41; Matthew 13:49; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7, etc. Some angels are called the elect, that is, holy angels, 1 Timothy 5:21, as distinguished from the reprobate, that is, sinning, angels. 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6. The chief or prince of angels is called the archangel and is applied to Michael, whose position and offices are such as to indicate that the Messiah is meant. Compare Daniel 10:13; Daniel 10:21; Revelation 12:7-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16. He is thought by some to be the same with Gabriel. Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Luke 1:19; Luke 1:26. They are not to be worshiped. Judges 13:16; Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:9. The Scriptures favor the Opinion of their existence prior to the formation of our solar system. Job 38:4-7. The angels were constituted probationers , and the rule of their conduct was probably the same in substance as that given to man in his innocence. Ps.53:19-20; Matthew 6:10; Jude 1:6. (91. What of the elect and reprobate? Archangel? Are they to be worshiped? How long have they existed? Where they constituted probationers?)