Angelology 10 (Major Review)

Bible Basics
• A Study in
Systematic
Theology

Angelology
Lesson #10
(Review)

Images That Typically Come To Mind
When We Think Of Angels . . .

Spirit Beings
Scripture does not directly attribute bodies
to angels
Some hold that they have bodies made of
refined matter or material different from
humans (cf. 1 Cor. 15:44); others say a
spiritual body

Spirit Beings (Cont.)
A masculine pronoun is used of them and
they are sometimes even described as
“men” (Mark 16:5-6).
When they appear, they generally take the
form of a man (Genesis 18:2,22; 19:1;
Daniel 10:18)
Their lifespan is not subject to death (Luke
20:36)

Appearances
They are normally invisible (Col. 1:16) but
can appear according to the will of God
(Luke 1:11-13; 26-29):
**To Joseph in a dream (Matthew 1:20)
**To Isaiah in a vision (Isaiah 6:1-8)
**To Elisha and his servant (2 Kings 6:17)

Appearances (Cont.)
They caused mental and emotional
agitation to Mary (Luke 1:29, 34)
They caused mental and physical
weakness to the Roman guards who saw
the stone from Christ’s tomb being rolled
away (Matthew 28:4)

Wings?
The seraphim are described as having
six wings (Isaiah 6:2,6)
The cherubim had four wings (Ezekiel
1:5-8)
Gabriel was “caused to fly swiftly” to
Daniel (Daniel 9:21)
The apostle John saw the angel of
judgment “fly in the midst of
heaven” (Revelation 14:6)

REMEMBER!
People Are Always People
and Angels Are Always Angels!
People Never Become
Angels!
So People Never “Earn Their
Wings!”

Wings? (Cont.)
Do all angels have wings?
**The Bible does not say so we cannot say
with certainty
**Angels described as “flying” may simply
convey their swift, obedient service.

Welcome to heaven . . .
Here’s your harp
Welcome to hell . . .
Here’s your accordion

Michael alone is called the archangel in
Jude 9.
It is likely that Michael was at one time
second in command, not the leader of the
angelic hosts. Satan, as a fallen angel,
apparently has more power than Michael
(apart from the Lord), for Michael “did not
dare bring against him a railing
judgment” (Jude 9).
Archangel

Cherubim and Seraphim
Both the Cherubim and Seraphim are
associated with the glory of God. The
cherubim guarded the most holy place
from those who had no right access to God
and assured the right of the high priest to
enter the holy place.

Who is “The Angel of the LORD?”
● The Angel of Yahweh appears to be
some sort of manifestation of Yahweh.
This could be understood in terms of
theophany, a revelation of God.
● The Angel of Yahweh may also be the
pre-existent Son of God who was later
incarnate in Jesus Christ.

• What in the world
is going on in
Genesis 6?
• Who are “the
sons of God?”

Demon-Possessed Rulers
1. This view takes seriously the use of the
term “sons of god” in the ancient Near East
and elsewhere in the biblical text as
referring to angelic beings.
2. This view explains why God’s judgment was
on humanity, with the accompanying
declaration that mankind was but flesh.
3. It explains how angels, who do not marry,
could take wives for themselves via
possession of wicked, powerful men (Mt.
22:30).

Ministry of Angels
1. Revealing (Luke 1:11-20)
2. Guiding (Matthew 1:20-21)
3. Providing (1 Kings 19:5-7)
4. Protection (Daniel 3 and 6)
5. Delivering (Acts 5)
6. Strengthening and Encouraging (Matt.4)
7. Agents in Answering Prayer (Acts 12)
8. Attendants upon the Righteous Dead
(Luke 16)

Bottom Line:
Angels Minister to God’s Children:
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent
to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
(Hebrews 1:14)

We should not expect special revelation
through angelic messengers.
In fact, we should be suspicious of any
claims to such revelation in light of the
teaching in 2 Corinthians 11:14 . . .
“Satan himself transforms himself into an
angel of light.”
Matthew 24:11 . . .
In the last days “many false prophets will
rise up and deceive many.”

While it is certainly possible for God to
speak to us today through an angel, it is, at
the same time, highly improbable given the
fact that “He has spoken to us in these last
days by His Son” (Hebrews 1:2).
Because angels are creatures, they are
NOTto be worshiped!!!

Hebrews 1:1-2
“In the past God spoke to our
forefathers through the prophets at
many times and in various ways,
but in these last days he has spoken to
us by His Son”

• Angels do not know
what it is like to be
born again. They
have not
experienced
redemption.

Angelology 10 (Major Review)

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Angelology 10 (Major Review)