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I. The Angels Of God: Developing a Biblical Perspective “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation.” Hebrews 1:14 (NASB) II. The
Nature & Attributes Of Angels A.
Angels do not enter into marriage.
1.
The Bible teaches that angels are not candidates for marriage
(Matthew
22:30).
2.
This verse simply gives emphasis to the difference that
exists between men and angels. Angels are not a “race” like
men. Thus, they do not develop by procreation. Angels are created
beings.
3.
This characteristic also provides insight into our eternal
destiny. There will be no marriage in heaven. B.
Angels can not die as men do.
1.
This was taught by Jesus when speaking of the resurrection (Luke
20:34-36).
2.
Similar to Matthew
22:30, this verse emphasizes the difference between men and
angels.
3.
It also provides insight into our eternal destiny. C.
Angels are servants of God.
1.
On two occasions during the Revelation of Jesus to John, the
apostle attempted to worship angels and was told that this should
not be done (Revelation
19:10; 22:8-9).
2.
Men are not to worship angels since they too are
“fellow-servants” of God.
3.
It is interesting to note that even though man has been
created a “little lower” than the angels, men and angels are
on an “equal footing” with one another as servants of God. D.
Angels possess superior knowledge.
1.
The widow of Tekoa spoke of the superior knowledge of angels
(2
Samuel 14:20).
2.
Angels’ great knowledge is derived from their unique
relationship with God. As spirit-beings, they see things from the
dimension of the spirit world.
3.
Even though angels have great knowledge they are not
omniscient. That is, there are certain things that they do not
know (Matthew
24:36). E.
Angels are incredibly powerful beings.
1.
The apostle Peter wrote of the great might and power of
angels (2
Peter 2:10b-11).
2.
Angels are referred to as the “mighty ones” (Psalm
103:20). It has also been written that when Jesus returns He
will bring with Him his “mighty” angels (2
Thessalonians 1:7). See also Matthew
28:2 and 2 Kings 19:35.
3.
Even though angels have great power they are not omnipotent.
That is, their power is limited by God. F.
Angels are an innumerable host.
1.
The Bible describes angels as being great in number (Hebrews
12:22).
2.
The apostle John was privileged to hear the multitudes of
heaven singing praises to God (Revelation
5:11-13).
3.
It should motivate Christians to know that someday they can
be a part of this great assembly. G. Angels are spirit-beings.
1.
The Bible specifically refers to angels as spirits (Hebrews
1:14).
2.
We do not know exactly what the form of a spirit is like;
however, we do know what form a spirit does not have – i.e., a
spirit does not have “flesh and bones” (Luke
24:39).
3.
It seems reasonable to conclude that God has given angels
spiritual bodies. These bodies have probably been fitted for the
purpose(s) for which angels were created (cf. Paul’s teaching on
the Christians’ resurrection body at 1
Corinthians 15:39-44, 50). Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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