What Are Angels?

by GRIERSON, G. | Category: The Ministry Of Angels | Jan 2007

‘... there was an angel touching him ...’ (1 Kin.19:5)

Perhaps the title for this opening article of a series about angels might well have been 'Who are angels?' Angels are described in Scripture in ways we would normally associate with personality, as when Elijah was visited, touched and given strengthening food by an angel sent from God. On other occasions they are referred to as looking, hearing, obeying, speaking and worshipping: all actions we would regard as expressions of personality. They are part of the spiritual world created by God:

‘Who makes His angels winds’ (spirits NKJV),

‘And His ministers a flame of fire’ (Heb.1:7)

They are not comprised of body, soul and spirit like mankind, but are ministering spirits. They are neither male nor female in gender (Mat.22:30), but can take on the outward appearance of men, as their appearances to both men and women in the Scriptures testify.

Nor of course are they divine in nature, being neither omnipotent nor omniscient, while the worship of angels is improper (Col.2:18). They have been created by God to serve Him in fulfilment of His purposes, at times being given unique roles to fulfil, as when ‘a multitude of the heavenly host’ appeared to the Bethlehem shepherds, ‘praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased’ (Luke 2:13:14). In his first chapter the writer to the Hebrews contrasts the pre-eminence of the Lord Jesus' Name, His relationship to God and His work, to the status of the angels. In verse fourteen he precisely describes their nature and an aspect of their work on behalf of redeemed mankind: ‘Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?’

As we learn more about angels in this series, we should be increasingly thankful to God that, having saved us by grace, He has also provided this angelic ministry for our support.

Angels, like mankind, have a moral aspect to their nature, and are capable of obedience or disobedience, of subjection or rebellion, as shown by Jude v.7 and 2 Peter 2:4. The nature of the rebellion against God revealed by these scriptures will also be considered in this series. In that connection Satan is prominent, for he also is an angelic being, constantly seeking to thwart God's purposes. It is vital to know our enemy in this battle in which we are continually engaged.

It would appear that angels were serving in God's presence when the foundations of the earth were laid were laid, for Job 38:7 records that ‘the sons of God’ then all shouted for joy. Do they die? No! they are immortal beings (Luke 20:36) and will live eternally in their allotted destiny: according to Jude verse 6 certain rebellious angels are already being ‘kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.’

There is one characteristic of angels that we might seek reverently to reproduce in ourselves - that of being flame-like in our worship and service. In his vision Isaiah heard the seraphim call to one another,

‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of Hosts,

The whole earth is full of His glory.’

With what fervour they proclaimed God's glory! How grieved the Holy Spirit must be if the worship of God's people should at times be lukewarm and formal. One of the seraphim seen by Isaiah touched the prophet's mouth with a burning coal taken from the altar, bringing cleansing and forgiveness (Is.6:6,7). If only we, as flames of fire, could reach out and touch the hearts of those around us through the gospel! What joy this would bring to the heart of the Lord of the harvest, who has entrusted to us, not to angels, His message of salvation for proclamation to all mankind.

‘Make me Thy fire, flame of God’ (Amy Carmichael).

We trust that this series of articles on angels will help us to step into their world to the extent that God allows this through the study of His Word, helped by the Holy Spirit. As a result a sense of awe at His holiness and greatness may be deepened, enhancing our worship and other aspects of our service.

Like Elijah, we too need a touch from God!

GRIERSON, G. | Jan 2007
The Ministry Of Angels