ANGELS

Angels are spiritual beings created by God (Psalms 148:1,5), who are on a higher order than man (Hebrews 2:7), and neither reproduce nor die (Luke 20:35,36). They are mentioned some 273 times in the Scriptures and often functioned as agents of destruction or blessing (Genesis 19:13,16). As such, they were involved in God's providential care for His people (II Kings 18-19). It is our firm conviction that they still function in this capacity even today.

Modern-day Sadducees

Unfortunately, too many of us have become modern-day Sadducees, in that we do not believe in angels (cf. Acts 23:8). Many have assumed that because miracles have ceased, angels are no longer in business today. This would seem to be an obvious contradiction of Hebrews 1:13,14, which says angels are "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."

Although we are not living in the miraculous age, this must not be taken to mean that God is not still exercising control over His creation. In Matthew 5:45, the Bible teaches the general provi-dence of God, and in Matthew 6:33, the child of God is taught to trust in God's specific providence toward His children. In Romans 8:28-31, we are taught that "all things work together for good to them that love God." Does this not suggest God's providential care?

We Do Not Live In A Totally Chance Universe

Both Hebrews 1:3 and Colossians 1:17 make it perfectly clear that God's creation has not been left to mere chance. God is still in control. God still rules in the king-doms of men and this is verified by such passages as Romans 13, Acts 17:26, and Daniel 4:17, 32. To believe, as some do, that God has taken on a 'hands-off' position with reference to the affairs of mankind is not only a contra-diction of Scripture, but is tantamount to dethroning Jesus Christ, who now reigns as King of kings (Revelation 1:5; Ephesians 1:20,21).

It is, indeed, comforting to know that angels are sent forth by God to minister unto us for "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 1:18,19). Our prayers to God are not exercises in futility, but are, in fact, requests based on a faith that God can and will help us, and that angels are His agents in these matters.

Lord, Open Our Eyes

Paul prayed that Christians would have the eyes of their understanding enlightened so that they could see "the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe" (Ephesians 1:18,19). If we will, by faith, open our eyes, we can see that "they that be with us are more than they that be with them" (II Kings 6:16).

We have not undertaken to explain how angels minister to the saints, only that they, in fact, do.

Written by: Allan Turner