ANGELIC ENCOUNTERS

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2Ch 7:14

I'm sure that many of you watched the recent debate. I personally thought that both candidates did a excellent job. Personally, I felt that Obama brought more to the table, so to speak. However I have no favorite, or desire to vote.

I would like to encourage each of you to be praying for our country, and the next president of our country. With the recent financial crisis, the Iraq war, and other situations around the world. The next president will have a huge responsibility to lead this country out of it's current 8 year spiral.

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Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew Chapter 6

inhisgloriousnameministriesonline.blogspot.com In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

Everyday we all have the opportunity to make a huge difference in the lives of others by simply speaking words of encouragement.

You see our words are powerful and when we speak blessings into the lives of others, great things start to happen.

The Child Who Learned Dreams Come True is dedicated to children and the child deep within us all. That child who loves to dream, that loves adventure, that believes and hopes for great things.

You see, we all dream. Dreams are a part of our character. They encourage us, mentor us, help us to process life, and even help us to find greatness deep within.

However, there is more. This book is also dedicated to adults who have lost their desire to dream, who have lost that desire for adventure, and feel that life's dreams have passed them by.

Available online everywhere or at your local bookstore.

ISBN 9781603830980

ISBN 1603830987

Coming soon a new children's book filled with excitement, adventure, and encouragement. Be sure to check back and add this book to your children's collection. It will make a great bedtime read.
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

It's true. There are angels among us. They are everywhere. Go ahead look around.

There are a lot of hurting people in the world. Truth is we don't have to look far to find them. They are around us daily. At work, at the grocery store, within our communities, on the very streets that we live on and sometimes in our own homes.

What can each of us as Christian's do to reach out to others? Maybe the simplicity of a smile, maybe inviting and buying someone lunch, maybe that single mother that's struggling, maybe that girl or boy down the street that lost a father or mother through a divorce. Truly the opportunities to bless others are all around us, and everywhere. May we all be a friend to someone in need and simply be Christ like.

Blessings, from
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

Where it's all about Jesus and sharing His Redeeming Passion around the world. With over 1oo separate online ministry sites, there's something for everyone.

Blessings in Christ.

In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

A new song will come to California. Something new is about to be born. It has been in the womb for many seasons and it is soon to come forth.

In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

This map shows just a few of the visitors from around the world that visit our prayer ministry site. Thank you to all who have visited the many ministry sites within our network.
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. You see when you give to others, God will reward you.
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

Are the angels of God among us? Is there a spiritual realm where the angelic play a part in our lives? Is there a angel that watches over you? Angels that fight against the evil forces in the heavenliess?

This map shows just a few of the visitors from around the world that visit our prayer ministry site. Thank you to all who have visited the many ministry sites within our network.
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

Here in the US there are angels everywhere. We find them in stores, gift stores, card shops, homes and all over the place. Business's sell them, people buy them, and people give them as gifts. I'd say most all people believe in angels, talk about them and so on. We hear of them as children. Sometimes from our parents, other times in cartoons and movies, other times just in conversations growing up. It's pretty common.

However if one performs a study about angels, and the angelic within scripture. We find mention of them throughout the bible. Just imagine of we believed in angels as the scriptures state. That could be life changing. May the angels of the Lord watch over you...
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

The angels hearken unto the word of the Lord, not the pride and lustful desires of men.

You will love Hannah's music.

Hannah Ford Worship Music
Hannah Ford

We are hearing of revival breaking out in the nations. I just wonder what revival looks like from heaven's view point, or through the angelic hosts?

Blessings, in Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

Scriptures about Angels and their relationship with God and humans:
God commands angels:
1Ch 21:27
Then the Lord spoke to the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath.
Ps 91:11
For He will give His angels orders concerning you,
to protect you in all your ways.
Ps 103:20
Praise the Lord,
[all] His angels of great strength,
who do His word,
obedient to His command.
God gives angels tasks:
Joh 5:4
because an angel would go down into the pool from time to time and stir up the water. Then the first one who got in after the water was stirred up recovered from whatever ailment he had].
God uses angels to perform work:
Ps 103:20 (NAS Strongs version)
Bless the LORD, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word!
2Ch 32:21
and the Lord sent an angel who annihilated every brave warrior, leader, and commander in the camp of the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria returned with shame to his land. He went to the temple of his god, and there some of his own children cut him down with the sword.
Ac 12:7
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, "Quick, get up!" Then the chains fell off his wrists.
2Th 1:6,7
6 since it is righteous for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
7 and to reward with rest you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His powerful angels,
Jesus has authority over angels:
Heb 1:4
So He became higher in rank than the angels, just as the name He inherited is superior to theirs.
We will or do have some authority over angels:
1Co 6:3
Do you not know that we will judge angels--not to speak of things pertaining to this life?
Scriptures about Authority and it’s proper use
God gives authority:
Eze 37:4-7
4 Again He said to me, " Prophesy over these bones and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.'
5 "Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones, 'Behold, I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life.
6 'I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive; and you will know that I am the LORD.' "
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.
Mt 10:1
Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.
2Co 10:8
For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame,
1Th 4:2
For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
God tests people before giving authority:
Lu 19:17
"And he said to him, `Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.'
Re 2:26
`He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS ;

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Just imagine if the angels of heaven came to earth in human form and ran for office as politicians seeking to become elected officials. Now considering that the Kingdom of heaven is everything from love, to truth, to righteousness and so on. I wonder what that would look like. Having the very angels of God seeking and ending up in elected offices.

Wow! that would make a great Hollywood movie.

copyright, all rights reserved 2008

In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone? What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? What if we flipped through it several times a day?What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of emergency? This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities'?And no dropped calls!

P.S. DO WHAT YOU THINK GOD WOULD WANT YOU TO DO WITH THIS E-MAIL.

We'd love to hear your thoughts. Email us at:.

In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

There is a angelic release coming...

The angels. No not the one's in your favorite book store, or gift shop. The real deal. The angels of heaven. Do you see them, have your heard them?

Share it here in a comment. We'd love to hear your accounts.

We here accounts of the angelic manifesting among us. In fact in the Vineyard Movement its very common to hear about the angels manifesting among us.

There are quite a few people at the church that I attend, mostly women that are always sharing that they see angels among us.

We have this one woman at our church. She's considered to be very prophetic, and is always one of the fore runners in the prophetic ministry. She's always sharing her accounts of the angelic manifesting and other. Just imagine the angelic manifesting right before your eye's. What would that look like? and even greater what do the scriptures say happens when the angelic manifests on earth.

Blessings are found in the Word of God.
For thy Word is Truth Oh Lord
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

With summer soon upon us comes the heat waves. Over the last few years we have seen some record temperatures and this summer we will again see some extremely hot months. With such there are those that suffer due to lack of finances, and the elderly are within that group of people that struggle in the summer heat. Consider them this summer. Those that live within your communities. Be that vessel of love, and compassion making a difference in the lives of others, the less fortunate, those on fixed incomes, the elderly among us.

Thank you,
In His Glorious Name Ministries

May you and your household have a wonderful and blessed weekend. May God's light break through and fill your hearts and home with peace.

Blessings, in Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online

Are you facing some giants? We all do. As if there are giants in the land that just seem to bear down on us and make life difficult. Actually there is a enemy that wages war against the saints of God, even mankind. However as believers, our weapons are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds. As members of the body of Christ, as Kingdom kids young and old. We have a Kingdom that is in operation and functioning in our behalf, and within that Kingdom are the angelic. I encourage you to study some of the scriptures within the posts on this blog. You will be encouraged.

You might also consider visiting Blue Letter Bible and performing a word search on angels, angelic, angels of the lord, and simply let the Holy Spirit lead you through the scriptures. Again, you will be blessed. The angelic and angels are everywhere.

In His Glorious Name Ministries

First many thanks to those in India that visit our many Christian sites. We are thankful to God for each of you, and the wonderful emails you have sent us. We are overwhelmed at the invitations to come to India and minister to the peoples, and we hope in time that God will bring that to pass.

For those of you that are visiting this site for the first time. I simply want to invite you to view our many online sites, and read the many writings and posts. May you be richly blessed, and may you come to find a wonderful relationship with Christ, and others in Christ.

Blessings, and again thank you for visiting us here online. Please visit In His Glorious Name Ministries Online where you will find various ministry links to our many sites.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Just imagine the love that Jesus experienced as he heard the loving words of His Father saying "this is my beloved Son".

Here is a awesome ministry called The Father Loves You. I highly recommend Pastor Ed's ministry, books and teachings.

http://www.fatherlovesyou.com/

PROPHETIC VISION
Understandable - Dan. 7:15-19
Authenticated by Divine Glory - Ezek. 8:1-4
Personal / Phenomenal - Dan: 10:7-9 Dated/
Localized - Ezek. 1:1-3 Prophetic - Dan. 9:21-24
"Absence of Tragic - Proverbs 29:18"
Performance of Sure - Ezek. 12:21-28
Proof of Messianic Times - Joel 2:28 / Acts 2:17 / Ezek. 33:9-12
Conformation (steadfast and sure) - Dan. 9:12-27
Faithfulness in Performance of Duty - Dan: 6:1-3, 28
The Lord's Day - Rev. 1:10
Dreams - Gen.20:3
Prophecy - Gen: 3:15
Holiness of Christ - Prophets - Is. 11:4-5

Blessings, in Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online
http://inhisgloriousnameministriesonline.blogspot.com/

I came across this site through Assist News Service and I thought I'd share it. It's called Bridge Of Friendship.

Bridge Of Friendship has been launched to help link new Christians in all of the fifteen republics of the former Soviet Union with believers in North America who can write to them and also help them grow in their faith. The ministry has already received over 75,000 letters from new believers requesting pen pals from the West to help disciple them.

So here's a chance to reach out to others across the globe. If interested visit http://www.assist-ministries.com/russia/index.asp

Blessings, in Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries
http://www.inhisgloriousname.com/

Are you on fire for God? Is prayer, worship, sharing fellowship with others in Christ and ministering to the lost your hearts desire? Do you find yourself with a desire to be more involved in ministry? Maybe you have had these dreams, visions, and thoughts imparted into you by the Holy Spirit of being a part of a ongoing ministry that is expanding the Kingdom, taking ground for the Kingdom of God, and just flat out on fire for God, the Kingdom of God and the harvest.

If so, please contact us. We are looking for fire starters.

Contact us through our main portal at:
In His Glorious Name Ministries
www.inhisgloriousname.com

Or leave a comment on this blog titled: Fire Starter with your contact information

Remember the story of Abraham in Genesis. Abraham was to sacrifice his son. Yet something interesting happened at the foot of the mountain where Abraham was to sacrifice his son. Abraham approached the lads and said watch the donkeys, the boy and I go yonder, worship and come unto you again.

Then on the way up the mount, father we have this and we have that, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering. Abraham's reply:

Gen 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

And God did. Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.

Blessings, in Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries
http://www.inhisgloriousname.com/

From the bottom of the pit, to the top of the pit, is the way of love, filled with the fullness of the measure of Christ.

On Saturday morning, my wife shared a dream that she had with me. The first two parts of the dream were of a personal nature, however the third and concluding part of the dream, was a beautiful picture of one of the most powerful gifts in God's Kingdom.

The dream was as follows: My wife dreamt that our pastor (symbolic) said that the Lord some years ago said to him; "from the bottom of the pit, to the top of the pit, is the way of love, which accompanied a song". Then my wife shared that the Lord spoke to her and said "why don't you spend a week with me?".

Wow, that is a awesome invitation, and even the symbolic meaning of a week, being seven days, is profound within scripture.

As I pondered this dream. I thought of the many ways that we as human beings, as even believers we can dig pits. Some that are shallow and some that are deep. Sometimes we dig them one shovel at a time and over the seasons they get deeper and deeper. Sometimes we jump face first into them, sometimes we fall into them and other times we keep re visiting them. Sometimes they are easy to climb out of and other times they become so deep, that we can early see the light at the top, as darkness surrounds us.

Through sins, walking in darkness, getting off course, being on that freeway called life and getting off at all the wrong exits, making the wrong decisions, bitterness, strife, contention, angers, un forgiveness, holding childhood grudges, that I forgive you, but! attitude, constant complaining, lack of knowledge and many other characteristic traits, we can dig deep pits that bring great sorrows and un happiness to us and those around us.

Other times our pits are dug through intense hatred, rebellion, and disobedience to God over a life time, as we have become so bitter that we become self destructive, prideful, through a hardened and rebellious heart.

Other times from past relationship issues, past marriages, and as the years and season pass, we can find life so miserable, that peace and joy seems far from us, that blessings seem to have escaped us, as we fall deeper and deeper into the pit of un forgiveness of wrongs and wounds. It doesn't matter how shallow or how deep the pit has become. It is a place of darkness, like a personal prison.

I performed a bible study on the word pit, and found the following: a hole in the ground (Exd 21:33,34), a cistern for water (Gen 37:24; Jer 14:3), a vault (41:9), a grave (Psa 30:3). It is used as a figure for mischief (Psa 9:15), and is the name given to the unseen place of woe (Rev 20:1,3). The slime-pits in the vale of Siddim were wells which yielded asphalt (Gen 14:10).

So what could a pit be symbolic of in the above. Can we view the hole in the ground, as even symbolic of being a hole in one's heart filled with offenses, a place of mischief, of woe, of bitterness and of unforgiveness. A place where a religious and critical spirit resides. Could the hole be even a place deep in our soul where un forgiveness, bitterness, a critical and judge mental spirit resides?

From the bottom of the pit, to the top of the pit, is the way of love. Love being the greatest of all gifts, love that covers a multitude of sins, love that is kind, compassionate, considerate of others, longsuffering and full of forgiveness.

Here is a powerful prayer.

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

For love is the greatest of all gifts, and a gift of God:

Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law. And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the Armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof]....

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away..

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity......

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.

Yes, truly love is the greatest of all gifts...

Blessings, in the love of Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries
www.inhisgloriousname.com

Can you feel it. The in breaking of the Kingdom of Heaven. The freedom of the Kingdom of Heaven. That wonderful grace that flows from heaven and brings freedom and victory.

There is just something wonderful that takes place when God's Kingdom comes to earth through prayer, worship and seeking hard after Him. There is a sense of freedom that one can feel that is accompanied by peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you Lord.

May heaven come to earth as you seek His face, His heart, His love and most importantly Him.

Blessings, in the love of Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries Online
In His Glorious Name Ministries

Two scriptures worthy of studying:

Hbr 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Hbr 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

Blessings in the Kingdom
In His Glorious Name Ministries

There is none likened unto the Lord. Full of love, of grace, of mercy, of hope, and of promises.

He smiles upon His called, His chosen, His elect. His heart of compassion is opened unto His precious and beloved bride. For the Bridegroom, the Beloved Husbandman, our King, is a God overflowing with love, compassion and gracious thoughts towards us.

There is a mighty river that flows, that is flowing, that flows, which comes from the heart of God. There is a mighty river, that flows, which is flowing, that touches our hearts and changes our live.

For the river of our God is good, and through and in Christ, we bask in His heavenly waters. Poured forth richly, even as deep cries out to deep.

Sometimes we stick our toes in to test the waters, and the Lord says; the river is good. Other times we go in ankle deep, and the Lord says; the river is good. Other times we go in waist deep and the Lord says; the river is good. Sometimes we hang onto a our safety bars, and the Lord says; the river is flowing. Come, come, come into the waters.

It‘s ok, we can let go of our safety bars, and trust Him, because the river is good, the river is flowing and the Lord is the river.

Drink deep beloved. Drink deep, the goodness of your God. Bask in His presence, in His love, in His compassion, and in His tender mercies.

Blessings, in Christ
Kingdom Rain

Concerning God, His Works, Angels:
Number Of Angels. A interesting bible study:
Exceedingly great.
Deu 33:2
Psa 68:17
Dan 7:10
Mat 26:53
Luk 2:13
Hbr 12:22
Rev 5:11

Blessings, in Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries

Concerning God, His Works, Angels:
Cherubim and Seraphim

Some hold that the cherubim are real, personal creatures; others that they are ideal beings. The term "living creature" is applied to the same beings. May be regarded as symbolical of the highest properties of creature life and typical of redeemed manhood.

Here is a interesting study:
Gen 3:24 Exd 25:22 1Sa 4:4 Eze 1:5-25 10:1-22 Rev 4:6-9 5:6-14 6:1-7. Seraphim, Mentioned only in Isa 6. Probably the same as cherubim.

Blessings, in Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries

In God's Kingdom there is the angelic, the angels, even ministering spirits. They are within the spiritual realm, as an extension of God's Kingdom here on earth.

We hear stories about angelic visitations, angels appearing to people, angels assisting people and many other situation regarding angels in eye witness testimonies, in documentaries, on television, and so on within the main stream of life.

Within the body of Christ among the believer we hear many accounts of the angelic appearing in peoples lives, in corporate settings, and other through gifted vessel, and the prophetic ministry.

When we dig deep into the word of God, the scriptures, we fond the mention of the angelic and angels from Genesis to the book of Revelations. From the old testament to the new testament we find the angelic carrying out the plans and purposes of God generation after generation here on earth.

May many of the teachings and writings on this site bless you, and bring about an awareness of God's Kingdom here on earth, and the reality of the angelic among us.

Blessings, in Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries

Angels, Spirits, The Angelic

I just added some additional information and scriptures on angels, the angelic, ministering spirits, spirits, and angels of the Lord. There are five divisions of angels mentioned in scripture, and I would also apply the word hosts, meaning multitudes. Note the right hand side of this site about half way down, and you will find many scriptures on the angelic that will bless you.

Blessings, and may heaven come to earth.
In His Glorious Name Ministries

Hbr 1:1
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

Hbr 1:2
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Hbr 1:3
Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Hbr 1:4
Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Hbr 1:5
For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

Hbr 1:6
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

Hbr 1:7
And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

Hbr 1:8
But unto the Son [he saith], Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness [is] the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Hbr 1:9
Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, [even] thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Hbr 1:10
And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

Hbr 1:11
They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

Hbr 1:12
And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

Hbr 1:13
But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Hbr 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Blessings, in Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries

Angel (Holy Trinity)

Called ANGEL OF GOD
Exd 14:19; Jdg 13:6; 1Sa 29:9; 2Sa 14:17,20; 19:27; Act 27:23; Gal 4:14

Called ANGEL OF THE LORD
Gen 16:7,9; 22:11; Exd 3:2; Num 22:23,25,27,32,35; Jdg 2:1; 6:11,12,21,22; 13:3,6,9,13-21; 2Sa 24:16; 1Ki 19:7; 2Ki 1:3,15; 19:35; 1Ch 21:15,18; Psa 34:7; 35:5,6; Zec 1:11,12; 3:5; 12:8

Called ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE
Isa 63:9

Angel (A Spirit)

Called ANGEL OF THE LORD
Mat 1:20,24; 2:13,19; 28:2; Luk 1:11; Act 5:19; 7:30,35; 8:26; 12:7,23

Called MORNING STARS
Job 38:7
Hosts
Gen 2:1; 32:2; Jos 5:14; 1Ch 12:22; Psa 33:6; 103:21; Luk 2:13

Blessings in Christ
In His Glorious Name Ministries

I. Definition and Scripture Terms.

The word angel is applied in Scripture to an order of supernatural or heavenly beings whose business it is to act as God’s messengers to men, and as agents who carry out His will. Both in Hebrew and Greek the word is applied to human messengers (1Ki 19:2; Lu 7:24); in Hebrew it is used in the singular to denote a Divine messenger, and in the plural for human messengers, although there are exceptions to both usages. It is applied to the prophet Haggai (Hag 1:13), to the priest (Mal 2:7), and to the messenger who is to prepare the way of the Lord (Mal 3:1). Other Hebrew words and phrases applied to angels are bene ha-’elohim (Ge 6:2,4; Job 1:6; 2:1) and bene ‘elim (Ps 29:1; 89:6), i.e. sons of the ‘elohim or ‘elim; this means, according to a common Hebrew usage, members of the class called ‘elohim or ‘elim, the heavenly powers. It seems doubtful whether the word ‘elohim, standing by itself, is ever used to describe angels, although Septuagint so translates it in a few passages.

The most notable instance is Ps 8:5; where the Revised Version (British and American) gives, "Thou hast made him but little lower than God," with the English Revised Version, margin reading of "the angels" for "God" (compare Heb 2:7,9); qedhoshim "holy ones" (Ps 89:5,7), a name suggesting the fact that they belong to God; ‘ir, ‘irim, "watcher," "watchers" (Da 4:13,17,23). Other expressions are used to designate angels collectively: codh, "council" (Ps 89:7), where the reference may be to an inner group of exalted angels; ‘edhah and qahal, "congregation" (Ps 82:1; 89:5); and finally tsabha’, tsebha’oth, "host," "hosts," as in the familiar phrase "the God of hosts."

In New Testament the word aggelos, when it refers to a Divine messenger, is frequently accompanied by some phrase which makes this meaning clear, e.g. "the angels of heaven" (Mt 24:36). Angels belong to the "heavenly host" (Lu 2:13). In reference to their nature they are called "spirits" (Heb 1:14). Paul evidently referred to the ordered ranks of supra-mundane beings in a group of words that are found in various combinations, namely, archai, "principalities," exousiai, "powers," thronoi, "thrones," kuriotetes, "dominions," and dunameis, also translated "powers." The first four are apparently used in a good sense in Col 1:16, where it is said that all these beings were created through Christ and unto Him; in most of the other passages in which words from this group occur, they seem to represent evil powers. We are told that our wrestling is against them (Eph 6:12), and that Christ triumphs over the principalities and powers (Col 2:15; compare Ro 8:38; 1Co 15:24). In two passages the word archaggelos, "archangel" or chief angel, occurs: "the voice of the archangel" (1Th 4:16), and "Michael the archangel" (Jude 1:9).

II. Angels in Old Testament.

1. Nature, Appearances and Functions:
Everywhere in the Old Testament the existence of angels is assumed. The creation of angels is referred to in Ps 148:2,5 (compare Col 1:16). They were present at the creation of the world, and were so filled with wonder and gladness that they "shouted for joy" (Job 38:7). Of their nature we are told nothing. In general they are simply regarded as embodiments of their mission. Though presumably the holiest of created beings, they are charged by God with folly (Job 4:18), and we are told that "he putteth no trust in his holy ones" (Job 15:15).
References to the fall of the angels are only found in the obscure and probably corrupt passage Ge 6:1-4, and in the interdependent passages 2Pe 2:4 and Jude 1:6, which draw their inspiration from the Apocryphal book of Enoch. Demons are mentioned (see DEMON); and although Satan appears among the sons of God (Job 1:6; 2:1), there is a growing tendency in later writers to attribute to him a malignity that is all his own (see SATAN).
As to their outward appearance, it is evident that they bore the human form, and could at times be mistaken for men (Eze 9:2; Ge 18:2,16). There is no hint that they ever appeared in female form. The conception of angels as winged beings, so familiar in Christian art, finds no support in Scripture (except, perhaps Da 9:21; Re 14:6, where angels are represented as "flying"). The cherubim and seraphim (see CHERUB; SERAPHIM) are represented as winged (Ex 25:20; Isa 6:2); winged also are the symbolic living creatures of Eze (Eze 1:6; compare Re 4:8).
As above stated, angels are messengers and instruments of the Divine will. As a rule they exercise no influence in the physical sphere. In several instances, however, they are represented as destroying angels: two angels are commissioned to destroy Sodom (Ge 19:13); when David numbers the people, an angel destroys them by pestilence (2Sa 24:16); it is by an angel that the Assyrian army is destroyed (2Ki 19:35); and Ezekiel hears six angels receiving the command to destroy those who were sinful in Jerusalem (Eze 9:1,5,7). In this connection should be noted the expression "angels of evil," i.e. angels that bring evil upon men from God and execute His judgments (Ps 78:49; compare 1Sa 16:14). Angels appear to Jacob in dreams (Ge 28:12; 31:11). The angel who meets Balaam is visible first to the ass, and not to the rider (Nu 22 ff). Angels interpret God’s will, showing man what is right for him (Job 33:23). The idea of angels as caring for men also appears (Ps 91:11 f), although the modern conception of the possession by each man of a special guardian angel is not found in Old Testament.

2. The Angelic Host:
The phrase "the host of heaven" is applied to the stars, which were sometimes worshipped by idolatrous Jews (Jer 33:22; 2Ki 21:3; Ze 1:5); the name is applied to the company of angels because of their countless numbers (compare Da 7:10) and their glory. They are represented as standing on the right and left hand of Yahweh (1Ki 22:19). Hence God, who is over them all, is continually called throughout Old Testament "the God of hosts," "Yahweh of hosts," "Yahweh God of hosts"; and once "the prince of the host" (Da 8:11). One of the principal functions of the heavenly host is to be ever praising the name of the Lord (Ps 103:21; 148:1 f). In this host there are certain figures that stand out prominently, and some of them are named. The angel who appears to Joshua calls himself "prince of the host of Yahweh" (Jos 5:14 f). The glorious angel who interprets to Daniel the vision which he saw in the third year of Cyrus (Da 10:5), like the angel who interprets the vision in the first year of Belshazzar (Da 7:16), is not named; but other visions of the same prophet were explained to him by the angel Gabriel, who is called "the man Gabriel," and is described as speaking with "a man’s voice" (Da 9:21; 8:15 f). In Daniel we find occasional reference made to "princes": "the prince of Persia," "the prince of Greece" (Da 10:20). These are angels to whom is entrusted the charge of, and possibly the rule over, certain peoples. Most notable among them is Michael, described as "one of the chief princes," "the great prince who standeth for the children of thy people," and, more briefly, "your prince" (Da 10:13; 12:1; 10:21); Michael is therefore regarded as the patron-angel of the Jews. In Apocrypha Raphael, Uriel and Jeremiel are also named. Of Raphael it is said (Tobit 12:15) that he is "one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints" to God (compare Re 8:2, "the seven angels that stand before God"). It is possible that this group of seven is referred to in the above-quoted phrase, "one of the chief princes". Some (notably Kosters) have maintained that the expressions "the sons of the ‘elohim," God’s "council" and "congregation," refer to the ancient gods of the heathen, now degraded and wholly subordinated to Yahweh. This rather daring speculation has little support in Scripture; but we find traces of a belief that the patron-angels of the nations have failed in establishing righteousness within their allotted sphere on earth, and that they will accordingly be punished by Yahweh their over-Lord (Isa 24:21 f; Ps 82$; compare Ps 58:1 f the Revised Version, margin; compare Jude 1:6).

3. The Angel of the Theophany:
This angel is spoken of as "the angel of Yahweh," and "the angel of the presence (or face) of Yahweh." The following passages contain references to this angel: Ge 16:7 ff—the angel and Hagar; Ge 18—Abraham intercedes with the angel for Sodom; Ge 22:11 ff—the angel interposes to prevent the sacrifice of Isaac; Ge 24:7,40—Abraham sends Eliezer and promises the angel’s protection; Ge 31:11 ff—the angel who appears to Jacob says "I am the God of Beth-el"; Ge 32:24 ff—Jacob wrestles with the angel and says, "I have seen God face to face"; Ge 48:15 f—Jacob speaks of God and the angel as identical; Ex 3 (compare Ac 7:30 ff)—the angel appears to Moses in the burning bush; Ex 13:21; 14:19 (compare Nu 20:16)—God or the angel leads Israel out of Egypt; Ex 23:20 ff—the people are commanded to obey the angel; Ex 32:34-33:17 (compare Isa 63:9)—Moses pleads for the presence of God with His people; Jos 5:13-6:2—the angel appears to Joshua; #Jud 2:1-5—the angel speaks to the people; Jud 6:11 ff—the angel appears to Gideon.

A study of these passages shows that while the angel and Yahweh are at times distinguished from each other, they are with equal frequency, and in the same passages, merged into each other. How is this to be explained? It is obvious that these apparitions cannot be the Almighty Himself, whom no man hath seen, or can see. In seeking the explanation, special attention should be paid to two of the passages above cited. In Ex 23:20 ff God promises to send an angel before His people to lead them to the promised land; they are commanded to obey him and not to provoke him "for he will not pardon your transgression: for my name is in him." Thus the angel can forgive sin, which only God can do, because God’s name, i.e. His character and thus His authority, are in the angel. Further, in the passage Ex 32:34-33:17 Moses intercedes for the people after their first breach of the covenant; God responds by promising, "Behold mine angel shall go before thee"; and immediately after God says, "I will not go up in the midst of thee." In answer to further pleading, God says, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." Here a clear distinction is made between an ordinary angel, and the angel who carries with him God’s presence. The conclusion may be summed up in the words of Davidson in his Old Testament Theology: "In particular providences one may trace the presence of Yahweh in influence and operation; in ordinary angelic appearances one may discover Yahweh present on some side of His being, in some attribute of His character; in the angel of the Lord He is fully present as the covenant God of His people, to redeem them." The question still remains, Who is theophanic angel? To this many answers have been given, of which the following may be mentioned:

(1) This angel is simply an angel with a special commission;

(2) He may be a momentary descent of God into visibility;

(3) He may be the Logos, a kind of temporary preincarnation of the second person of the Trinity.

Each has its difficulties, but the last is certainly the most tempting to the mind. Yet it must be remembered that at best these are only conjectures that touch on a great mystery. It is certain that from the beginning God used angels in human form, with human voices, in order to communicate with man; and the appearances of the angel of the Lord, with his special redemptive relation to God’s people, show the working of that Divine mode of self-revelation which culminated in the coming of the Saviour, and are thus a fore-shadowing of, and a preparation for, the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ. Further than this, it is not safe to go.

III. Angels in New Testament.

1. Appearances:
Nothing is related of angels in New Testament which is inconsistent with the teaching of Old Testament on the subject. Just as they are specially active in the beginning of Old Testament history, when God’s people is being born, so they appear frequently in connection with the birth of Jesus, and again when a new order of things begins with the resurrection. An angel appears three times in dreams to Joseph (Mt 1:20; 2:13,19). The angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias, and then to Mary in the annunciation (Lu 1). An angel announces to the shepherds the birth of Jesus, and is joined by a "multitude of the heavenly host," praising God in celestial song (Lu 2:8 ff). When Jesus is tempted, and again during the agony at Gethsemane, angels appear to Him to strengthen His soul (Mt 4:11; Lu 22:43). The verse which tells how an angel came down to trouble the pool (Joh 5:4) is now omitted from the text as not being genuine. An angel descends to roll away the stone from the tomb of Jesus (Mt 28:2); angels are seen there by certain women (Lu 24:23) and (two) by Mary Magdalene (Joh 20:12). An angel releases the apostles from prison, directs Philip, appears to Peter in a dream, frees him from prison, smites Herod with sickness, appears to Paul in a dream (Ac 5:19; 8:26; 10:3; 12:7 ff; 12:23; 27:23). Once they appear clothed in white; they are so dazzling in appearance as to terrify beholders; hence they begin their message with the words "Fear not" (Mt 28:2-5).

2. The Teaching of Jesus about Angels:

It is quite certain that our Lord accepted the main teachings of Old Testament about angels, as well as the later Jewish belief in good and bad angels. He speaks of the "angels in heaven" (Mt 22:30), and of "the devil and his angels" (Mt 25:41). According to our Lord the angels of God are holy (Mr 8:38); they have no sex or sensuous desires (Mt 22:30); they have high intelligence, but they know not the time of the Second Coming (Mt 24:36); they carry (in a parable) the soul of Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom (Lu 16:22); they could have been summoned to the aid of our Lord, had He so desired (Mt 26:53); they will accompany Him at the Second Coming (Mt 25:31) and separate the righteous from the wicked (Mt 13:41,49). They watch with sympathetic eyes the fortunes of men, rejoicing in the repentance of a sinner (Lu 15:10; compare 1Pe 1:12; Eph 3:10; 1Co 4:9); and they will hear the Son of Man confessing or denying those who have confessed or denied Him before men (Lu 12:8 f). The angels of the presence of God, who do not appear to correspond to our conception of guardian angels, are specially interested in God’s little ones (Mt 18:10). Finally, the existence of angels is implied in the Lord’s Prayer in the petition, "Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth" (Mt 6:10).

3. Other New Testament References:

Paul refers to the ranks of angels ("principalities, powers" etc.) only in order to emphasize the complete supremacy of Jesus Christ. He teaches that angels will be judged by the saints (1Co 6:3). He attacks the incipient Gnosticism of Asia Minor by forbidding the, worship of angels (Col 2:18). He speaks of God’s angels as "elect," because they are included in the counsels of Divine love (1Ti 5:21). When Paul commands the women to keep their heads covered in church because of the angels (1Co 11:10) he probably means that the angels, who watch all human affairs with deep interest, would be pained to see any infraction of the laws of modesty. In Heb 1:14 angels are described as ministering spirits engaged in the service of the saints. Peter also emphasizes the supremacy of our Lord over all angelic beings (1Pe 3:22). The references to angels in 2 Peter and Jude are colored by contact with Apocrypha literature. In Revelation, where the references are obviously symbolic, there is very frequent mention of angels. The angels of the seven churches (Re 1:20) are the guardian angels or the personifications of these churches. The worship of angels is also forbidden (Re 22:8 f). Specially interesting is the mention of elemental angels—"the angel of the waters" (Re 16:5), and the angel "that hath power over fire" (Re 14:18; compare Re 7:1; 19:17). Reference is also made to the "angel of the bottomless pit," who is called ABADDON or APOLLYON (which see), evidently an evil angel (Re 9:11 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "abyss"). In Re 12:7 ff we are told that there was war between Michael with his angels and the dragon with his angels.

IV. Development of the Doctrine.

In the childhood of the race it was easy to believe in God, and He was very near to the soul. In Paradise there is no thought of angels; it is God Himself who walks in the garden. A little later the thought of angels appears, but, God has not gone away, and as "the angel of Yahweh" He appears to His people and redeems them. In these early times the Jews believed that there were multitudes of angels, not yet divided in thought into good and bad; these had no names or personal characteristics, but were simply embodied messages. Till the time of the captivity the Jewish angelology shows little development. During that dark period they came into close contact with a polytheistic people, only to be more deeply confirmed in their monotheism thereby. They also became acquainted with the purer faith of the Persians, and in all probability viewed the tenets of Zoroastrianism with a more favorable eye, because of the great kindness of Cyrus to their nation.

There are few direct traces of Zoroastrianism in the later angelology of the Old Testament. It is not even certain that the number seven as applied to the highest group of angels is Persian in its origin; the number seven was not wholly disregarded by the Jews. One result of the contact was that the idea of a hierarchy of the angels was more fully developed. The conception in Da of angels as "watchers," and the idea of patron-princes or angel-guardians of nations may be set down to Persian influence. It is probable that contact with the Persians helped the Jews to develop ideas already latent in their minds. According to Jewish tradition, the names of the angels came from Babylon. By this time the consciousness of sin had grown more intense in the Jewish mind, and God had receded to an immeasurable distance; the angels helped to fill the gap between God and man. The more elaborate conceptions of Daniel and Zechariah are further developed in Apocrypha, especially in 2 Esdras, Tobit and 2 Macc.

In the New Testament we find that there is little further development; and by the Spirit of God its writers were saved from the absurdly puerile teachings of contemporary Rabbinism. We find that the Sadducees, as contrasted with the Pharisees, did not believe in angels or spirits (Ac 23:8). We may conclude that the Sadducees, with their materialistic standpoint, and denial of the resurrection, regarded angels merely as symbolical expressions of God’s actions. It is noteworthy in this connection that the great priestly document (Priestly Code, P) makes no mention of angels. The Book of Revelation naturally shows a close kinship to the books of Ezekiel and Daniel. Regarding the rabbinical developments of angelology, some beautiful, some extravagant, some grotesque, but all fanciful, it is not necessary here to speak. The Essenes held an esoteric doctrine of angels, in which most scholars find the germ of the Gnostic eons.
V. The Reality of Angels.

A belief in angels, if not indispensable to the faith of a Christian, has its place there. In such a belief there is nothing unnatural or contrary to reason. Indeed, the warm welcome which human nature has always given to this thought, is an argument in its favor. Why should there not be such an order of beings, if God so willed it? For the Christian the whole question turns on the weight to be attached to the words of our Lord. All are agreed that He teaches the existence, reality, and activity of angelic beings. Was He in error because of His human limitations? That is a conclusion which it is very hard for the Christian to draw, and we may set it aside. Did He then adjust His teaching to popular belief, knowing that what He said was not true? This explanation would seem to impute deliberate untruth to our Lord, and must equally be set aside. So we find ourselves restricted to the conclusion that we have the guaranty of Christ’s word for the existence of angels; for most Christians that will settle the question.

The visible activity of angels has come to an end, because their mediating work is done; Christ has founded the kingdom of the Spirit, and God’s Spirit speaks directly to the spirit of man. This new and living way has been opened up to us by Jesus Christ, upon whom faith can yet behold the angels of God ascending and descending. Still they watch the lot of man, and rejoice in his salvation; still they join in the praise and adoration of God, the Lord of hosts, still can they be regarded as "ministering spirits sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation."

LITERATURE.

All Old Testament and New Testament theologies contain discussions. Among the older books Oehler’s Old Testament Theology and Hengstenberg’s Christology of Old Testament (for "angel of Yahweh") and among modern ones Davidson’s Old Testament Theology are specially valuable. The ablest supporter of theory that the "sons of the Elohim" are degraded gods is Kosters. "Het onstaan der Angelologie onder Israel," TT 1876. See also articles on "Angel" in HDB (by Davidson), EB, DCG, Jew Encyclopedia, RE (by Cremer). Cremer’s Biblico- Theological New Testament Lexicon should be consulted under the word "aggelos." For Jewish beliefs see also Edersheim’s Life and Times of Jesus, II, Appendix xiii. On the Pauline angelology see Everling, Die paulinische Angelologie. On the general subject see Godet, Biblical Studies; Mozley, The Word, chapter lix, and Latham, A Service of Angels.

Angel:
a word signifying, both in the Hebrew and Greek, a "messenger," and hence employed to denote any agent God sends forth to execute his purposes. It is used of an ordinary messenger (Job 1: 1 Sam. 11:3; Luk 7:24; 9:52), of prophets (Isa 42:19; Hag 1:13), of priests (Mal 2:7), and ministers of the New Testament (Rev 1:20).

It is also applied to such impersonal agents as the pestilence (2Sa 24:16,17; 2Ki 19:35), the wind (Psa 104:4).

But its distinctive application is to certain heavenly intelligences whom God employs in carrying on his government of the world. The name does not denote their nature but their office as messengers. The appearances to Abraham at Mamre (Gen 18:2, 22. Comp. 19:1), to Jacob at Peniel (Gen 32:24,30), to Joshua at Gilgal (Jos 5:13,15), of the Angel of the Lord, were doubtless manifestations of the Divine presence, "foreshadowings of the incarnation," revelations before the "fulness of the time" of the Son of God.

(1.) The existence and orders of angelic beings can only be discovered from the Scriptures. Although the Bible does not treat of this subject specially, yet there are numerous incidental details that furnish us with ample information. Their personal existence is plainly implied in such passages as Gen. 16:7, 10, 11; Jdg 13:1-21; Mat 28:2-5; Hbr 1:4, etc.

These superior beings are very numerous. "Thousand thousands," etc. (Dan 7:10; Mat 26:53; Luk 2:13; Hbr 12:22,23. They are also spoken of as of different ranks in dignity and power (Zec 1:9,11; Dan 10:13; 12:1; 1Th 4:16; Jud 1:9; Eph 1:21; Col 1:16).

(2.) As to their nature, they are spirits (Hbr 1:14), like the soul of man, but not incorporeal. Such expressions as "like the angels" (Luk 20:36), and the fact that whenever angels appeared to man it was always in a human form (Gen 18:2; 19:1,10; Luk 24:4; Act 1:10), and the titles that are applied to them (Job 1:6; 38:7; Dan 3:25; Dan 3:28) and to men (Luk 3:38), seem all to indicate some resemblance between them and the human race. Imperfection is ascribed to them as creatures (Job 4:18; Mat 24:36; 1Pe 1:12). As finite creatures they may fall under temptation; and accordingly we read of "fallen angels." Of the cause and manner of their "fall" we are wholly ignorant. We know only that "they left their first estate" (Mat 25:41; Rev 12:7,9), and that they are "reserved unto judgement" (2Pe 2:4). When the manna is called "angels' food," this is merely to denote its excellence (Psa 78:25). Angels never die (Luk 20:36). They are possessed of superhuman intelligence and power (Mar 13:32; 2Th 1:7; Psa 103:20). They are called "holy" (Luk 9:26), "elect" (1Ti 5:21). The redeemed in glory are "like unto the angels" (Luk 20:36). They are not to be worshipped (Col 2:18; Rev 19:10).

(3.) Their functions are manifold. (a) In the widest sense they are agents of God's providence (Exd 12:23; Psa 104:4; Hbr 11:28; 1Cr 10:10; 2Sa 24:16; 1Ch 21:16; 2Ki 19:35; Act 12:23). (b) They are specially God's agents in carrying on his great work of redemption. There is no notice of angelic appearances to man till after the call of Abraham. From that time onward there are frequent references to their ministry on earth (Gen 18; 19; 24:7,40; 28:12; 32:1). They appear to rebuke idolatry (Jdg 2:1-4), to call Gideon (Jdg 6:11,12), and to consecrate Samson (13:3). In the days of the prophets, from Samuel downward, the angels appear only in their behalf (1Ki 19:5; 2Ki 6:17; Zech. 1-6, Dan 4:13,23; 10:10,13,20,21).

The Incarnation introduces a new era in the ministrations of angels. They come with their Lord to earth to do him service while here. They predict his advent (Mat 1:20; Luk 1:26-38), minister to him after his temptation and agony (Mat 4:11; Luk 22:43), and declare his resurrection and ascension (Mat 28:2-8; Jhn 20:12,13; Act 1:10,11). They are now ministering spirits to the people of God (Hbr 1:14; Psa 34:7; 91:11; Mat 18:10; Act 5:19; 8:26; 10:3; 12:7; 27:23). They rejoice over a penitent sinner (Luk 15:10). They bear the souls of the redeemed to paradise (Luk 16:22); and they will be the ministers of judgement hereafter on the great day (Mat 13:39,41,49; 16:27; 24:31). The passages (Psa 34:7, Matt. 18:10) usually referred to in support of the idea that every individual has a particular guardian angel have no such meaning. They merely indicate that God employs the ministry of angels to deliver his people from affliction and danger, and that the angels do not think it below their dignity to minister even to children and to the least among Christ's disciples.

The "angel of his presence" (Isa 63:9. Comp. Ex. 23:20, 21; 32:34; 33:2; Num 20:16) is probably rightly interpreted of the Messiah as the guide of his people. Others have supposed the expression to refer to Gabriel (Luk 1:19).

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In His Glorious Name Ministries

Angels of the Seven Churches: It is evident from the contexts of the various Biblical passages in which the word "angel" appears, that the word does not always represent the same idea. In such passages as Da 12:1 and Ac 12:15 it would seem that the angel was generally regarded as a superhuman being whose duty it was to guard a nation or an individual, not unlike the jenei of the Arabs. However, in Mal 2:7, 3:1 (Hebrew) the word is clearly used to represent men. In the New Testament also, there are passages, such as Jas 2:25 (Greek), in which the word seems to be applied to men. The seven angels of the seven churches (Re 1:20) received seven letters, figurative letters, and therefore it would seem that the seven angels are also figurative and may refer to the seven bishops who presided over the seven churches of Asia. Or the angels may be regarded as the personifications of the churches.

Blessings, in Christ.
In His Glorious Name