1. THE HISTORY OF ANGELS
     Angels were created by God (Psalm 148:5; Colossians 1:16) for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11). They were there with God when the earth was created (Job 38:7). So they had to have been created before the creation of the earth. Angels were probably all created at the same time and they were too many to count (Hebrews 12:22). Originally all the angels were holy creatures (Jude 6). They were spirit beings (Psalm 104:4; Luke 8:2; 24:39; Ephesians 2:2; Hebrews 1:7,14). Sometimes they look like humans, like the time they appeared to Abraham (Genesis 18) and when they appeared to the followers of Jesus at the tomb (Mark 16:5; John 20:12). The writer of Hebrews encourages us to be hospitable to strangers because some, without realizing it or without knowing it have entertained angels (Hebrews 13:2). But angels do not reproduce or have children as humans do (Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25) and they do not die (Luke 20:36). They are organized into positions of responsibility (Ephesians 3:10). They are super-human, stronger-than-man creatures (Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 2:7-9; 2 Peter 2:11). They are mentioned in over 300 times in Scripture. The word "angel" simply means "messenger" and is especially used for created spirit beings who serve and give messages.

     Many Bible scholars believe that Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 are talking about the fall of Satan. He was called Lucifer (Isaiah 14:12). He was created as a perfect holy angel and had a high position of trust being filled with beauty and wisdom (Ezekiel 28:12-15). Lucifer was given charge of part of the universe. Sin entered the universe for the first time when pride filled Lucifer's heart. He began a revolt against God. This happened sometime after the creation of angels (in Genesis 1) and before we see Satan as a serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). He said, "I will ascend ... I will exalt ... I will sit ...I will ascend ... I will be like the Most High," like God Himself (Isaiah 14:13-14). Many angels, perhaps 1/3rd of them (Revelation 12:14), sided with Lucifer, shared in his sin (2 Peter 2:4), and fell with him. From that point on the faithful angels are referred to as holy and elect angels (Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38; 1 Timothy 5:21), while the fallen angels are known as demons or the devil's angels (Matthew 12:22-30; 25:41).

2. WE ARE OPPOSED BY THE FALLEN ANGELS
     Satan is called "the prince of demons"(Matthew 12:24). These fallen angels have intellect (Matthew 8:29; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 11:3), emotion (James 2:19; Revelation 12:17) and will (Luke 8:28-31; 2 Timothy 2:26). They are spirit-beings (Matthew 8:16 10:1; Luke 7:21; 1 Corinthians 15:39-40; Ephesians 6:123). They do not have a flesh and bones human-like body (Luke 24:39). They have a heavenly body (1 Corinthians 15:40). They are organized (Ephesians 6:12).

     What do they do? They serve with Satan (Matthew 12:24; 2 Corinthians 11;14-15). They imitate God. They deceive the nations of the world (Revelation 20:3). They oppose Jesus Christ. They blind the eyes of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4). And they tempt, accuse and try to deceive believers (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12;10). In the end they will be separated from God forever and ever in a place of everlasting fire called hell (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:10).

3. WE ARE HELPED BY THE FAITHFUL ANGELS
     The faithful angels also have intellect (1 Peter 1:12), emotion (Luke 15:10) and will (Jude 6). They are spirit-beings (Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 1:13-14). They also are organized into groups called arch-angels (Jude 9), Seraphims (Isaiah 6:2) and Cherubims (Genesis 3:24).

     What do they do? They praise and worship God (Revelation 5:8-13). They rejoice in what He does (Job 38:6-7). They serve Him (Psalm 103:20). They carry out God's judgements (Revelation 7:1; 8:2). They guard the nation of Israel (Daniel 12:1). They watch over rulers and nations (Daniel 4:17). They influence human leaders (Daniel 10:21; 11:1). They bring answers to Christian's prayers (Acts 12:5-10). They help believers bring people to Christ (Acts 8:26; 10:3). They watch over believers when they work and especially when they suffer. An angel fed Elijah (1 Kings 19:5-7). An angel protected Daniel from hungry lions (Daniel 6:22). An angel freed Peter from prison (Acts 12:7-10). An army of angels protected Elisha, his servant and the city of Dothan in 2 Kings 6. His servant was afraid so Elisha prayed, "Lord, please open his eyes." and the servant saw the army of angels (2 Kings 6:17). These faithful angels encourage and protect believers during times of dangers and death. Psalm 91:11 says,

Psalm 91:11

"For He will give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways."

Hebrews1:14 says that angels are "ministering spirits." They serve believers. Children have angels who watch over them too. Matthew 18:10 says, "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven." So we as humans are not the only personal beings on the earth. We are not alone here.

     John Paton was a missionary in the Hebrides islands. One night cannibal (man-eating) natives surrounded his hut one night. They were planning to burn the Patons out and kill them. John and his wife prayed all during that terror filled night that God would protect them. When daylight came they were amazed to see that the attackers had gone. A year later the chief of the tribe was converted to Christ. John asked him what kept his men from burning the house and killing them that night. The chief replied in surprise, "Who were all those men you had with you there?" Paton knew no men were present--but the chief said he was afraid to attack because he had seen hundreds of big men in shining garments with swords protecting his place. Psalm 34:7 says,

Psalm 34:7

"The angel of the Lord camps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.

by Steve Nicholes
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