Ministration of Holy Angels

Transcription

1 Ministration of Holy Angels by Dr. Elliot O. Douglin Author of The New World Economic Order, The Sealing Work, The Hour of His Judgment is Come, Absolute Rest, and Principles of Sabbath Rest. 1. Laying The Foundation Part One Laying The Foundation Part Two The Origin and Nature of Angels The Organization of the Angelic Hosts The Son of God, Yahweh's Supreme Messenger Titles of Angels The Angel Gabriel - Part One The Angel Gabriel - Part Two Celestial Witnesses of the Great Controversy on Earth - Part One Celestial Witnesses of the Great Controversy on Earth - Part Two The Redemptive Ministry of Holy Angels - Part One The Redemptive Ministry of Holy Angels - Part Two The Redemptive Ministry of Holy Angels - Part Three The Redemptive Ministry of Holy Angels - Part Four Angels as Executors of Divine Judgement Angels and Reformation Learning From Holy Angels Satan and His Fallen Angels - Part One Satan and His Fallen Angels - Part Two The Six Judgements of Satan Satan and His Fallen Angels - Part Three The Progressive Development of Modern Spiritualism Satan and His Fallen Angels - Part Four

2 22. Angels in the Book of Revelation - Part One Angels in the Book of Revelation - Part Two The Four Angelic Living Creatures or Beasts of Revelation 4 - Part Two Angels in the Book of Revelation - Part Three The Four Angelic Living Creatures or Beasts of Revelation 4 - Part Three Angels in the Book of Revelation - Part Four The Trumpet Angels - Part One Angels in the Book of Revelation - Part Five The Trumpet Angels - Part Two Angels in the Book of Revelation - Part Six The Angels of Revelation 14 & The Third Angel Flies on Revelation 14: The Ministry of Angels in the Final Crisis Our Future with the Angels

3 1 Laying The Foundation Part One INTRODUCTION: The ministration of holy angels, as presented in the Scriptures, is a truth most comforting and precious to every follower of Christ. G.C We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angel visitants. C.O.L Fellow believers we are about to enter a study of a truth most comforting and precious and w hich truth we need to understa nd better than we do. The holy angels are ministering spirits, whose mission is to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. Heb. 1:14. If God is so gracious as to appoint the angels to be our servants in the great conflict between good and evil, should we not learn as much as we can about them and their work so that we may better cooperate w ith them? His angels are appointed to watch over us, and if we put ourselves under their guardianship, then in every time of danger they will be at our right hand. When unconsciously we are in danger of exerting a wrong influence, the angels will be by our side, prompting us to a better course, choosing our words for us, and influencing our actions. C.O.L. 341, 342. Satan and his fallen angels are in a desperate struggle to defeat God s plan of redemption. Having lost the central battle at Calvary Satan is now directing all the energies of hell towards the final generation of living saints, the remnant of the woman s seed (Rev. 12:17). That Satan and his demons are intensely involved in the closing scenes of the great controversy is clearly mentioned in scripture. Read Rev. 16:13, 14; Eph. 6:12. On the other hand Christ and His angels are also intensely involved in the great controversy and they are for us, praise the Lord! SECTION A: DEFI NITION AND LINGUISTICS The w ord angel as used in the Bible simply means messenger or a gent. In the Hebrew scriptures of the Old Testament the original Hebrew word most often used is malak (messenger or agent). But in Psalm 8:5 the original Hebrew word translated angel is the word elohim which is also translated God or gods. In the Greek New Testament scriptures the only word is a ggelos (messenger or agent).

4 Both in the Old and New Testament malak and aggelos respectively, are used to describe any supernatural heavenly spirit being including Persons of the Godhead (see Judges 13; Gen. 48: 15,16; Gen. 32: 24-30) or the created spirit messengers. In our modern era when we use the term angel w e mean a created spirit being, but we must always remember that the Biblical usage is broader and includes, on some occasions, members of the Godhead, specifically the Second Person of the Godhead. The New Testament informs us that the Son of God is the WORD of God. He is therefore God s supreme messenger or agent (translated angel). But because the word messenger or angel is applied to the Son of God it does not mean that He is a created messenger or angel. He is the uncreated, divine, original YAHWEH-MESSENGER (Malak Yahweh). Later on in this series we shall do an entire lesson on the Son of God as the uncreated divine Yahweh-Messenger (angel) called Michael. But for now we want to focus our attention on the created spirit messengers: the creature angels. SECTION B: HOLY ANGELS AND THEIR WORK - AN OVERVIEW The connection of the visible w ith the invisible world, the ministration of angels of God, and the agency of evil spirits, are plainly revealed in the Scriptures, and inseparably interwoven with human history. There is a grow ing tendency to disbelief in the existence of evil spirits, while the holy angels that minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14) are regarded by many as spirits of the dead. But the Scriptures not only teach the existence of angels, both good and evil, but present unquestionable proof that these are not disembodied spirits of dead men. Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for when the foundations of the earth were laid, the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Job 38:7. After the fall of man, angels were sent to guard the tree of life, and this before a human being had died. Angels are in nature superior to men, for the psalmist says that man was made a little lower than the angels. Psalm 8:5. We are informed in Scripture as to the number, and the power and glory, of the heavenly beings, of their connection with the government of God and also of their relation to the work of redemption. The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over all. And, says the prophet, I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne. In the presence chamber of the King of kings they wait - angels, that excel in strength, ministers of His that do His pleasure, hearkening unto the voice of His word. Psalm 103:19-21; Rev. 5:11. Ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, were the heavenly messengers beheld by the prophet Daniel. The apostle Paul declared them an innumerable company. Dan. 7:10; Heb. 12:22. As God s messengers they go forth, like the appearance of a flash of lightning, (Eze. 1:14), so dazzling their glory, and so swift their flight. The angel that appeared at the Saviour s tomb, his countenance like lightning, and his raiment white as snow, caused the keepers for fear of him to quake, and they became as dead men. Matt. 28:3,4. When Sennacherib, the haughty Assyrian, reproached and blasphemed God, and threatened Israel w ith destruction, it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand. There were cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains, from the army of Sennacherib. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. 2Kings 19:35; 2Chron. 32:21. Angels are sent on missions of mercy to the children of God. To Abraham, with promises of blessing; to the gates of Sodom, to rescue righteous Lot from its fiery doom; to Elijah, as he

5 was about to perish from w eariness and hunger in the desert; to Elisha, w ith chariots and horses of fire surrounding the little town where he was shut in by his foes; to Daniel, while seeking divine wisdom in the court of a heathen king, or abandoned to become the lions prey; to Peter, doomed to death in Herod s dungeon; to the prisoners at Philippi; to Paul and his companions in the night of tempest on the sea; to open the mind of Cornelius to receive the gospel; to dispatch Peter with the message of salvation to the Gentile stranger - thus holy angels have, in all ages, ministered to God s people. A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. These heavenly watchers shield the righteous from the power of the wicked one. This Satan himself recognized when he said: Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Job 1:9, 10. The agency by which God protects His people is presented in the words of the psalmist: The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. Psalm 34:7. Said the Saviour, speaking of those that believe in Him: Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father. Matt. 18:10. The angels appointed to minister to the children of God have at all times access to His presence. Thus God s people, exposed to the deceptive power and unsleeping malice of the prince of darkness, and in conflict w ith all the forces of evil, are assured of the unceasing guardianship of heavenly angels. Nor is such assurance given w ithout need. If God has granted to His children promise of grace and protection, it is because there are mighty agencies of evil to be met - agencies numerous, determined, and untiring, of whose malignity and power none can safely be ignorant or unheeding. G.C

6 2 Laying The Foundation Part Two INTRODUCTION: In our last lesson we had an overview of the work of the holy angels. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 1:14 Yes! They are. But not only are they ministering spirits serving the heirs of salvation (specific grace) but they also exercise God s merciful protection to the ungodly (general grace) and they do spiritual battle against the fallen angels, now named demons. It is important for us early in this series of lessons to have an overview of the work of the evil angels so as to better appreciate our need of the protection of the holy angels. SECTION A: EVIL SPIRITS Evil spirits, in the beginning created sinless, were equal in nature, power, and glory with the holy beings that are now God s messengers. But fallen through sin, they are leagued together for the dishonor of God and the destruction of men. United w ith Satan in his rebellion, and with him cast out from heaven, they have, through all succeeding ages, cooperated w ith him in his w arfare against the divine authority. We are told in Scripture of their confederacy and government, of their various orders, of their intelligence and subtlety, and of their malicious designs against the peace and happiness of men. Old Testament history presents occasional mention of their existence and agency; but it was during the time w hen Christ was upon earth that evil spirits manifested their power in the most striking manner. Christ had come to enter upon the plan devised for man s redemption, and Satan determined to assert his right to control the w orld. He had succeeded in establishing idolatry in every part of the earth except the land of Palestine. To the only land that had not fully yielded to the tempter s sway, Christ came to shed upon the people the light of heaven. Here two rival powers claimed supremacy. Jesus was stretching out His arms of love, inviting all w ho would to find pardon and peace in Him. The hosts of darkness saw that they did not possess unlimited control, and they understood that if Christ s mission should be successful, their rule was soon to end. Satan raged like a chained lion and defiantly exhibited his power over the bodies as well as the souls of men. The fact that men have been possessed w ith demons, is clearly stated in the New Testament. The persons thus afflicted were not merely suffering with disease from natural causes. Christ had perfect understanding of that with which He was dealing, and He recognized the direct presence and agency of evil spirits. A striking example of their number, power, and malignity, and also of the power and mercy of Christ, is given in the Scripture account of the healing of the demoniacs at Gadara. Those wretched maniacs, spurning all restraint, writhing, foaming, raging, were filling the air w ith

7 their cries, doing violence to themselves, and endangering all who should approach them. Their bleeding and disfigured bodies and distracted minds presented a spectacle well pleasing to the prince of darkness. One of the demons controlling the sufferers declared: My name is Legion: for we are many. Mark 5:9. In the Roman army a legion consisted of from three to five thousand men. Satan s hosts also are marshaled in companies, and the single company to which these demons belonged numbered no less than a legion. At the command of Jesus the evil spirits departed from their victims, leaving them calmly sitting at the Saviour s feet, subdued, intelligent, and gentle. But the demons w ere permitted to sweep a herd of swine into the sea; and to the dwellers of Gadara the loss of these outweighed the blessings which Christ had bestowed, and the divine Healer was entreated to depart. This was the result which Satan designed to secure. By casting the blame of their loss upon Jesus, he aroused the selfish fears of the people and prevented them from listening to His w ords. Satan is constantly accusing Christians as the cause of loss, misfortune, and suffering, instead of allowing the reproach to fall where it belongs - upon himself and his agents. But the purposes of Christ were not thwarted. He allow ed the evil spirits to destroy the herd of sw ine as a rebuke to those Jews who were raising these unclean beasts for the sake of gain. Had not Christ restrained the demons, they would have plunged into the sea, not only the swine, but also their keepers and owners. The preservation of both the keepers and the owners was due alone to His pow er, mercifully exercised for their deliverance. Furthermore, this event was permitted to take place that the disciples might w itness the cruel power of Satan upon both man and beast. The Saviour desired His followers to have a knowledge of the foe whom they were to meet, that they might not be deceived and overcome by his devices. It was also His will that the people of that region should behold His power to break the bondage of Satan and release his captives. "And though Jesus Himself departed, the men so marvelously delivered, remained to declare the mercy of their Benefactor. Other instances of a similar nature are recorded in the Scriptures. The daughter of the Syrophoenician woman w as grievously vexed w ith the devil, whom Jesus cast out by His word. Mark 7: One possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb (Matthew 12:22); a youth who had a dumb spirit, that ofttimes cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him (Mark 9:17-27); the maniac who, tormented by a spirit of an unclean devil (Luke 4:33-36), disturbed the Sabbath quiet of the synagogue at Capernaum - all were healed by the compassionate Saviour. In nearly every instance, Christ addressed the demon as an intelligent entity, commanding him to come out of his victim and to torment him no more. The worshippers at Capernaum, beholding His mighty power, were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for w ith authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. Luke 4:36. Those possessed with devils are usually represented as being in a condition of great suffering; yet there were exceptions to this rule. For the sake of obtaining supernatural power, some welcomed the satanic influence. These of course had no conflict with the demons. Of this class were those who possessed the spirit of divination, - Simon Magus, Elymas the sorcerer, and the damsel who followed Paul and Silas at Philippi. G.C SECTION B: THE DANGER OF IGNORANC E OR REJECTION OF TRUTH

8 Ignorance of the truth concerning the existence and work of holy angels, on one hand, and of the evil angels on the other hand, is fatally dangerous. And those who reject such truth are in grave danger from the influence of evil spirits w ithout even knowing it. None are in greater danger from the influence of evil spirits than those who, notwithstanding the direct and ample testimony of the Scriptures, deny the existence and agency of the devil and his angels. So long as we are ignorant of their w iles, they have almost inconceivable advantage; many give heed to their suggestions while they suppose themselves to be follow ing the dictates of their own w isdom. This is why, as we approach the close of time, when Satan is to work with greatest power to deceive and destroy, he spreads everywhere the belief that he does not exist. It is his policy to conceal himself and his manner of working. There is nothing that the great deceiver fears so much as that we shall become acquainted with his devices. The better to disguise his real character and purposes, he has caused himself to be so represented as to excite no stronger emotion than ridicule or contempt. He is well pleased to be painted as a ludicrous or loathsome object, misshapen, half animal and half human. He is pleased to hear his name used in sport and mockery by those who think themselves intelligent and well informed. It is because he has masked himself w ith consummate skill that the question is so w idely asked: Does such a being really exist? It is an evidence of his success that theories giving the lie to the plainest testimony of the Scriptures are so generally received in the religious world. And it is because Satan can most readily control the minds of those who are unconscious of his influence, that the word of God gives us so many examples of his malignant w ork, unveiling before us his secret forces, and thus placing us on our guard against his assaults. G.C. 516, 517. CONCLUSION The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm us were it not that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our Redeemer. We carefully secure our houses w ith bolts and locks to protect our property and our lives from evil men; but we seldom think of the evil angels who are constantly seeking access to us, and against whose attacks we have, in our strength, no method of defense. If permitted, they can distract our minds, disorder and torment our bodies, destroy our possessions and our lives. Their only delight is in misery and destruction. Fearful is the condition of those who resist the divine claims and yield to Satan s temptations, until God gives them up to the control of evil spirits. But those who follow Christ are ever safe under His watchcare. Angels that excel in strength are sent from heaven to protect them. The w icked one cannot break through the guard which God has stationed about His people. G.C. 517.

9 3 The Origin And Nature Of Angels INTRODUCTION: Our first two lessons were introductory overviews of the nature and work of angels, both unfallen and fallen. We now intend to go deeper in this important study of the Bible truth concerning angels (angelology). And remember we are studying about the created angels first of all. SECTION A: THE ORIGIN OF ANGELS The Bible clearly reveals the truth that angels were created by the word of God. Psalm 148:2-5; Psalm 33:6-9. They were all created individually, en masse, by the word of God. The Second Person of the Godhead, the Son of God, created all things. John 1:1-3. He therefore created the angels. Col. 1:16. The angels were created before our solar system. We know this for sure from Job 38:1-7. And by putting Job 38:1-7 together with Colossians 1:16 and a careful study of Patriarchs and Prophets, Chapter 1, we may conclude that the angels were created before the material universe was created. The angels were created by Christ and for Christ! Col. 1:16. Why? The angels like all the other living intelligences were created for the glory and pleasure of God. Rev. 4:11. Because God is love He finds glory and pleasure in giving His goodness and happiness to His creatures. God is so infinitely selfless and loving that He made creatures with whom to share His love and happiness. And it is His greatest pleasure to make His creatures absolutely happy. But Paul takes us further in Heb. 1:14 where he points out that the angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. The rise of the Satanic government of sin in heaven led to one-third of the angels (Rev. 12:4) joining Satan, leaving two-thirds on God s side. But the Satanic charges against God s government left certain questions and possible misunderstandings in the minds of the unfallen hosts. After the fall of man the plan of redemption w as put into operation for the eternal purpose of redeeming man from sin and making secure the unfallen angels and unfallen worlds. The plan of redemption, centered in the infinite sacrifice of the Son of God, would answer every Satanic charge which Satan had levelled against God. God appointed the holy angels to help in the work of redemption as ministering servants to Jesus Christ during His earthly sojourn and to those who shall be heirs of salvation. By being involved in the plan of redemption they would better understand the nature of sin and the love of God. Furthermore the questions raised in their minds would be more satisfactorily answered through their involvement with the salvation of man than if they were mere passive spectators.

10 In other words their appointment as our ministering servants is both for our good and their good. God s eternal purpose is for the ultimate security of the universe against any idea of having an alternative government to His government. He must not only save human sinners (those who so choose) from sin but He must secure the angels from ever falling into sin. Therefore in helping us in our battle against sin the angels are working out their own absolute security from ever falling into sin. So w ithin the context of God s eternal purpose we can say (as Paul implies) that the angels were made to be ministering servants to those who shall be heirs of salvation! Hence we see clearly that the angels were made to serve and glorify Christ and His body the Church! THE LIFE-SPAN OF ANGELS All the angels who were originally created are still alive. Tw o thirds have remained loyal to God s government. These are called the elect angels in 1 Timothy 5:21. These unfallen angels will continue to live forever. The other one-third, the fallen angels, will continue to live until the end of the 1000 year millennium of Revelation 20 when they w ill suffer punishing in the lake of fire and the punishment of eternal death caused by the absolute separation from God because of their sin. Jude 6; Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:9, 10; Mal. 4:1. [N.B. Since angels do not reproduce (Matt. 22:30) there has been no increase in their number since they were all created initially.] THE DWELLING PLACE OF ANGELS The Bible declares unequivocally that the angels dwell in the highest heaven (the third heaven) with God Himself. Of course, the angels have access to the entire universe but their primary home is in heaven with God. From heaven they are sent on various errands to earth (and undoubtedly around the universe) and when their tasks are completed they return to heaven. Daniel 7:10; Isa. 6:1-3; John 1:51; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 5:11; Daniel 9: SECTION B: THE NATURE OF ANGELS Before we go into this part of our study of angels we should note that the term angel indicates not the nature of angels but the function of angels. The word angel simply means messenger. SPIRIT CREATURES: Angels are non-physical, non-material creatures. They are spirit creatures. Angels are therefore invi sibl e and they are not limited by material or physical limitations. They are called ministering spiri ts in Heb.1:14. We know nothing about the details of the inner nature and functioning of spirits. Spirit creatures possess spirit bodies which are non-material energy bodies capable of penetrating matter and travelling at speeds very much faster than the speed of light. Although angels are not normally visible to the human eye (or, for that matter, tangible to any of our senses) they have the ability to appear visibly to human beings. How they do this is a level of physics beyond our present know ledge. PERSONAL BEINGS: The angels are intelligent, free moral agents possessing freedom of thought, will and choice. Just as you and I are persons, so also are angels persons. We are physical persons, they are spiri t persons.

11 Scripture reveals that angels possess intelligence, emotions and a moral will. 2 Sam. 14:20, 17; 1 Pet. 1:12; Job 38:7; Luke 15:7; Rev. 22:8, 9. Angels are described as performing all the personal actions which we associate with personality: They love and rejoice - Luke 15:10 They desire - 1 Peter 1:12 They contend (spiritually)- Jude 9; Rev. 12:7) They worship - Hebrews 1:6 They communicate - Luke 1:13 They move (at incomprehensible velocities) - John 1:51 They are accountable to God; the fallen angels w ill be judged - 1 Cor.6:3 Because they are spirits, angels do not need to eat and drink like us to sustain their persons or natures. Nor are they capable of reproduction. (Matthew 22:30). OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF ANGELS The angels are extremely powerful; Psalm 103:20; 2 Thess.1:7. Though they possess supernatural power (speaking from a human standpoint) they are not independent of God. Angels depend upon the power of God for their existence and power and under God the angels are all powerful. D.A In summary, then we have learned that:- - Angels are spiri t creatures, created by Christ in the earliest beginning. - Angels are not resurrected humans or spirits of dead humans. - Angels are personal beings, not things. - Angels are usually invisible, but may appear to humans. - Angels have great power and under God are all-powerful. - The unfallen angels are surrendered to God and to God s w ill and they dwell in heaven with God.

12 4 The Organization Of The Angelic Hosts We are informed in Scripture as to the number, and the power and glory, of the heavenly beings, of their connection with the government of God, and also their relation to the work of redemption. G.C. 511 The number of angels is so vast as to be beyond the limit of our numerical comprehension. But nevertheless there must be a definite number of angels, however vast that number is. So vast is their number, that Daniel in vision said he saw ten thousand times ten thousand a nd thousands of thousands Dan. 7:10. John used similar language in Rev. 5:11. Paul declared them an innumerable company in Hebrews 12:22. In order for such a vast number of beings to work together efficiently they must be highly organised after the Divine Order. The angels of God are very well organised. This should not be surprising for we are told in scripture that God is not the author of confusion but of peace... 1 Cor. 14:33. There is perfect order and harmony in the Holy City. All the angels that are commissioned to visit the earth hold a golden card, which they present to the angels at the gates of the city as they pass in and out. E.W. 39 SECTION A RANKS IN THE ANGELIC REALM PART ONE: CHERUBIM Angels differ in rank and power. We know that the highest in rank and the most powerful of the created angels are the Covering Cherubim. The two Covering Cherubim occupy the two highest and most powerful positions of all created beings. Lucifer, before his rebellion, was first of the covering cherubs P.P.35. He had been the highest of all created beings, and had been foremost in revealing God s purposes to the universe D.A.758. Eze.28:14. Most of our information about the two Covering Cherubim is to be found in the typology of the earthly sanctuary. Moses was given specific and detailed instructions concerning the construction of the earthly sanctuary. It was to be made according to the pattern shown to him on Mount Sinai and it was to be a teaching model of the real sanctuary in heaven. In the Most Holy Place of the earthly sanctuary were the figures of the two Covering Cherubim, one on either end of the Mercy Seat (which covered the Ark of the Testament). From between the two Covering Cherubim the radiant splendour of the manifestation of the divine presence shone forth. It was known as the Shekinah glory. Ex. 25:9-22. In the most holy place stood the ark, a chest of precious wood overlaid w ith gold, the depository of the two tables of stone upon which God had inscribed the law of Ten Commandments. Above the ark, and forming the cover to the sacred chest, was the Mercy Seat, a magnificent piece of workmanship, surmounted by two Cherubim, one at each end,

13 and all w rought of solid gold. In this apartment the divine presence was manifested in the cloud of glory between the Cherubim. G.C In the temple of heaven, the dwelling place of God, His throne is established in righteousness and judgement. In the most holy place is His law, the great rule of right by which all mankind are tested. The ark that enshrines the tables of the law is covered w ith the Mercy Seat, before which Christ pleads His blood in the sinner s behalf. Thus is represented the union of justice and mercy in the plan of human redemption. This union infinite wisdom alone could devise and infinite power accomplish; it is a union that fills all heaven with wonder and adoration. The Cherubim of the earthly sanctuary, looking reverently down upon the Mercy Seat represent the interest with which the heavenly host contemplate the work of redemption. This is the mystery of mercy into which angels desire to look - that God can be just while He justifies the repenting sinner and renews His intercourse with the fallen race; that Christ could stoop to raise unnumbered multitudes from the abyss of ruin and clothe them w ith the spotless garments of His own righteousness to unite with angels who have never fallen and to dwell forever in the presence of God. G.C There is more to learn about the Cherubim from the typology of the earthly sanctuary. The inner covering of the ceiling, as well as the first and second veils (or curtains) were beautifully inwrought with threads of gold and silver forming pictures of Cherubim to represent the angelic host who are connected with the work of the heavenly sanctuary and who are ministering spirits to the people of God on earth. (See P.P. 347) We can conclude from this that there are the two Covering Cherubim and also very many other attending Cherubim around the throne in the most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary. In addition to this the ark of the testament was constructed with four rings of gold, one in each corner. Two staves of shittim w ood were put into these rings, one on each side, so as to enable the ark to be transported by four (living) priests. These four (living) priests who transported the ark represented the four living creatures which Ezekiel saw. He called them Cherubim. There are the four transport Cherubim of the throne of God. Eze.1:4-28. Let us read the Ezekiel vision from the Good News Bible, (Today s English Version). 4 I looked up and saw a windstorm coming from the north. Lightning was flashing from a huge cloud, and the sky around it was glowing. Where the lightning was flashing, something shone like bronze. 5 At the center of the storm I saw what looked like four living creatures in human form, 6 but each of them had four faces and four wings. 7 Their legs were straight, and they had hoofs like those of a bull. They shone like polished bronze. 8 In addition to their four faces and four wings, they each had four human hands, one under each wing. 9 Two wings of each creature were spread out so that the creatures formed a square, with their wing tips touching. When they moved, they moved as a group without turning their bodies. 10 Each living creature had four different faces: a human face in front, a lion s face at the right, a bull s face at the left, and an eagle s face at the back. 11 Two wings of each creature were raised so that they touched the tips of the wings of the creatures next to it, and their other two wings were folded against their bodies. 12 Each creature faced all four directions, and so the group could go wherever they wished, without having to turn.

14 13 Among the creatures there was something that looked like a blazing torch, constantly moving. The fire would blaze up and shoot out flashes of lightning. 14 The creatures themselves darted back and forth with the speed of lightning. 15 As I was looking at the four creatures I saw four wheels touching the ground, one beside each of them. 16 All four wheels were alike; each one shone like a precious stone, and each had another wheel intersecting it at right angles, 17 so that the wheels could move in any of the four directions. 18 The rims of the wheels were covered with eyes. 19 Whenever the creatures moved, the wheels moved with them, and if the creatures rose up from the earth, so did the wheels. 20 The creatures went wherever they wished, and the wheels did exactly what the creatures did, because the creatures controlled them. 21 So every time the creatures moved or stopped or rose in the air, the wheels did exactly the same. 22 Above the heads of the creatures there was something that looked like a dome made of dazzling crystal. 23 There under the dome stood the creatures, each stretching out two wings toward the ones next to it and covering its body with the other two wings. 24 I heard the noise their wings made in flight; it sounded like the roar of the sea, like the noise of a huge army, like the voice of Almighty God. When they stopped flying, they folded their wings, 25 but there was still a sound coming from above the dome over their heads. 26 Above the dome there was something that looked like a throne made of sapphire, and sitting on the throne was a figure that looked like a man. 27 The figure seemed to be shining like bronze in the middle of a fire. It shone all over with a bright light 28 that had in it all the colors of the rainbow. This was the dazzling light which shows the presence of the LORD. Eze.1:4-28. So far then we have learnt about the two Covering Cherubim, the four throne-carrying Cherubim and the myriads of other Cherubim in attendance at, and, around, the throne of God. Four Old Testament prophets are on record as having seen God s throne, they are Micaiah; Isaiah; Ezekiel and Daniel. And in the New Testament Stephen (while he w as being martyred); Paul (at the time of his conversion); and John (in vision on the Isle of Patmos). The most spectacular descriptions were recorded by Isaiah, Ezekiel and John. The descriptions given in Isaiah 6, Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 4 are very similar. Ezekiel called the four living throne creatures Cherubim. The w ord Cherubim literally means those grasped or held fa st. The Cherubim are, as it were, held fa st by the glory of YAHWEH and are nearest to the throne. The w ord Seraphim literally means burning or shining ones, this term refers to the burning zeal with which these angels worship God and also to the fact that they are light bearers reflecting the glory and carrying the light to other angels. The terms Cherubim and Seraphim are interchangeable, both referring to the throne angels, the highest ranking of all the angelic hosts. It is clear too, that of all the Cherubim, those who carry the throne and the two covering cherubs are highest in power and position. Of the two Covering Cherubim the first is called THE ANOINTED CHERUB THAT COVERETH, Eze.28:14. That position was initially held by Lucifer, it is now held by Gabriel. (See D.A. 98, 99). It is not only the highest angelic office but the highest ranking position among all created beings in this present age.

15 So far then we have been studying the throne angels or Cherubim/Seraphim. PART TWO: THE NEW TESTAMENT INFORMS US ABOUT THE VARYING RA NKS OF ANGELS In Colossians 1:16 Paul gives us a mysterious classification of the varying ranks or orders of angels. For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be THRONES, or DOMINIONS, or PRINCIPALITIES, or POWERS: all things were created by Him, and for Him. Col.1:16. Read also Ephesians 1:20,21; Colossians 2:10; and 1 Peter 3:22. What do the terms THRONES, DOMINIONS, PRINCIPALITIES and POWERS mean? In Desire of Ages page 834, the Spirit of Prophecy applies these mysterious terms to the heavenly angelic host (the account is about the angelic welcome at the ascension). With joy unutterable, rulers and principalities and powers acknow ledge the supremacy of the Prince of Life. The angel host prostrate themselves before Him, w hile the glad shout fills all the courts of heaven, worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory and blessing. Rev.5:12" D.A Let us do a little study of the original Greek. 1. THRONES: Greek: THRONOS, meaning THRONES 2. DOMINIONS: Greek: KURIOTES, meaning LORDSHIPS 3. PRINCIPALITIES: Greek: ARCH, meaning beginning, elementary rule, GOVERNMENTS 4. POWERS: Greek: EXOUSAI, meaning privilege, authority to exercise power, AUTHORITIES THRONES The angels known as thrones are those whose office has to do directly with the throne of God. These would include, first and foremost, the two covering cherubs; secondly, the four thronetransport cherubs (or the four living creatures of Ezekiel 1) and also the other very high ranking Cherubim w ho surround and attend YAHWEH s M ajesty at the Throne of Deity. SPECIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE THRONE ANGELS The four magnificent transport Cherubim possess vast power and size and move with a velocity which makes the speed of light look like a snail's pace in comparison. And remember the velocity of light (in vacuo) is 186,000 miles in one second! You will remember from the vision of Ezekiel 1 that above the heads of the four (4) living creatures there was an expanse or dome which looked like dazzling crystal. Under the expanse the four living creatures joined w ing to wing to form a perfect square. This is the magnificent living transport system which transports the Father and Son on the grand occasions revealed in scripture. For example in Daniel 7:13 the prophet recorded:- I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near him.

16 The term clouds of heaven in this text refers to the magnificent transport 4-Cherubim complex with myriads of Cherubim joined up on the expanse or dome above the four-transport Cherubim. The myriads of Cherubim on and around the expanse or dome make it look like a cloud of angels. This is the cloudy chari ot which transported Father and Son to the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary October 22, I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil, and sit down. Then Jesus rose up from the throne, and the most of those who were bowed down arose w ith Him. I did not see one ray of light pass from Jesus to the careless multitude after He arose, and they were left in perfect darkness. Those who arose when Jesus did, kept their eyes fixed on Him as He left the throne and led them out a little way. Then He raised His right arm, and we heard His lovely voice saying, Wait here; I am going to My Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments spotless, and in a little while I w ill return from the w edding and receive you to Myself. Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the holiest, where the Father sat. E.W. 55 As we already explained, the highest of the throne angels are the Covering Cherubim. In the holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold. On each end of the ark was a lovely cherub, with its wings spread out over it. Their faces were turned toward each other, and they looked downward. Between the angels was a golden censer. Above the ark, where the angels stood, was an exceeding bright glory, that appeared like a throne where God dwelt. Jesus stood by the ark, and as the saint s prayers came up to Him, the incense in the censer would smoke, and He w ould offer up their prayers with the smoke of the incense to His Father. E.W. 32. But the most amazing characteristic of the throne angels is their special interest and special involvement in the plan of redemption. As we shall see later God has appointed the very highest angels to work out the answers to the prayers of His people! DOMINIONS These angels exercise lordship over specif ic domains in executing the sovereign will of God. In Colossians 1:16 they are mentioned next in rank to the angels known as thrones. PRINCIPALITIES The angels known as PRINCIPALITIES OR GOVERNMENTS exercise rule within the domains of the angels called dominions and are under the authority of the dominion angels. POWERS The angels known as POWERS OR AUTHORITIES are next in rank to Principalities. The Greek work translated power in Col.1:16 is exousia and it means privilege or authority to exercise power. The angels called POWERS are allowed the privilege or authority to exercise power under the angels known as principalities. It is important to understand that the description in Colossians 1:16 is applied not only to unfallen angels but to fallen angels (See Ephesians 6:10-13). And also to people on earth. Just as there are humans in authority over other humans, so also there are holy angels in authority over other holy angels, and evil angels in authority over other evil angels.

17 Let us return now to the holy angels and see if we can find any other scriptural evidence to help us to understand the function of the classification of Colossians 1:16. There is a very interesting account in Rev.9: Let us read it carefully. You w ill notice that a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God commands the Sixth Trumpet Angel. This voice is obviously the voi ce of a throne angel (golden altar which is before God). The Sixth Trumpet angel is commanded to loose the four angels bound at the river Euphrates. The four angels bound at the river Euphrates would obviously have subordinate angels under them protecting nations and individuals. So we have examined an example of the functioning of the angelic organization: THRONE ANGELS DOMINIONS PRINCIPALITIES POWERS (Voice from altar)-----> 6th TRUMPET--> 4 ANGELS bound-->angels in ANGEL at Euphrates charge of nations, individuals etc. In a later lesson we shall look more closely at roles and functions of angels on earth. What lessons can we learn from this study of angelic organization? Well, first of all w e learn that the Biblical view of the cosmos is based on the fact that a personal God sovereignly designed an ordered universe to function in a particular way. Crucial to this cosmic view is the concept of authority. (Romans 13:1) God has set up an authority structure in the church (1 Tim.2:11-15; 1Cor.14:33-36). He has established an authority structure in the family (Ephesians 5:22,23). He has similarly set up an authority structure in the angelic realm (Ephesians 1:20-21; Colossians 1:16). All of these systems of authority are based upon the word of God and have their authority in the word of God. And all of these lesser authorities are in submission to the authority of Christ (Colossians 2:10). And Christ is under the absolute authority of God, The Father. As christians we should seek to be orderly and respectful to authority. We should take great comfort in how God has established the universe. And we should find sweet security in the wonderful system of angelic organization because it is for our good. We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angel visitants. It would be well to consider that in all our work we have the co-operation and care of heavenly beings. Invisible armies of light and power attend the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of God. Cherubim and Seraphim and angels that excel in strength - ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands - stand at His right hand, all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. Heb. 1:14. By these angel messengers a faithful record is kept of the words and deeds of the children of men. Every act of cruelty or injustice towards God s people, all they are caused to suffer through the power of evil workers, is registered in heaven. COL.176, 177.

18 5 The Son Of God, Yahweh's Supreme Messenger INTRODUCTION: The word angel (Malak in the Old Testament Hebrew or Aggelos in the New Testament Greek) simply means messenger or age nt. We shall show in this lesson that Malak in the Old Testament (O.T.) and Aggelos in the New Testament (N.T.) are terms which are applied to the Son of God. As was explained in Chapter 1, the Son of God is the uncreated, divine, eternal, original YAHWEH Messenger. We are not to conclude that the Son of God is an ordinary angel because He is called the Angel of the Lord in the Bible. The word angel simply means messenger. SECTION A: THE ANGEL OF THE LORD (YAHWEH) IN THE OLD TESTAMENT A careful study of the Old Testament reveals the special Messenger, Malak YAHWEH, The Angel of YAHWEH, the Angel in whom was the name of YAHWEH. Exodus 23: As we examine these Old Testament revelations together you will come to see that this was no ordinary angel but was in fact the pre-incarnate Christ, the Son of God. There are many examples but we shall look at the key ones first. 1. Genesis 16:6-13. One of the earliest descriptions of this special Angel is written down in Gen. 16:6-13; note verse 10 where it is recorded: And the angel of the LORD (YAHWEH) said unto her, I w ill multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. This verse identifies this Angel to be the special Divine Covenant-Messenger because only a Person of the Godhead could say I w ill multiply thy seed exceedingly Genesis 18. (The whole chapter but notice especially verses 1-3, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 22, 33). Here we have an account of three heavenly messengers (angels) paying a visit to Abraham. And it is clear from the account that one of them carried the Divine Name YAHWEH (LORD). The inspired commentary in Patriarchs and Prophets is insightful. God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels of heaven walked and talked with him as friend with friend. When judgements were about to be visited upon Sodom. The fact was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with God for sinners. His interview with the angels presents also a beautiful example of hospitality. In the hot summer noontide the patriarch was sitting in his tent door, looking out over the quiet landscape, when he saw in the distance three travelers approaching. Before reaching his tent, the strangers halted, as if consulting as to their course. Without waiting for them to solicit favors, Abraham rose quickly, and as they were apparently turning in another direction, he hastened after them, and w ith the utmost courtesy urged them to honor him by

19 tarrying for refreshment. With his own hands he brought water that they might w ash the dust of travel from their feet. He himself selected their food, and while they were at rest under the cooling shade, an entertainment was made ready, and he stood respectfully beside them w hile they partook of his hospitality. This act of courtesy God regarded of suff icient importance to record in His word; and a thousand years later it was referred to by an inspired apostle: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2. Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired wayfarers, little thinking that among them was One whom he might w orship without sin. But the true character of the heavenly messengers was now revealed. Though they were on their way as ministers of wrath, yet to Abraham, the man of faith, they spoke first of blessings. Though God is strict to mark iniquity and to punish transgression, He takes no delight in vengeance. The work of destruction is a strange work to Him w ho is infinite in love. The secret of the Lord is w ith them that fear Him. Psalm 25:14. Abraham had honored God, and the Lord honored him, taking him into His counsels, and revealing to him His purposes. Shall I hide from Abraham that thing w hich I do? said the Lord. The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous, I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I w ill know. God knew well the measure of Sodom s guilt; but He expressed Himself after the manner of men, that the justice of His dealings might be understood. Before bringing judgment upon the transgressors He would go Himself, to institute an examination of their course; if they had not passed the limits of divine mercy, He would still grant them space for repentance. Two of the heavenly messengers departed, leaving Abraham alone w ith Him w hom he now knew to be the Son of God. And the man of faith pleaded for the inhabitants of Sodom. Once he had saved them by his sword, now he endeavored to save them by prayer. Lot and his household were still dwellers there; and the unselfish love that prompted Abraham to their rescue from the Elamites, now sought to save them, if it were God s w ill, from the storm of divine judgment. P.P. 138, Genesis 22: (This passage is self-explanatory). 4. Genesis 32: The struggle continued until near the break of day, when the stranger placed his finger upon Jacob s thigh, and he was crippled instantly. The patriarch now discerned the character of his antagonist. He knew that he had been in conflict w ith a heavenly messenger, and this was why his almost superhuman effort had not gained the victory. It w as Christ, the Angel of the Covenant, who had revealed Himself to Jacob. P.P Exodus 3. In this passage the Angel of YAHWEH (verse 2) said to Moses I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God (verse 6). He revealed His name in verse 14 to be I AM THAT I AM (YAHWEH)! 6. Judges 13. (Note verses 13-22). 7. Zechariah 1:11-16.