Missed Our Article Last Week? Find It Here: The Attributes of God: Understanding His Nature
Let’s explore the roles that angels play in Christianity, using key Scriptures from the King James Version (KJV) to support this understanding.
1. Messengers of God
The term “angel” itself means “messenger,” which describes one of their primary functions: to convey God’s messages to His people. Angels frequently appear throughout the Bible to deliver specific messages from God, often guiding, comforting, or warning those to whom they are sent. Perhaps the most famous example of this role is when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus in Luke 1:26-28 (KJV):
“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”
Through Gabriel, God delivers a message of incredible importance, foretelling the coming of the Savior. Angels as messengers reflect God’s care for us, as He often uses them to guide us, bring good news, or offer direction.
2. Warriors and Protectors
Angels are also depicted as warriors in Scripture, fighting spiritual battles on behalf of God’s people and enforcing His will. The Bible describes many instances in which angels protect believers from harm, demonstrating their role as guardians. Psalm 91:11-12 (KJV) provides a comforting reminder of their protective nature:
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”
These verses affirm that God assigns angels to protect His children, particularly in times of danger or need. Another vivid example of angels as warriors is found in 2 Kings 6:17, when Elisha prays that his servant’s eyes may be opened to see the angelic army surrounding them, ready to defend them against enemy forces. This passage encourages us that, though we may not see them, angels are fighting battles on our behalf.
In the New Testament, we see an angel delivering Peter from prison in Acts 12:7 (KJV):
“And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.”
In this instance, an angel acts as a liberator, setting Peter free from captivity and enabling him to continue preaching the gospel.
3. Worshippers of God
Angels are deeply committed to the worship and adoration of God, providing us with a model of reverence and devotion. Their primary purpose is to glorify God, and the Bible gives us glimpses of angelic worship in heaven. In Revelation 5:11-12 (KJV), we read:
“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”
Angels are continuously engaged in praising and glorifying God, highlighting their role as worshippers. Their example reminds us of the importance of worship in our own lives, inviting us to join in their chorus of praise for God’s holiness, power, and majesty.
4. Ministers to Believers
Scripture also describes angels as ministers to believers, aiding and strengthening us, especially during times of trial and testing. Hebrews 1:14 (KJV) clarifies this role:
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”
As ministering spirits, angels serve God’s people, providing comfort, guidance, and encouragement. In Matthew 4:11, after Jesus resists Satan’s temptations in the wilderness, we see angels minister to Him:
“Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”
This account demonstrates how angels support and refresh believers, particularly during periods of spiritual struggle or physical weakness. We can find great comfort in knowing that, as God’s servants, angels are commissioned to care for and sustain us.
5. Witnesses to God’s Redemptive Plan
Angels are also present as witnesses to God’s redemptive work, marveling at His plan for humanity. They witnessed Jesus’ birth, His resurrection, and His ascension. In Luke 2:13-14 (KJV), angels celebrate Jesus’ birth:
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Angels rejoice at God’s works, and their presence during significant moments in Jesus’ life underscores the glory and importance of these events. 1 Peter 1:12 also tells us that angels are fascinated by God’s redemptive plan for humanity, indicating their desire to understand the mystery of salvation:
“Which things the angels desire to look into.”
This insight reminds us that angels themselves are amazed by God’s love for humanity, and their witness to God’s grace reinforces the profound importance of our salvation.
6. Angels in the End Times
Angels have a crucial role in God’s plans for the end times, as described in the book of Revelation. They act as God’s agents to carry out judgments and prepare the world for Christ’s return. In Revelation 7:2-3 (KJV), we see an angel holding back judgment:
“And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.”
This example shows angels working under God’s command, carrying out His will in the end times. Their role as agents of God’s justice and mercy reveals that they are deeply involved in the unfolding of His plan for humanity.
Conclusion
The role of angels in Christianity is multifaceted—they are messengers, warriors, worshippers, ministers, witnesses, and agents of God’s end-time plans. While they serve in ways that often go unseen, their presence reassures us of God’s constant care, protection, and involvement in our lives. The Bible reminds us that angels serve God’s purposes and that we should focus on worshiping God alone, not the angels themselves.
As we reflect on the role of angels, let us remember that they point us back to God, reminding us of His greatness, His protection, and His love. Our lives can be enriched by this understanding, knowing that we are part of a spiritual kingdom where God actively watches over and supports us. We worship and serve a God who commands armies of angels and who uses them to accomplish His divine purposes.
