Covenant Presbyterian Church

Sunday morning Foundations Classes
God's Positioning System (GPS)

Angels Lesson #3

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The title Archangel only occurs in two Bible verses: Jude 9 describes the Archangel Michael when he faced the Devil, and 1 Thess. 4:16 where Jesus returns with the voice of an archangel. Being associated with Jesus one would tend to place archangel as a top rank. But we can’t disregard Seraphim who many biblical scholars rank at the top. So, who’s right? One can be top ranking within their specific sphere of responsibility. A Navy admiral and Army general may be of equal rank, but their authority is dictated by their organizational responsibilities, one over sea, the other over land. 

The Seraph’s authority is focused within the context of God’s throne. An Archangel’s responsibility is focused outward as chief warrior in defense of God’s throne. We know Michael has the same access to God’s throne since he takes his orders directly from God. Rank and authority don’t necessarily coincide. Archangels and Seraphim have different area of responsibility and authority. I don’t think you can pit one against the other, as some commentaries do.

Archangel, translated from the Greek, literally means “chief angel.” Ranking between classification of angels isn’t always that certain; i.e., Seraphim, who tend God’s throne, don’t lead an army as does the Archangel Michael or guard the tree of Life as do Cherubim. 

In Dan. 12:1 Michael was defender of the nation of Israel, described as “a great prince who stands up for the children of your people” (i.e., Israelites). Michael's title is archangel. What exactly does that entail? During WWII the allied armies in Europe and Africa were led by a Supreme Commander, Dwight D. Eisenhower, a five star general, the highest military rank at the time. Now four star is the highest rank.

Eisenhower’s rank reflected his authority as supreme commander over all the allied forces in Europe and Africa, which did not include the Pacific theatre. Rank and specific area of responsibility go together. Both Lucifer (before his fall) and Archangel Michael were top ranking angels. Jude 9 may give us a hint regarding the possibility that Lucifer may have been at the very top of angelic ranks. His position may have contributed to his pride. 

Did Satan lose his exalted angelic rank when he was cast out of heaven? Jude 9 seems to indicate that Lucifer retained his rank, but lost his authority over God’s angels. We see it when Archangel Michael disputed with Satan over the body of Moses in Jude 9: – But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!"  We see something similar in how top-ranking German prisoners were treated with respect, in accordance with rank. Here we see an American officer saluting a higher rank surrendering German officer.

One last word on Michael: The Book of Daniel was written during the Babylonian captivity. Dan. 12:1 tells about a time of distress, yet God assures Daniel that Michael (the archangel) will protect his people. I believe the same is true today in the spiritual battlefield. Michael and his angelic hosts stand ready to respond to God’s command. If the Church is to be God’s people, it must live by His Word. When we witness some of the actions of certain mainline denominations, it’s apparent that not everyone in the Church is of the Church. 

Uriel is also identified as an archangel by some, but is not included in the canonical books of the Bible—(those recognized as Scripture). Few have heard of Uriel, who is in the apocryphal books of 2 Esdras and Enoch and in some ancient Jewish writings. Though Gabriel is not preceded by the title archangel, he is recognized by the Church as an archangel. Gabriel described himself as, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God.” (Luke 1:19). 

Raphael appears in the apocryphal Old Testament (Greek O.T.) Book of Tobit. He was accepted as one of three archangels by the Roman Catholic Church. He was removed in the 4th century since he only appeared in the apocryphal books, which were removed by the 16th century Protestants because they were not included in the official Hebrew Old Testament. They remained in original King James Version for 274 years but were removed in 1885. Raphael is still recognized by the Anglican tradition, the official Church of England, with some churches named after him as St. Raphael.

Many Christians believe that God cannot save us unless we give Him permission, because it would violate our free will. Please note that Gabriel did not ask Mary’s permission to be the mother of the Savior. He informed Mary of God’s decision. The angel’s message was a statement of fact, not a request for her permission. Did it violate her free will, or bless her beyond measure? (See Eph. 1:4-9)

A slight departure from angels, per se, but it is related to Gabriel’s message to Mary that she was to be the mother of the Savior, so it has relevance to our study of angels. We were chosen by the Father, regenerated (born again) by the Holy Spirit. blessed and redeemed by Jesus Christ. 

“The Destroyer” i.e., the Death Angel, in Exodus 12, killed all the first born of Egypt, both humans and animals, to compel Pharaoh to let the Hebrew slaves leave Egypt. The Destroyer is also mentioned in Hebrews 11:28.

The Jews still celebrate the Passover—“passing-over” of the angel of death, by passing every home having blood on the doorframe. Some scholars believe he was an archangel; some believe it was Jesus. But in the verse he takes orders from God, most likely, an angel being instructed by the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus. The Passover lamb was representative of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins. Some day, the Jews will understand that. 

The four living creatures are described in Ezekiel 1:10-14. A similar description is in Isaiah 6:2, where they are referred to as Seraphs. They closely resemble the four creatures described in Revelation 4:8. It is not clear whether all these passages are describing the same four living creatures, but it is very likely they are of the same exalted order of angels, whose main job, like the Seraphs, is to worship God and proclaim His holiness (Rev. 4:8,19:4).

Just a couple of Bible verses in regard to Guardian angels. I don’t want to skip over them; they are worthy of mention. Does everyone have an angel watching over them? Scripture tells us of guardian angels, but doesn’t tell us if everyone had/has a guardian angel. In researching angels, it leads me to believe that God does assign angels to watch over His people. We can only speculate how much they have protected us against Satan’s angels. I believe Psalm 34:7 (next slide) give evidence that yes they do protect us.

Those who “fear Him”, can be defined as “respect and love Him”, i.e., Christians. We tend to think of guardian angels as watching over children, but the Bible tells us otherwise. I posted three verses showing the protective role of guardian angels. There are many more verses that show angels protecting God’s people. 

It’s believed that Moses wrote Psalm 91 concerning his own experiences. Satan quoted this verse when he tempted Jesus on the temple mount (Luke 4:9-13). Nevertheless, it concerns the reality of protective angels, i.e. guardian angels. 

Our study of angels would not be complete without mentioning Satan and his fallen angels. We, the Church, are engaged in spiritual warfare. What does spiritual warfare have to do with a study of angels? Everything! On the spiritual battlefield are two opposing forces—God’s angels versus Satan’s fallen angels who shared in his rebellion.

It all began with him. The story of Lucifer’s fall is noted in two Old Testament chapters— Ezekiel 28:14 he is referred to as an anointed cherub, and Isaiah 14:12, where he is cast down to the ground, i.e., the earth. 

God created Lucifer full of wisdom and perfection in every way, even in his love for God. This slide describes the perfect nature of Lucifer when created. He was endowed with exceptional intelligence which gave him persuasive powers. As man turns away from God, he is prone to Satan’s influence, just as Adam, though a perfect human, was swayed by Satan’s temptation.

Isa 14:12-14 tells us that Lucifer wanted to be like God (i.e. the sin of pride). What’s equally amazing is that one third of the angels followed him (Rev. 12:4), which could potentially be tens or even hundreds of millions, even though they were all created perfect and resided with God in a heavenly paradise. What swayed them?

God’s heaven is perfect; no one can dispute that. What would create discontent in angels resided in a perfect place (environment). What’s the lesson? Even perfect creatures cannot maintain a degree of holiness necessary to reside in perfect holiness equal to God for all eternity. 

Were the angels that followed Lucifer, jealous that man, being created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26), was given dominion over the earth and everything in it? Being instigated by Lucifer, did they resent mankind’s inheritance, with a sense of pride that they were superior to man? I believe their sin like that of man, is rooted in pride that can easily lead to discontent—in both angels and man. 

Having thousands of years of experience studying human nature, they are experts at “temptation”! They know our weaknesses and areas of discontent or pride. We are witnessing it on the civil unrest in our society. The BLM/Antifa looting and riots is a manifestation of that evil. Unless America turns to God in prayer, evil can only grow in intensity. 

Defacing of Washington DC monuments is an example of demonic influence. The civil unrest we are seeing is because man has turned away from God, and in doing so, has opened himself up to and embraced evil. Again, as Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12, spiritual warfare is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

Victor Davis Hanson of the Hoover Institute believes we are in a revolutionary time. Attempts are under way to defund the police, which may see a corresponding increase in crime, as police fearing political condemnation for doing their job, will begin ignoring many types of nonviolent crimes and 911 calls. Yes, we need to pray for America. Don’t be depressed. We have guardian angels watching over us. 

Are you ready to resume classes in Heritage Lounge? Let me know by email or phone (both are in the church directory). Until next time. 

END OF ANGELS LESSON #3

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Covenant Presbyterian Church

Sunday morning Foundations Classes
God's Positioning System (GPS)

Angels Lesson #2

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Why are we studying Angels? With an ongoing pandemic, financial crisis due to the pandemic, and looting and anarchy, and even killing of cops, in our major cities; all of which can literally be described as “all hell breaking loose!” I believe a study of angels is timely.

The Bible speaks of spiritual warfare—good versus evil. God’s holy angels stand as a shield against Satan’s evil angels and will restrain their evil onslaught as long as God instructs them to. But when man turns from God he chooses to embrace evil, with an open invitation to Satan. God’s angels will withdraw; not in defeat, but as a consequence of sin (Galatians 6:7; Isaiah 59:2)

“Is America at a crossroad?” I believe so, as do many pastors who have both posted or stated their concerns on TV. Spiritual warfare is angelic warfare against God’s Church and people, manifested through people of like mind. As the Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12, our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Satan’s angels).

Anarchy is sweeping across major American cities, especially Seattle, Washington and even in Europe. There is a spiritual battle taking place between good and evil manifested in the flesh (Eph. 6:12). Prayer is our role in the battle (Eph. 6:18).  CHAZ: “Capital Hill Autonomous Zone” in the City of Seattle; where anarchist have cordoned off an area extending over several blocks in the downtown area, proclaiming secession from the United States. 

Spiritual warfare? Absolutely. 

The Devil’s schemes are many, some of which we are witnessing now. As the Apostle Paul tells us, the struggle taking place is not just disgruntled people against law abiding people and police. It is spiritually motivated; its intensity will increase as America turns further away from God and diminish as the Church turns to God in prayer.

Eph. 6:13-18 gives us the answer to today’s “evil unleased” on our cities and culture. Elected officials who do not turn to God, will never recognize the need for prayer, nor acknowledge biblical values, that is why Christians need to care and take the time to vote. We cannot retreat into our church sanctuaries but must begin on our knees wherever we may be.

God’s creation begins with angels. All angels were created at the same time; both those that remained faithful to God and those that followed Satan. Angels serve as God’s instruments carrying out His work as messengers and warriors. They also stand before His throne in continuous worship and praise. Since God is omnipotent, why would He create angels first when He intended to create man? We’ll try to answer that as we go through our study.

Did angels have a designated role before Adam’s Fall? The Bible shows important, perhaps even essential, links between angels and mankind, including spiritual warfare (Eph. 6), though unseen, but very real. Though unseen, angels have intervened on our behalf more than we realize. Are you aware of such an intervention? I am. How do I know? I heard him and responded as directed. Only afterwards did I realize it was an angelic intervention for my safety. Had I not responded as directed, I could have been killed by an auto out of control; if not killed, at least seriously injured.

The Bible doesn’t tell us how many angels were created, but Rev. 5:11 gives an indication. Some commentaries believe the number may be understated, placing it as high as all the humans that ever lived, which would put the number in the billions, 1/3 of whom followed Satan. Rev 5:11, Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.

Some biblical commentaries state that there are four ranks of angels, while others state there are nine ranks. Other than briefly noting certain aspects, there are no all-encompassing descriptions for every category. We will explore some of the more familiar ranks of angels, which doesn’t negate or diminish the others, but only because there’s a lack of information.

Lucifer, before his fall, and Michael, are noteworthy as being of the highest angelic order or rank. With rank comes authority. We can assume that those who followed Lucifer, were most likely under his authority or command. An example, a general doesn’t submit himself to a colonel, major or captain. Lucifer had to be of a higher rank than all the angels that followed him. Their pride, which also led to their fall, certainly would not submit to a lower rank angel.

One commentary ranks angels in 3 tiers as shown consisting of 9 ranks. I believe most commentaries would rank archangels in the 1st tier not the 3rd but I wanted to show the different viewpoints. I did not see a compelling argument for this ranking based on what the Bible says about Archangel Michael who led and still leads God’s angels against Satan and his fallen angels (Rev. 12:7). Some of those noted can be found in Col. 1:16 KJV. 

How many types of angels are there in the Bible? This one shows 4 ranks. The number differs between Protestant, Anglican, and Roman Catholic. We will not look at every noted class of angels, since the Bible doesn’t provide sufficient descriptive information to do so. We will look at those listed here. Not all descriptions agree between biblical scholars and pastors, so we’ll try to stick mostly with what the Bible says, though limited.

Some biblical scholars believe this verse is in reference to ranks of angels; most don’t discuss it because of the lack of descriptive information. Nevertheless, I felt I should note it as related information.

Some list Seraphim as the highest rank because they reside at the very throne of God (Isaiah 6:1-2). "Seraph" (singular) means to burn. Seraphim (plural) are described as having faces, hands, and feet (this is an anthropomorphism—having attributes of human characteristics or behavior) and are definitely powerful creatures that do God's will. 

Again, Seraphim are mentioned just twice in Scripture, in Isaiah 6:2 and 6:6, each with six wings. Again, being at the very throne of God infers that they are at the highest of angelic ranking, not necessarily authority as we’ll see. 

Seraphim are described in Isaiah 6:1-2, as noted. Isaiah is the only place in the Bible to mention them. 

A Cherub, known in the plural form as Cherubim, is a symbolical angelic figure repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. Cherubim are described as serving the will of God, performing divine duties in the earthly realm. Cherubim’s initial responsibility, noted in Genesis, was protecting the Garden of Eden and driving Adam and Eve out of the Garden. Some speculate that Cherubim are the same as Archangels, but there is no Biblical support for that belief or against it. What seems clear is that both belong to higher orders of angels.

There are a number of descriptions regarding a Cherub (singular) represented over 90 times in the bible as attending God. They are also seen as the second highest order of angels in most commentaries, ranked above thrones (Col. 1:16) and below seraphim. Some commentaries see Cherub and Archangels as the same; the listing and ranks of angels often differ between commentaries. Why is that? The Bible doesn’t say specifically “Here’s the ranking of angels.” It gets down to interpretation based on their respective role and responsibilities, and certainly not a matter of Church doctrine, only individual opinions. 

When the Cherubim drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden, Adam did not even attempt to debate or discuss the “eviction order” that expelled him from the Garden. The Cherubim who drove them out brandished a fiery sword (Gen. 3:24). Jewish tradition notes a non-canonical Archangel named Jophiel (which means beauty of God, or divine beauty) but not in the Christian Bible; also recognized in Anglican and Episcopal traditions.

Another interesting item I found in my research is noted on the slide. Would God destroy the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were expelled? The Bible doesn’t say. Some scholars believe the answer is “No”. God would not destroy it. If so, would a cherub still be guarding it? If it still exists, the answer is “Yes” a cherub would still be on guard, because of the Tree of Life, which will be in the New Earth as mentioned in Revelation 22. Did God create a new Tree of Life, or is it the original Tree of Life? 

The Cherubim’s duties went beyond guarding the Garden of Eden. Two Cherubim are described on the ark of the covenant (Ex. 25:18-21), but described with only one face, not four as in Ezekiel 10:14. The cherubim faced each other across the mercy seat of God. Why does the description of Cherubim differ? I believe its related to their specific roles that each angel is uniquely created to fulfill (1 Kings 6:23-28; Ex. 25:19). Just like humans have different roles and responsibilities, so do angels. We will not all be singing in the choir when we go to heaven or in the New Heaven and New Earth. Each will have a role tailored for who we are here and now. We are each unique just as angels are unique individuals!

Some angels do play music and sing in a heavenly choir. We will not all be singing in a heavenly choir or playing in a heavenly praise band, thought some will (Rev. 5:8-11). God equips us differently and uses us according to the gifts He gives us.

When we go to heaven, each will have a role tailored for who we are here and now. We are each unique just as angels are unique individuals, each with specific roles. Just as angels comforted Jesus Christ in his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-44) or the angel freeing the Apostle Peter from Herod’s prison (Acts 12:3-11).

In Ezekiel the Cherubim are described as having two faces. Cherubim appear in several books of the Bible, including Genesis, Ezekiel, Kings, and Revelation. They’re also described with four faces: an ox, lion, man, and eagle, although Ezekiel replaces the ox for the face of a cherub. They move quickly, using a wheel within a wheel, and their wings cover their body. They are believed to be the Living Creatures in Revelation 4:6-11. An indication that God equips each angel specifically for the role they are assigned to fulfill.

Archangel Michael can easily be described as a high-ranking warrior angel, who leads God’s army as its Supreme Commander. Information on archangels comprise too much to cram comfortably into this lesson, so we will save Archangels for our next lesson. I’m striving to tailor lessons similar to what we would typically cover in our Sunday morning Heritage lounge studies. So stay tuned. 

If you are ready to return to Heritage Lounge, please let me know so I can plan accordingly.

My email and phone are in the church directory. Of course doing so depends on the Pastor and Session's decision. 

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